Chapter 3 I Won't Bring You Food Anymore

"Did Helen tell you that I'm her family's maid?" Caroline asked. When Caroline first joined the company, Edwin pointed out her lack of experience in fashion and tasked her with learning from the ground up. To sidestep idle talk, her true identity was concealed—she was to start anonymously and gradually grasp the nuances of fashion design. Only upon proving her skills as a designer was her status as the daughter of the Somertons to be disclosed. In her previous life, driven by this goal, she had immersed herself in fashion, working tirelessly day and night. The designs she created eventually gained popularity, significantly boosting the company's profits. However, when it came time to give credit, it was all attributed to Helen by Edwin for the sake of appearances. Caroline never did get to claim her rightful title as a fashion designer. This time around, she was not concerned with rising to the position of a designer, especially knowing that in less than two months, the clothing factory would shut down due to Liam's mismanagement. Yet, it was absurd that she was now perceived merely as the Somertons' maid in the eyes of others. "The reality is right there—does it matter who said what? Now, go on, deliver that meal! If you're late, Mr. Liam will scold you again," her colleague said dismissively, rolling her eyes as she brushed past Caroline into the pantry. Caroline's lips curled into a slight smirk. Very well! They wanted to label her a maid? From this day forward, she would show them whether she was truly just a maid or something more. Caroline didn't bother going to Helen's office. Instead, she walked straight to the factory gate, her steps firm and unwavering. Caroline sat contentedly on a stone bench not far from the factory gate, savoring her soup and meat with relish. Reflecting on the past six months at the company, she realized she had never truly enjoyed a meal as much as she did today. Liam had always insisted that Helen, being frail, needed nutritious meals and that Caroline should not compete with her for food. Caroline was expected to wait until Helen and Liam had finished eating before she could have what was left. Naturally, Liam dined alongside Helen. So, she could only have the leftovers. Yet, today was different. Caroline ate first—and enjoyed every bite. When she was full, she spotted a stray dog nearby and gave it the leftovers. The dog wagged its tail joyfully, showing gratitude—a stark contrast to the family she had served tirelessly in her previous life. Despite her sacrifices, they had never shown her the slightest appreciation; instead, they grew colder. Meanwhile, back in the office, Helen was growing impatient. "Uncle Liam, why hasn't Aunt Caroline brought the food yet? Do you think she's upset about having to serve me every day?" "You're overthinking it. She's always happy to serve you," Liam reassured her, though he checked his watch with a frown. "She should be here any minute." As he tried to soothe Helen, Liam inwardly cursed Caroline. What's with her today? It's just a short walk, and she's taking over half an hour. Doesn't she realize Helen's stomach is sensitive? He decided he would have a stern word with Caroline once she arrived. After waiting yet another half hour with no sign of Caroline, his patience wore thin. He got up to check the pantry himself. Just as he was leaving the office, he spotted Caroline approaching him in the corridor. "What's going on? Why is it taking so long to heat up a meal?" he began, his tone a mix of frustration and reprimand. Before Liam could finish his question, he noticed Caroline was empty-handed. "Where's the food?" he demanded and looked visibly shocked. Caroline stopped in her tracks, her face devoid of emotion, "I ate it." In her previous life, Caroline had spent considerable time each day trying to please Liam, both at the company and often at home. Despite her efforts, Liam never reciprocated with kindness. She had always thought that she simply needed to try harder, that eventually, he would recognize her efforts and treat her well. However, when Helen set her up, saying Caroline pushed her down the stairs, Liam had been the most aggressive toward her, even breaking her leg. Now, having the chance to relive these moments, Caroline recognized just how misguided she had been. Being overly subservient had gained her nothing. Liam stared at her in disbelief. "Wait, you ate the food meant for three people?" "There was a stray dog at the factory gate. It looked so sad, so I fed it the leftovers!" Caroline retorted. "What? You fed Helen's and my food to a dog?" Liam's agitation grew as he placed his hands on his hips. "Caroline, what's gotten into you today? Don't you know Helen is still hungry?" Caroline smirked, unaffected. "What does it have to do with me if she's hungry? It's not like she's missing an arm or a leg. Can't she go out to eat when she's hungry?" Liam was taken aback, not accustomed to this new defiance. In the past, a simple gesture from him was enough for Caroline to hurry over and comply with whatever he asked. Today's events left him confused. He suddenly remembered seeing Caroline looking distant in the pantry earlier. She must not have slept well last night, he mused, rationalizing that lack of sleep was making her act out of character. Indeed, Liam thought there must be a simple explanation. Softening his tone, he said, "I won't argue with you about feeding the dog right now. Just hurry to the company cafeteria and pack two meals to bring back. Helen has been waiting, and her stomach condition might flare up again." "Sorry, I have work to do and can't help you." Caroline, having just been reborn, felt exhausted and desired a nap more than a pointless argument. She attempted to walk past Liam toward the workshop, but he grabbed her arm, asserting, "I'm giving you one last chance. If you don't fetch the food, you'll regret it!" At that moment, Helen, who had been secretly observing from the office, intervened, "Uncle Liam, please let go of Aunt Caroline. This is the company, and if colleagues see this, it could damage your reputation." Her concern was not for Liam's reputation, but rather the fear that the escalation would reveal Caroline's true status as a Somerton, contradicting Helen's narrative that Caroline was merely their maid. Liam released Caroline's arm and glanced at Helen, his expression softening. "You're so sweet and understanding, unlike others who are cold-blooded and uncultured." In the past, such remarks from Liam would have saddened Caroline, but now she remained composed, a slight smile playing on her lips. "Yes, I am cold-blooded and uncultured, so I won't be bringing you food anymore. Otherwise, how can I live up to your accusations?" With that, she walked away—head high, unbothered. "What's wrong with her?" Helen watched Caroline's retreating figure, sensing a profound change. "Who knows?" Liam was equally baffled. Caroline had always complied with his demands, why was she now so detached? "Never mind, let's just go eat at the cafeteria," he decided, convinced that a person couldn't change so drastically in just one day. Liam concluded that Caroline must be out of sorts due to lack of sleep, assuming her attitude would revert by morning. Hmph! When she comes to apologize tomorrow after clearing her head, he mused, I won't forgive her so easily.