Third Person's POV
Cliff frowned slightly, his tone carrying a warning. "Today's not a workday. She's entitled to rest."
"I know, but ever since you had your Luna, you've stopped valuing my opinion," Veronica said, switching to a jesting tone.
She turned to Genevieve, her eyes filled with appreciation. "Genevieve, the soup you made tastes quite good. Pour a plate for Cliff to try."
"As you wish, Madam Todd," Genevieve replied meekly, heading to the kitchen to fetch a plate of soup, which she placed in front of Cliff.
Cliff accepted it naturally, without a word.
Veronica raised an eyebrow. "Cliff, don't you recognize her?"
Cliff looked up, confusion etched on his face.
Genevieve smiled and said, "Cliff, it's me."
"Sorry, I don't know you," Cliff replied flatly, clearly intent on distancing himself from her.
Genevieve looked at Veronica with a tinge of disappointment. "Madam Todd, I told you he wouldn't remember me."
Veronica patiently prompted, "Her surname is Watkins, Cliff."
Still, Cliff's face remained expressionless, and he made no move to engage in the conversation.
Veronica explained, "The Watkins family used to collaborate with your father. You met Genevieve when you were young, but she was just a child back then. It's understandable you don't recall her."
"The Watkins family may not be as prominent as before, but they're still a publicly listed company. It must be quite a challenge for you to work as a maid here," Cliff said indifferently.
Genevieve clearly realized that Cliff was aware of her identity but was deliberately feigning ignorance.
She lowered her eyes, her demeanor tinged with loneliness.
Veronica cast a reproachful glance at Cliff. "What's this about a maid? I couldn't possibly let such a dear child work as a maid. Genevieve is sweet and we get along well. I simply asked her to stay by my side for a few days to take care of me. You mustn't regard her as a servant."
At that moment, Vanya descended the stairs, coldly observing the scene. Veronica wasn't seeking a granddaughter; she was clearly trying to replace her.
"Since you like Miss Watkins so much, there's no harm in adopting her as my sister," Cliff interjected unexpectedly.
Veronica's smile faltered.
Vanya walked over and chimed in with a smile, "If you fancies Miss Watkins, adopting her as a granddaughter is a fine idea, and I support it."
"This won't do. Even if I agree, Mrs. Watkins would never consent. I simply adore having Genevieve around," Veronica said, patting Genevieve's hand with a smile.
Vanya sat beside Cliff and asked, "I noticed earlier that there's something about Miss Watkins—her demeanor isn't that of an ordinary maid. How old are you?"
Genevieve shyly lowered her head. "I'm nineteen."
"Nineteen... you should be in college. Which university are you attending?"
Genevieve replied with a smile, "I'm studying at Wolfe International Finance School."
Vanya's hand, holding her coffee, paused mid-air, and Cliff's brow furrowed.
Sensing the shift in mood, Genevieve grew nervous. "Did I... say something wrong?"
Veronica, noticing the tension, mistook Cliff's reaction for thoughts of Melinda and quickly explained, "It's nothing you've saidwrong. Cliff once sponsored a student at Wolfe."
Curious, Genevieve asked, "Oh, really? Who was it? Is she my classmate?"
Veronica, who disliked Melinda, replied with a hint of resentment, "Why do you ask? That woman has ill intentions. Cliff has already stopped sponsoring her. Let's not speak of her again."
Genevieve nodded. "Understood, Veronica."
Veronica's smile returned.
Vanya took a couple of sips of her coffee. Veronica then said, "Cliff, you've been too exhausted these past few days. Rest today. Since Vanya is free as well, have Genevieve prepare a few more dishes. Her cooking surpasses Jenny's."
"No need. Vanya and I are dining out today," Cliff said, taking Vanya's hand.
In front of Veronica and Genevieve, Vanya did not pull away.
Genevieve, noticing Cliff's hand on Vanya's, squeezed Veronica's hand a little tighter.
Veronica's smile faded as she said, "If you two wish to go out for a date, go ahead. But you must return tonight. No staying out all day."
"Sure," Cliff replied, having lost his appetite. He stood and said to Vanya, "Go change upstairs. I'll wait for you outside."
"Okay," Vanya said, casting a glance at Genevieve as she rose. The longing in Genevieve's eyes was unmistakable.
When Vanya returned downstairs after changing, Genevieve's expression had grown even more despondent.
In the car, Cliff had already prepared a cushion for the seat.
"Get in," Cliff said.
Vanya settled into the passenger seat.
Cliff didn't start the car immediately. After a moment of silence, he spoke. "Veronica is just concerned that you might not care enough about me."
"I know," Vanya responded. The Watkins family was a minor household. Given Veronica's haughtiness, she would never truly accept them.
This was merely a tactic to provoke her with Genevieve due to her recent lack of compliance.
The Watkins family, eager to profit from the Todd family's resources, would naturally be delighted to send their daughter over.