Chapter 131: Bound to get Worse
"Yet you didn’t even know Arlo was sick!"
Alaina felt all the blood rush to her head. It was one thing for Keenan to scold her, but right in front of Maya was a completely different thing. Ever since Maya had returned from the capital, she had been acting as if she owned the place. This was bound to make her feel even more like she could act as she liked.
Why were they acting as though her crimes were forgivable? Winnie was one thing but Alpha Keenan literally had a huge scar on his chest. Yet he would lie with his tormentor and not her.
Alaina’s jaw tightened. This was another thing that made her furious and she was almost certain this added to Maya’s confidence. She didn’t want to imagine what would happen if she let this go on for longer.
What if she got pregnant? Alaina could never let that happen. Keenan was too nice to punish the woman bearing his child. He already had a hard time now; it was bound to get worse.
"I apologize, Alpha Keenan, but I had other things to take care of," she replied sweetly.
She could see Maya and Winnie sharing glances at her expense. To think her own sister would turn against her, after everything she had done. But this was only a matter of time—Winnie only had this much confidence because of Maya.
"Things like what?" Keenan asked.
Alaina’s eyes widened slightly. She hadn’t expected him to ask more questions. There were many things she could lie about but Keenan seemed hellbent on getting to the bottom of this. He often let her do as she liked but that was clearly changing.
Before she could try to think of a response that wouldn’t require a detailed answer, the door opened and the maids walked through with several trays filled with dinner.
"Alpha Keenan," Palmer said with a bow. "I apologize for the delay. It won’t happen tomorrow."
At the end of her words, she turned to look at Maya, who immediately sat upright in her seat. There was a pleading look in Palmer’s eyes before she turned away and started setting the dishes onto the table.
"That’s fine, Palmer. If you need anything, ask Alaina. It’s her job to make sure everything goes right."
Palmer froze slightly and raised her gaze to meet Alaina’s, who stared at her with an intense expression as if daring her to say otherwise.
She smiled politely and continued placing the dishes onto the table. "Yes, Alpha." She looked away from Alaina and continued her task.
The other servants also emptied their trays and began to serve dinner. After this was done, a few of them exited while Palmer stepped back to the side.
Maya shuffled in her seat; she could feel the maid’s gaze at the back of her head. Her hands suddenly felt clammy. Was it a good idea for her to cook? Everyone else seemed confident in her skills, but what if she ruined it?
Winnie slightly bumped her elbow against her arm. "You’re not eating."
"I got distracted," she whispered and picked up her cutlery.
Winnie shook her head as she chewed a mouthful. "You worry too much."
She chuckled. How did she know she was worrying again? "I’ll try not to."
She picked a piece of grilled beef and put it in her mouth. From his side of the table, Keenan had a displeased expression as he stared at her.
She turned her gaze away immediately as soon as their eyes met. What was he angry about now? Or was he still angry about earlier?
She forced herself to concentrate on chewing. If Winnie hadn’t told her that he was the one who invited Winnie to come see her, she would be terrified now. She still was but at least she didn’t think he hated her.
She sighed and took another bite, only to feel an intense gaze directly in front of her. She didn’t have to look up to know it was Alaina. Tonight must be a tough night for her. Especially after Alpha Keenan arrived and scolded her.
Why did that please me greatly?
Perhaps she should accept and prepare the meals for tomorrow. What would Alaina’s excuse be this time if she were to make the chicken soup? She shook her head. She shouldn’t be drawn into petty revenge. Her only goal was Alpha Keenan.
When dinner ended, Alpha Keenan exited the dining room without looking at her. Her chest felt tight. Wasn’t she supposed to spend the night in his room as usual? Or was that over with her maid here?
She wiped the corners of her lips as she prepared to exit the dining room. She could see a fuming Alaina still glaring at her. She half expected her to speak now that Keenan was no longer in the room, but she just stared maliciously.
"Winnie," she softly called. "Shall we leave?"
"Yes, please. I am so tired—I can’t wait to sleep." She stretched her arms out slightly as she stepped away from the dining table.
Palmer stepped forward and blocked their path. "Lady Maya, might I please get a response tonight?"
"Yes, Maya. Won’t you give Palmer a reply? Choose carefully now. Remember how she took care of you. You can’t leave her—"
"Winnie," Maya cried.
She chuckled and leaned closer to Maya. "Fine, you can do as you like. I am sure they can find some solution all by themselves."
"Now you’re trying to make me feel bad."
"I wouldn’t dare," she said with a grin.
Maya sighed and turned to Palmer. "Very well, but I’ll also ask my personal maid to join us. Is that fine?"
"Yes," Palmer replied with a bright smile.
"Alright."
"I’ll come to get you in the morning. It has to be before dawn."
Maya winced slightly but nodded her head. "That’s fine. I’ll try to wake up early."
"I am so glad," Winnie said with a grin as she grabbed Maya’s arm and led her toward the door.
"You’re the only one happy about this, Winnie," she said as they got to the door.
"You’ll be happy too, I know you’re only just nervo—"
"Palmer! What was that all about?" Alaina’s shrill voice echoed in the dining room just as the door was about to close.
She turned back with concern on her face but Winnie pulled her away. "She can’t do anything to Palmer—the maids that work in the kitchen only take orders from Agnes."
"I am not just worried about that," she said with a sigh. "She might try to sabotage my cooking tomorrow. It wouldn’t be the first time."
Winnie’s face darkened. "I’d like to see her try. You’re not alone this time—even Palmer is on your side. She will tell Alpha Keenan if Alaina does something that delays breakfast. Besides, I doubt she wants another scolding from Alpha Keenan again." She snickered.