Bab 11: The former housekeeper’s crime (2)
Teratogen.
A harmful substance that disrupts the development of a fetus.
Her late mother had been exposed to this drug while being pregnant with her younger brother. Fortunately, her mother had what appeared to be a smooth pregnancy, and Jason was born healthy.
Or perhaps her parents might have had concealed any complications from her, given how young she was at the time.
Though, it was actually a year ago.
"Y-Young miss..." Ayana heard the shaky voice of her Nanny and turned her gaze to her. The look of shock and paleness on her nanny's face made her second guess seem all too possible.
Her Nanny must be aware of what her late mother had gone through because of that drug. Now, Jason was being affected as well.
''Aunt must know the severity of that drug.'' Ayana shifted her gaze back to Lucinda who also wore a similar expression as her Nanny.
''And you are speaking for the culprit without listening to the reason of her dismissal.'' She mocked softly, throwing a glance at her cousin.
It was just like when Arabella had complained earlier. Her uncle and his wife hadn't intervened to stop Arabella, which meant they had silently agreed with her words.
''What do you have to say for yourself, Madam May?'' Ayana locked eyes with former housekeeper who flinched under her sharp gaze.
''Mother and father would have found it hard to believe that you would bite the hands that feeds you and your family.''
The only way her late mother would have been unknowingly afflicted with such a harmful drug was through the servants working in the Mansion. Someone trustworthy and capable of carrying out the act without being caught.
That person would also have a reason of accepting bribe because of their unfortunate circumstances.
Madam May was very fitting for that kind of person.
With the help of her bodyguard Sam who had his own connections, and her Nanny's granddaughter, she was able to trace everything back to the Madam May.
According to Sam's investigation, Madam May held two bank accounts under different names. One was her active primary account, where she received her monthly salary under her real name. The other inactive account was under completely different name. An alias, which had been mysteriously funded with five million dollars—far beyond what her monthly salary could explain.
How could a mere housekeeper accumulate such wealth without a second job?
Sam had thoroughly investigated Madam May, leaving no stone unturned. There was no way she could have saved that much money from her monthly salary, especially with a family to support.
Even if she had, it would have taken years to accumulate such wealth.
The five million dollars had been deposited in Madam May's account about a year ago. How could it be a mere coincidence that her late mother was pregnant with Jason around the same time?
Her Nanny's granddaughter, Paige also mentioned that Madam May had always loved personally serve her late mother her pregnancy cravings. No one would have suspected a thing since her late mother and Madam May had been quite close.
''I gave you a letter of recommendation under the mercy that you have been with for the Kingston family for years, and also because of your pitiful situation, Madam May. It seems I was far too lenient with someone as ungrateful as you. You also dared to disturb the peace of my uncle and his family.''
Madam May must have been confident that she would have listened to her Uncle since she was supposedly close with his family than her own.
'It must have been the same as then.' Ayana briefly lowered her gaze at the thought of her past life. If Jason truly had the same problems as then, then Madam May must have betrayed her family before the death of her parents.
Through her, it would have been easy for her uncle to infiltrate the entire mansion with his spies.
''So Aunt, do you still want to defend Madam May?'' Ayana raised her gaze, meeting the sight of Lucinda. ''I could recommend her to you, since you seem so eager to involve yourself in the affairs of my family.'' She nearly laughed at the distorted expression of her Uncle's wife.
Ayana wasn't afraid of falling out with her Uncle and his family. It was much better for them to be aware of her sudden change of attitude than to be putting up the façade of false affection.
Besides, her relatives could do nothing to her no matter what. Not only was she the key to her and Jason's custody, they also had quite the number of shares to their names in the Kingston corporation.
Her Uncle would definitely think twice before trying to mess with her.
''A-Ayana….'' Lucinda was momentarily speechless. How exactly did the conversation lead to a servant's recommendation?
Her plan was for Ayana to accept Madam May as the housekeeper had been part of her husband's good plans. However, this brat was recommending the same servant to her since she was supposedly nosy.
''We can't afford to have such deceptive person, Ayana.'' Mark decided to step up for his wife who seemed dumbfounded by the twelve-year-old. ''Your aunt has always been soft-hearted to the servants. I sometimes worry that she might be deceived by them one day.'' He casted a warning glance at his wife, aware that his niece's words had struck a nerve.
To think both his wife and daughter were rendered speechless by a twelve-year-old.
'I wonder what happened?'
His niece had never behaved this distant and sharp to his family. It was the same as in the funeral.
Back then, he had assumed that his niece had not meant anything with her words. But now, he couldn't dismiss his suspicions easily like before.
Especially when she had discovered one of his schemes, which also puzzled him deeply.
Had his brother and sister-in-law's death triggered a change in his niece? Mark could sense the alienation she had for his family. The fact she discovered one of his schemes this easily….
'How did she find out?' Mark suddenly wondered. His spies had not mentioned any personnel from the Kingston corporation visiting his niece.
'The Nanny?' He suspected the Nanny, but was quick to dismiss his suspicions against her. He had investigated every person around his niece and nephew.
The Nanny wasn't someone to watch out for.
''I understand, uncle.'' Ayana flashed a small smile to her uncle who finally decided to speak up. She assumed he would remain quiet till the end. Perhaps, he couldn't watch as she easily dealt with his wife and daughter.
''Aun—''
''Spare my life! Young miss!''
All eyes were instantly drawn to Madam May who suddenly fell on her knees with on her head on the bare floor.
''Please spare my life and save my family, young miss!''
Hadiah
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