Chapter 4 An Explanation for Her

Natalie clutched the coffee tray tightly, trying to hide her trembling hands. She kept her head down, hoping her nerves wouldn't show.

Adrian's eyes darkened with displeasure. "Why are you so scared? You're shaking while pouring water."

Natalie turned her head, clenched her fists, and said softly, "It's my first time serving such an esteemed guest like you. Please forgive my nervousness."

Seeing her still trembling, Adrian looked away. Maybe he was overthinking it; this maid couldn't possibly be "Alice."

He waved his hand dismissively, and Natalie let out a long breath of relief. She quickly left, heading back to her small house through the back door. Once inside, she leaned against the door, finally relaxing.

In the living room, Adrian watched her hasty retreat, his eyes narrowing. "Does the Cullen family have cherry blossom trees?"

"Yes, in the backyard," Renee answered cautiously.

There was indeed a cherry blossom tree next to Natalie's small house. No wonder the maid carried the faint scent of cherry blossoms.

Just then, Alice descended the stairs in a light pink lace dress, her makeup flawless. Arm-in-arm with Mr. and Mrs. Cullen, she greeted softly, "Mr. Howard."

Curtis Cullen hurried over, saying, "Mr. Howard, sorry to keep you waiting! What brings you here today?"

Adrian's gaze shifted to Alice as he said, "I'm here to discuss my engagement to Ms. Cullen."

Engagement?

Everyone was stunned, but Alice was secretly delighted. Adrian kept his promise to her!

Having been filled in with what happened last night, Curtis and Emmett exchanged an excited glance. In just two days, the news of Adrian from the Howard family getting engaged to Alice from the Cullen family spread throughout Vachilit. Every news outlet was scrambling to report it.

Alice was basking in the limelight.

Meanwhile, in the Cullen family's kitchen, Renee was deliberately making things difficult for Natalie. Renee slapped a list of ingredients in front of Natalie, ordering her to finish preparing everything before bed. The Howard family was coming over tomorrow for a meeting between the elders, and the Cullen family had been preparing all afternoon. But because of her mother's illness, Natalie had gone to the hospital and returned late.

It was midnight by the time Natalie finished preparing the ingredients. She stretched her sore shoulders, closed the kitchen door, and was about to head to her small house when she ran into Alice, who had just returned from outside.

Before Natalie could say a word, Alice slapped her hard.

Natalie's eyes widened in shock, and her heart pounded again. Why was Alice so angry? Was it because Adrian had recognized her during the day?

"Why aren't you wearing a mask?" Alice yelled. How could a lowly maid look so much like her? Every time she saw Natalie, she wanted to tear her face apart!

Natalie bit her lip, releasing her clenched, trembling fist. Luckily, she hadn't been discovered. If she had, both she and her mother would be doomed, and her mother's illness would go untreated.

"Next time I see you without a mask, I'll scar your face!" Alice snapped, her eyes were filled with venomous hatred. How could a maid's face be more delicate than hers? And the woman with Adrian that night was also Natalie! Keeping her around was a liability!

Just then, Alice's phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, her expression softened immediately. She turned and walked upstairs, speaking sweetly, "Adrian, I'm still awake."

Natalie turned and fled back to her house, almost in a panic. She believed that if it weren't for Adrian's call, Alice would have hurt her.