Chapter 6
Julian instantly lowered his gaze, slipping back into the deferential posture of a servant. He picked up the coffee tray, keeping his hands steady despite the adrenaline spiking in his veins.
"Not at all, Marcus," Richard replied smoothly, his demeanor instantly shifting into a mask of cold detachment. "Julian was just finishing up. Weren't you, boy?"
"Yes, Mr. Blackwood," Julian said, keeping his voice flat and submissive. "I will ensure the remaining floral arrangements in the East Wing are tended to."
Marcus watched Julian closely as the young man walked toward the door, his sharp gaze lingering on Julian’s posture. There was a moment of suffocating tension where Julian feared his cover was blown, but Marcus simply nodded dismissively, stepping aside to let him pass.
Once outside the library, Julian let out a slow, controlled breath, leaning briefly against the cool wooden paneling of the hallway. The encounter proved just how dangerous Marcus Vance truly was. The attorney missed nothing. If they were going to pull off Richard’s plan to expose him, every single move had to be calculated with absolute precision.
Down in the grand foyer, the afternoon sunlight streamed through the tall arched windows, casting long, geometric shadows across the polished marble floor. Other staff members moved quietly about their duties, completely unaware of the high-stakes chess match unfolding behind closed doors. Julian carried the tray back to the service pantry, where the head housekeeper, Mrs. Gable, was inspecting a fresh batch of silver cutlery.
Mrs. Gable was a stern woman in her sixties who had served the Blackwood family for over thirty years. She looked up as Julian set the tray down, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You spent an unusually long time in the master's library, Julian. Mr. Blackwood is not known for his patience with new staff."
"The master had specific instructions regarding the evening reception, Mrs. Gable," Julian replied smoothly, maintaining a respectful tone. "He wishes for the white lilies to be moved from the foyer to the private dining room."
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Mrs. Gable studied him for a long moment, as if trying to read the thoughts hidden behind his quiet exterior. Finally, she gave a slow nod. "Very well. But do it quickly. Mr. Vance has requested an impromptu meeting with the senior staff in the drawing room at five o'clock. Everyone must be present."
Julian’s stomach tightened. An impromptu meeting called by Marcus Vance meant the attorney was starting to make his moves. It was a test of control, a subtle assertion of dominance over the household while Richard remained upstairs.
