Chapter 86: If she’s my liability, then it’s Dominion’s too.
The next day...
"Master, you seem to be in a good mood," Nolan remarked as he served Lucian tea in the master’s study. "Is it because the madam has already found a solution to the plantation problems?"
Lucian reached for the tea before leisurely leaning back, simply looking at Nolan as if he were on a relaxing vacation.
"Nolan, do not worry about the plantation too much," he muttered, sniffing the tea’s aroma before taking a sip. "It’s not Dominion’s business."
"..." Nolan’s lips parted, but in the end, he said nothing. He narrowed his eyes at the big boss, noting how calm Lucian appeared.
Lucian always carried an inexplicable tension in the air. Even Nolan, who had known him since he was young, had to be careful. He knew mistakes were unacceptable. But look at him now.
All he needed was a lounge chair, a large umbrella, and a glass of a cocktail to complete the image of a man relaxing by the beach.
"She said she has everything under control," Lucian said, thinking about their little adventure and the bet the night before. "However, I would like you to reassess every maid in the residence."
"Master, may I ask why? Did the maid make a mistake in their duties?"
"No, but I heard they’ve been using their tongues unnecessarily," Lucian replied, taking another sip. "I’m saying this because I might not be lenient the next time I hear someone mention anything regarding the matriarch’s empty title."
Nolan paused, simply looking at the big boss.
Of course, Lucian wasn’t aware of this, but if they were to dismiss everyone who thought Ashley carried an empty title, Dominion would be left empty. Nolan had never said it aloud, but he knew about the whispers.
Even so, this was enough to serve as a warning.
"Yes, Master." Nolan lowered his head. "I will conduct the reassessment with the head maid. Shall I send the reports to you?"
"No need. I trust you with this," Lucian hummed. "Also, the designers and instructors you contacted—have they responded?"
Nolan smiled faintly. "Yes. They’ve already adjusted their schedules. All they need is a date."
"I see." Lucian set the teacup down and turned his swivel chair toward the window. "Invite them all to come today."
"Huh?"
"She’s going to resolve the problem today, so she can focus on the charity event afterward."
Nolan blinked, slightly confused, but nodded nonetheless.
"I’ll make the call, Master."
With that, Nolan excused himself and left the study. As for Lucian, he remained seated, the corners of his lips curling into a subtle smile as he recalled his time with Ashley last night.
*
*
*
[Last night]
Lucian glanced at Ashley as they headed back to the residence. When they entered their room, he finally asked,
"How did you know they were going to frame Betty?"
Ashley, who had walked a few steps ahead, paused and turned to him, smiling.
"Because they don’t like Betty," she chuckled. "And Betty being able to boss them around fuels their jealousy and envy. And since I told them I already knew why the seedlings were dying, they panicked."
Ashley scratched her cheek as she looked up. "Besides, they’ve worked for Dominion longer than Betty, so they know the consequences if they’re caught. They needed a fall guy—I’m quite impressed, aren’t you?"
To be honest, Lucian was impressed.
Not pleased, of course. Their audacity to sabotage Ashley’s work was unacceptable. But their plan to shift the blame... it had a certain cleverness to it.
"At the same time, I need Betty to learn how to fend for herself and not fall for such tricks in the future," Ashley continued knowingly. "Otherwise, I’d have to worry about her all the time. And if that happens, she becomes a liability instead of an asset. I don’t want that because I really like Betty."
"But knowing Betty, this is a lesson she’ll never forget. After all, she may be under me, but I’m under Dominion since I’m your wife. If she’s my liability, then it’s Dominion’s too." She shrugged. "Anyway, I’ll wash up and join you after — don’t sleep yet, I want to talk more!"
With that, Ashley skipped toward the bathroom, humming, clearly in a good mood.
Meanwhile, Lucian stood in place, staring at the door.
"How clever," he whispered. "And interesting."
It had been a while since Lucian had been impressed by someone.
Ashley hadn’t just maneuvered the maids into exposing themselves. She had also maximized the situation, turning it into a lesson for Betty.
The fact that those working on the plantation were beginning to see her in a different light was merely a bonus.
"I’m..." he trailed off, recalling how she had asked him for a simple favor—to drop by the plantation earlier that day.
In return, he had only asked if he could see how his presence would affect the outcome. So Ashley brought him along to witness everything unfold exactly as she predicted.
"...I’m glad I asked her to show me," he muttered with a faint chuckle. "It was worth it."
*****
[Present Time: Greenhouse]
Just like yesterday, Ashley gathered everyone before they could even begin work. Sally and the other maid secretly sneered, while Bang kept her head lowered.
"What’s wrong with you?" Sally noticed Bang’s pale complexion and the dark circles under her eyes. "Didn’t you sleep last night?"
Bang gulped as she peeked at Sally and the other maid, then quickly lowered her head again.
"Never mind," Sally clicked her tongue, turning her attention back to Ashley as she explained the results of their investigation.
As expected, the reports revealed that the cause of the problem was bleach. Everyone gasped in shock, murmurs of disbelief spreading through the group, causing Sally to smirk.
"Bleach? No wonder the plants kept dying no matter what we did."
"This is... just plain wrong."
"Whoever did this should be punished heavily!" one of Sally’s lackeys shouted as if personally wronged. "How could they dare do such a thing? Aren’t they afraid of retribution—or Dominion?!"
Hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.
"We’ve been working since the start, but because of this, all our efforts were wasted!" another complained. "Besides, this isn’t just anyone’s business—it’s the madam’s!"
"Madam, please tell us you’ve already found the culprit!" another urged. "Such an unforgivable act!"
"Madam!" one stepped forward. "I beg you—please punish the one behind this severely!"
With everyone riled up, repeating the same plea, Ashley calmly studied their faces. Especially that one maid.
Meanwhile, Betty’s expression darkened as she stared at her. After a long night of thinking, she had come to a realization—Ashley was right. This was still Dominion. She couldn’t lower her guard if she truly wanted to be useful.
"Of course!" Ashley declared. "The person behind this will face heavy punishment."
As those words fell, she noticed Sally stepping forward. A glint flickered in Ashley’s eyes, the corner of her lips curling for a brief moment.
Unlike usual, Sally approached meekly.
"Ma—madam!" she stuttered. "I... I think I know who was behind this!"
The moment those words left her lips, everyone gasped.
"Really?" one of the gardeners exclaimed. "You know who it is?!"
Sally nodded, keeping her head lowered. "I didn’t want to jump to conclusions, but I’ve seen her going in and out of the greenhouse twice..."
"Who?" Castor asked, his expression darkening.
All eyes fixed on Sally as she slowly raised her hand and pointed. She looked away, as if hesitant, but the direction was clear.
Then, one by one, everyone turned to follow her finger.
Soon, all eyes landed on Betty.
"Miss... Betty?" the gardener muttered, while even Castor frowned, looking at her. "You’re... the one who—"
Before he could finish, Castor cut in. "Betty, is this true?"