Arnold felt a chill crawl up his spine. Why did he always end up locking eyes with Tessa at the worst possible moment? The last time it happened, he’d been shaken for days, pretending not to notice anything had been the only way to keep himself safe from suspicion. And now, once again, their gazes met squarely. Would she start imagining things about him again?

It was clearer than ever to Arnold that Tessa wasn’t just temperamental. She was volatile. Anyone who crossed her never came out unscathed. She lived entirely in her own world, where every slight, real or imagined, demanded payback. So lately, he’d made it a rule to steer clear of her whenever possible. Something about her wasn’t right. Even her tone when speaking to Grace was gentle and sweet, yet the look she gave him was cold and unnerving. The contrast alone was enough to make his skin crawl.

Arnold quickly averted his eyes, pretending to focus elsewhere. Seeing that, Tessa withdrew her gaze as well. She would have someone keep an eye on him. As long as Arnold stayed quiet and did his job properly, she wouldn’t bother with him. But if he ever said something he shouldn’t… he knew exactly what that would cost him. Really, what was the point of stirring trouble? Wouldn’t it be better if everyone just kept the peace?

With that thought, Tessa shot him a warning glance. Arnold immediately caught the message, lowered his head, and hurried off to give orders to the kitchen to prepare dinner. He knew better than to underestimate her. From now on, he’d make sure to stay as far away from Tessa as possible. If anyone ever found out, the consequences would be terrifying. Arnold had worked here for so many years–he had no desire to start over at his age.

“Arnold’s been acting a little strange lately, hasn’t he?” Grace finally noticed the odd tension and asked with concern.

Tessa shook her head lightly. “I’m not sure, maybe something’s happened at home.”

“I’ll ask him about it when I get the chance,” Grace said, a hint of worry in her voice. Arnold had been with the family for decades–steady, loyal, and careful. She’d always trusted him completely and never had a single issue with his work. He’d become part of the household, and she didn’t want him bottling up whatever was bothering him.

“It’s alright, Mom,” Tessa offered smoothly. “Why don’t I talk to him instead? You’ve known him for years. He might feel awkward opening up to you.”

Grace hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded. What Tessa said made sense. Sometimes, the closer people were, the harder it was to be honest. “Alright, I’ll leave it to you then.”

“Mom, you don’t have to thank me,” Tessa said with a playful pout. “You make it sound like we’re strangers.”

Grace chuckled softly. “You really are my sweetest girl.”

Tessa leaned into her mother’s arms, wrapping her in a seemingly affectionate hug.

That evening, as dinner preparations began, Tessa made her way to the kitchen. Arnold was giving instructions to the staff when he sensed her presence. The moment he turned and saw her standing there, his heart skipped a beat and then began to race.