Evening gradually settled over the estate.
The sky had already begun to darken, yet Stella remained exactly where she had been for what felt like hours, quietly watching Matilda from a distance.
Evelyn still hadn't returned.
Dinner was only a short while away.
" Don't tell me..."
An uneasy feeling tightened in Stella's chest.
Had Evelyn been caught?
Had someone discovered why she had sneaked into the main residence?
The thought refused to leave her mind.
As capable as Evelyn was, the Caden family, and the servants who worked under them,had earned a reputation for a reason.
They were anything but careless.
By now, Stella had already begun considering the fastest escape routes through the estate.
If everything fell apart, she would need to disappear before anyone had the chance to question her.
Just as she was about to leave her hiding place, hurried footsteps echoed through the corridor.
A young maid came running toward Matilda, breathing heavily.
"M...Mrs Matilda!"
Matilda immediately turned toward her.
"What happened?"
The maid hesitated, clearly embarrassed.
"The servants assigned to tonight's dinner..."
She lowered her head awkwardly.
"Three of them have suddenly fallen ill with severe stomach troubles."
Silence.
From farther down the corridor, Stella bit the inside of her cheek to stop herself from laughing.
Evelyn... you've got to be kidding me.
Compared to broken bones, this was practically merciful.
The unfortunate maids would recover within a few days and return to work.
More importantly...
It seemed Evelyn hadn't been caught.
As if summoned by Stella's thoughts, the culprit calmly appeared at the end of the corridor a moment later.
Without the slightest hint of panic, Evelyn walked straight toward Matilda.
Unbelievable...
She actually pulled it off.
Stopping before the acting housekeeper, Evelyn put on the expression of someone genuinely concerned.
"Mrs, is something wrong? You don't seem well. Is there anything I can do to help?"
Only then did Matilda notice her.
After giving Evelyn a quick look, she nodded.
"You're Evelyn, aren't you?"
"Yes."
"Good."
"I need people immediately."
"There isn't enough time to find replacements."
"Get yourself ready."
She paused briefly, trying to remember another name.
"And your friend... or cousin... Alina, wasn't it?"
"Bring her as well."
"Both of you will change into proper uniforms from the storeroom and follow me to the main residence."
Her voice grew firm.
"You'll be serving at tonight's family dinner."
"Understood?"
...What?
For a heartbeat, Stella's mind went completely blank.
She had expected Evelyn to be chosen.
That much made sense, but her?
"Why me?!"
She had spent every day trying to stay unnoticed.
Avoiding attention had practically become a habit.
Yet somehow...
She had still managed to leave a favorable impression on Matilda.
"We'll be ready immediately, my lady," Evelyn replied with a flawless smile.
As Matilda hurried off to make the remaining preparations, Evelyn slowly turned toward Stella.
The color had almost drained from Stella's face.
Evelyn's smile widened.
Then...She gave her a playful wink.
...
About an hour later, the two girls were standing near the main gate, waiting for Matilda.
They had already changed their clothes.
The simple servant outfits had been replaced with elegant black dresses from the storage room. They were not overly decorated, but they carried a refined appearance that suited the occasion.
Their hair had been neatly tied up, with a few subtle touches of makeup added to make them look more presentable.
Stella quietly glanced around while waiting.
" I need to be careful around Evelyn. I have to act as though I'm fully involved in this mission...
But at the same time, I can't attract the attention of the Caden family. We still know very little about most of them."
She silently complained inwardly.
Working with Evelyn was dangerous enough.
But now they were stepping directly into the territory of the people they were investigating.
Not long after, Matilda finally arrived.
Without wasting time, she ordered them to follow her toward the main residence.
As expected, the difference between the two areas was immediately obvious.
The main mansion was far more luxurious than the servants' quarters they had been staying in.
The floors were covered with expensive marble that reflected the warm lights above.
Golden-framed mirrors decorated the long corridors, while the walls were covered with detailed carvings and magnificent paintings.
Most of them depicted people, historical events, and scenes that seemed to hold great importance.
Among those artworks, one symbol appeared repeatedly.
The lily flower.
It appeared in paintings, decorations, and various forms throughout the mansion.
Stella slowed her steps slightly as she observed them.
"These must be stories about their ancestors... their achievements... and the glory of their family."
Her thoughts were interrupted by Matilda's voice as they stopped before the entrance of the dining hall.
"Everyone is already inside."
The woman looked at them seriously,"enter quietly and do exactly what you are supposed to do."
Her eyes moved between the two girls, "I do not want any mistakes.So do not make me regret trusting you. Understood?"
Evelyn and Stella immediately lowered their heads respectfully.
"Yes, my Mrs."