Her Hidden Crowns (Suzanne and Austin) novel Chapter 15

Suzanne was shocked to hear it was Richard. Alan's condition was quite stable. It shouldn't flare up so suddenly.

She had given Richard her number before, just in case something like this happened. Without hesitation, she put down the pillow, got out of bed, and said in a calm voice, "Alright, I'll be there right away."

After giving a few quick instructions, she hung up the phone, grabbed her things, and hurried out the door.

…

In the lavishly decorated living room of the Yates residence, Seline and Mandy sat on a grand couch beneath a grand crystal chandelier. They were trying on various dazzling pieces of jewelry.

Seline's delicate face was lit with joy as she admired the large aquamarine ring on her slender finger. She extended her hand to show Mandy, her voice brimming with excitement. "Mom, isn't this aquamarine stunning? Look at how pure the color is!"

Mandy smiled, picking up a pair of gemstone bracelets from the table. She gently clasped them around Seline's wrist. "This suits you better."

Under the glow of the chandelier, the gemstones sparkled brilliantly.

These were expensive pieces Mandy had won at an auction. They were essential for attending high-profile events.

Seline looked at the bracelets adorning her wrist and beamed. She leaned her head on Mandy's shoulder, playfully saying, "Mom, you're the best."

Mandy hugged her, and the two laughed together.

At that moment, the butler, Niall Cooper, entered the room with his phone. He glanced around to make sure they were alone before approaching. "Mrs. Yates, there's news from the Alvarez family."

Both women immediately straightened up, their expressions turning grave as they looked at Niall. Mandy leaned forward. "What happened?"

Seline instinctively gripped Mandy's arm, tension rising as she waited for the answer.

Niall slipped his phone into his pocket, stepped closer, and whispered, "Alan's condition has flared up."

Mandy and Seline exchanged a look of surprise, which quickly turned into excitement. Mandy leaned in, her tone sharp with disbelief. "Are you certain?"

Niall nodded enthusiastically, a smile creeping onto his face. "Yes, and it's bad. He has practically destroyed everything in the house, demanding blood to drink."

Having served the Yates family for years, Niall knew how to gauge the mood of his masters and deliver news with the appropriate tone.

Seline's heart raced with exhilaration. So much for Suzanne's so-called expertise! Just one day and her treatment had already failed.

Mandy, however, quickly tempered her expression. Her expression darkened as she fixed a cold gaze on Niall. Clearing her throat, she said in a warning tone, "You do understand that some things are better left unsaid, don't you?"

She reached for a ring resting on the table and placed it in front of the butler.

Niall's eyes lit up immediately. He carefully picked up the ring, cradling it in his hand, and broke into a smile. "You can trust me. I'll handle everything discreetly."

Mandy's smile returned to her face. She sat down, nodded, and waved him off. "Good. Just keep me informed and you'll be rewarded accordingly. You can go now."

Niall clutched the ring and left the room.

Seline crossed her arms and glared at Mandy with frustration. "Mom, why did you give him that ring? It's worth a fortune. He's just a household staff. Does he even deserve it?"

Niall was merely a butler. He wasn't worth a ring.