Chapter 20
Maria froze.
At the same time, Paige spoke up, “Karen, stop talking.”
“I didn’t say anything wrong. Why can’t I continue?” Karen stared at Maria’s back, disdain evident in her words.
Maria’s slender fingers clenched tightly into a fist.
Karen’s sharp voice continued. “I heard it all from the butler. Mr. Johnston asked the butler to arrange for her to stay in the servant’s quarters and assigned her tasks. If she thinks she can lord over us and act as Mrs. Johnston during the day, she can dream on.”
The surge of anger in Maria’s chest couldn’t be suppressed any longer.
While she was usually kind to others and had never wanted to make enemies and understood how embarrassing her current predicament was, it didn’t mean she had no temper or wouldn’t get angry.
She wouldn’t allow others to bully her repeatedly.
Maria turned around and looked at the maid named Karen. Her lips curled into a smile as she spoke clearly, “Even if I live in the servant’s quarters and do the work of a servant, my identity is still Mrs. Johnston. I am still Frank Johnston’s legal wife!”
Karen was somewhat surprised by Maria’s unexpected retort. She rebutted, “So what? The whole Johnston Court knows Mr. Johnston wants to marry Miss Nina!”
“I think you didn’t hear clearly. I am Mrs. Johnston!” Maria crossed her arms and stared coldly at Karen.
Karen was a bit intimidated. But she thought about how Maria wasn’t liked by Frank and thought she was putting on a show of bravado. Karen went on to say, “It’s only for now. Who knows about the future!”
Maria’s glared at her coldly. “Even if it’s uncertain in the future, right now, I can still have you fired and lose your job!”
Karen froze. “How dare you!”
Though nervous, Karen didn’t want to back down in front of Maria.
While the two were at an impasse, another male voice interjected, “What are you all doing here?”
The butler approached from afar, looking at them strangely.
Seeing the butler, Karen’s arrogance disappeared instantly. She complained aggrievedly, “Sir, I kindly reminded Miss Greenwood not to eat trash. Instead of being grateful, she scolded me. Paige, is that right?”
Karen deliberately glanced at Paige, who looked awkwardly at Maria. It seemed like Paige was caught in a dilemma. She was unsure whether to speak or remain silent.
Maria took in a breath to restrain her temper. Her clear eyes were fixed on the butler. “I never knew that ‘kindness‘ could be interpreted like this. Disregarding their status, making baseless accusations… It’s a case of turning the tables, with the servants overstepping their boundaries.”
“I didn’t…” Karen lowered her head, appearing somewhat aggrieved.
The butler, knowing Karen’s character, understood that she must have said something offensive to Maria. Otherwise, Maria wouldn’t be criticizing her so furiously.
However, Karen was his responsibility. Maria was also not unwelcomed at Johnston Court. If the butler made Karen apologize, it would boost Maria’s prestige.
With that in mind, he tried to mediate, “Miss Greenwood, you are a generous and forgiving person. Karen meant no harm with her kind act.”
Maria saw through him. The butler was siding with Karen.
If she couldn’t suppress this now, she would be treated even worse in the future.
She wouldn’t ask them to treat her as Mrs. Johnston, but she wouldn’t allow them to oppress her recklessly.
She continued to speak with a cold tone, “So, have you decided to take her side?”
