who was that?

SERENA.

I’ve told the officer a hundred times already, but he refuses to listen.

And that salesgirl’s smug smile? It’s driving me insane.If only the officer would hear me out, I’d wipe that grin off her face.

But now, I’m a little scared. When he asked for the cardholder’s number, I gave Adrian’s.

What if he refused to come? Worse, what if he tells them to lock me up?

No, Adrian still needs me—for his treatment.

A sleek Rolls Royce pulled up right in front of the store right then, its polished surface gleaming under the shop’s lights. My breath hitched—I expected Adrian to step out.

Instead, it was Tim.

Seeing him, the officer broke into a cold sweat. He quickly approached Tim, but Tim ignored him and walked straight toward me.

“Are you okay, ma’am?” he asked, his tone gentle.

I blinked in confusion, but nodded anyway.

“Sir,” the officer stammered. “How come you are here? When she—Madam—gave me the name, I thought it was some random guy. I didn’t expect it to be young master Royce. Forgive me, sir.” Fear was etched across his face, just from the name.

Young master Royce hun?

Tim’s calm demeanor didn’t falter. “Why is she here?”

The officer swallowed hard. “The salesgirl called us, complaining about shoplifting. She also said… the card failed.”

Tim’s eyes darkened, making the officer take a step back. “Do you think the Royces lack money?” he asked, his voice icy.

Ah, so not only him but also the ones working for him have this ability—the ability to intimidate.

But in the morning, Tim looked soft and calm.

“I’ll take her back,” Tim said, pulling out another card. “Pack everything in the shop and send it to this address.”

Wait!

“No,”

Tim raised an eyebrow. “Ma’am?”

“This isn’t about money, Tim. It’s about my self-respect. First, I didn’t steal anything. Second, I paid for the clothes I selected. If the officer had listened to me earlier, this wouldn’t have escalated to this.”

The officer looked mortified. “Madam, I’m so sorry. Please forgive me. I thought the salesgirl was telling the truth.”

“She’s lying!” the salesgirl snapped. “Just because she knows rich people doesn’t mean she can do whatever she wants!”

The officer cast her a warning look, but alas the girl didn't catch it, a late bloomer.

Tim ignored her outburst. “Check the CCTV,” he said calmly.

“The cameras are out for service,” she said smugly.

Of course, you planned this.

“The shop has glass walls, and the complex across the street is barely five feet away,” I said. “Their security camera faces this shop. Check that.”

Her face paled—she clearly didn’t know the area she works at.

Pathetic.

Before the officer could act, she dropped to her knees. “I’m sorry! I thought she wouldn’t pay! She came in carrying weird plants—I assumed she was poor. Please forgive me!”

Weird plants? Those are rare herbs worth a fortune. And they wouldn't even accept cards, I have bought them with my own cash. You silly girl.

Tim glanced at me, silently letting me decide. I really didn't have the energy to handle this now.

“I won’t press charges, but take this as a lesson,” I said.

“Thank you, ma’am! Thank you so much!”

“My clothes?”

She rushed inside, retrieved my bags, and handed them over, along with the fabric she accused me of stealing.

“Keep it. It’s yours,” I said, turning away.

“You can carry that, Tim,”

He froze for a moment, then took the bag of herbs without a word. The officers stepped aside as we left.

In the car, I wanted to ask why Adrian didn’t come but figured it must be because of his situation. At least he sent Tim—if he hadn’t, that officer might never have listened.

That moment I realised something, when money speaks even the truth bends to it will. How I wish I was as rich as Adrian or my employer.

For that you have to work hard, Serena.

Yeah…

After a 45-minute drive, we arrived at the villa. Tim opened the door for me.

“Madam,” he said.

“It feels strange to be called madam by someone older than me,” I said. “Can you call me Serena?”

He didn’t answer, just stared at me.

“Let me guess—you need Adrian’s permission?” I asked. His lips twitched into a small smile.

He helped carry the bags inside without another word.

Once inside the villa, Tim placed the bags on the table and nodded curtly. “Is there anything else you need, ma’am?”

I sighed, sinking into the plush sofa. “No, thank you, Tim. And it’s Serena, remember?”

He hesitated for a moment, then walked out without responding.

After catching my breath, I carried the bags to the room I slept in yesterday. Adrian didn't particularly allot me a room, so,I will just take this.

I had just finished organizing the closet and plucking the herbs. They needed to soak for two days, these are a little dry.

Just then, a knock echoed from the door.

The maids never knocked at this hour, and Tim had already gone home.

Who could it be?

Confused, I stood still for a moment before glancing toward the entrance. Cautiously, I approached the door and opened it just a crack.

No one.

The corridor was empty.

I stepped outside, my eyes scanning the dimly lit surroundings. The stillness was unnerving, and the faint flicker of a distant light did nothing to soothe my nerves.

Click.

What was that?

A sharp sound cut through the silence, sending a chill down my spine.

I turned sharply, searching the lobby. My gaze darted toward the railing, the shadows stretching ominously in the dim light. But there was no one.

The air felt heavy, and my throat tightened as I swallowed hard.

Is someone here?

I stepped back into the room and shut the door quickly. I leaned against it, trying to calm my breathing, and suddenly my phone screen lit up.