Chapter 140: More Important Things To Care About
Asking Lucian to keep Primo right here in Dominion would be the easiest way to keep him safe. If Primo stayed here, she wouldn’t have to worry about him. Primo wouldn’t have to go through what he had gone through in their previous lives.
But... of all people, Ashley understood the essence of independence and freedom.
She, of all people, knew what it meant to not have that.
And Ashley should also know how destructive it was to live a sheltered life like Isabella.
Most importantly, it was best to keep Lucian, Primo, and Dominion away from this place.
So, she had a plan.
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"I can’t believe I’m also packing my stuff," one of the maids whispered as she folded her clothes. "Are they serious? Is Dominion moving locations?!"
"It’s not like I don’t like the madam’s idea. I kinda like her lately because she even said gossip is healthy for the heart when she caught us gossiping," another remarked. "But... isn’t this a little excessive?"
"Didn’t we all say her plan for the garden was excessive?" another chimed in. "But look at the plantation! I regret pushing someone else to take the role when I was told to help her."
Maids from every part of the mansion couldn’t help but talk about the new order from the big boss.
Ashley, Lucian, and Primo weren’t the only ones moving from the grand mansion. Many others were going as well—the maids and butlers, the chefs, and even the guards.
As far as everyone knew, the De Luca family had always lived in this mansion. Depending on who the master was, the design and renovations of the house would change. But since Lucian didn’t have the time to think about it—and Ashley, the matriarch who was supposed to handle such things, wasn’t interested—the mansion had remained the same.
Well... except for the garden.
On the guards’ side, all they could do was stare into nothingness... or accept reality.
"The hell is going on?" Red spat, idling just outside the dirty kitchen while watching Rum do the dishes. "That woman is horrible. Every time she suggests something, everyone gets dragged into it! So inconsiderate!"
"So this means... we have to pack our stuff as well?" Vodka hummed, glancing at Gin, who nodded.
"What else can we do?" Gin shrugged. "Even if this isn’t directly the master’s order, if that woman is moving, we’re moving with her."
They were her personal bodyguards, after all.
"Damn it!" Red hissed. "Why won’t the master approve my petition to transfer?"
The others glanced at Red, a little surprised he had even submitted a petition. That was rare, but then again, not entirely unexpected.
"Anyway, Rum, what do you think?" Vodka asked, peering through the window of the dirty kitchen.
The others moved closer, peeking in as well.
Rum, wearing an apron with his hands covered in long yellow gloves, looked at them dead in the eye.
"Fuck... off," he hissed through gritted teeth, clicking his tongue as he returned to the dishes. "If you’re not going to help me, then just fucking leave!"
For a moment, Rum thought they might help, or at least pretend they would. But instead, they just came over to gossip. Was this really a demotion? First babysitting, now dishwashing?
"I didn’t even spread fake news," he grumbled. "Everyone in Dominion knows he doesn’t like sugar in his coffee—why am I getting punished for that?!"
Frustrated, Rum glared at the window. But to his dismay, the four of them were already walking away. His face twitched at the heartless pricks.
"Hey, you bastards!" he shouted. "You’re really not going to help me?!"
*****
With Lucian’s announcement that Dominion would be moving, everyone had been busy ever since. It was a massive decision, yet it had been made so lightly as if it were nothing.
Ashley smiled from ear to ear as she skipped toward Lucian’s office.
"Madam," Nolan sighed faintly, though a subtle smile tugged at his lips as he walked beside her. "Are you truly happy about moving out of here?"
"Why wouldn’t I be?" Ashley arched a brow. "I get to send Primo to school and see him come home afterward. Then I can ask him how his day was."
Nolan’s smile softened as he chuckled. "I see."
"Does everyone hate it, though?" she wondered, looking ahead. "It’s a big decision."
"Absolutely not," he shook his head, quickening his pace as they neared Lucian’s office. "Although it’s a lot of work, I believe no one hates the idea."
"You’re so kind," she chuckled. "I wouldn’t mind if some people weren’t pleased. I don’t really care."
Nolan’s smile faltered slightly as he studied her side profile. Hearing that reminded him of her past reputation. It had never been addressed, and he thought that, perhaps, it didn’t need to be.
The madam had changed, and everyone had begun opening their hearts to her. There were still some who hadn’t, but Nolan was certain they would, in time, see how big her heart truly was.
"Madam, I assure you," Nolan said sincerely, "no one hates this idea... and no one hates you here."
With that, they arrived at Lucian’s office.
Nolan held the door, standing to the side. He glanced at Ashley, who returned his look with the same easy smile.
A soft chuckle escaped her. "Nolan, you don’t have to worry so much. As I said, I don’t really care."
"But—"
"I have more important things to care about," she cut in. "I’d rather spend my energy on what actually matters."
For a moment, Nolan was speechless before letting out a quiet laugh.
"You’re right," he nodded, conceding. "Anyway, the master is inside."
Nolan knocked once before opening the door for her. Ashley smiled at him appreciatively and stepped inside, only to pause at the number of people present.
Ashley blinked, spotting Lucian seated behind his desk, with several men standing around, all looking in her direction.
Didn’t Lucian call for me? she wondered, maintaining her smile as she observed the room.
But why are these important people of Dominion here as well?