Chapter 16 Chapter 16
Some extravagant black car was waiting outside. Luna Hart brought out her belongings. She greeted her Aunt Maggie Brooks and Cousin Evan Hart with a smile, exchanging kind words. Only once she was outside did her smile fade, and her true expression surfaced.
She wanted to speak to Brianna Hart. But she neither had the time nor the heart. After hearing her words the previous day, Luna couldn’t help but blame herself for bringing this burden onto her family.
The driver seemed solemn and serious. He didn’t utter a word from start to finish. Perhaps he wasn’t allowed to. Were all the staff in Damian Blackwell’s manor so strict?
Silence pressed heavily throughout the journey. Luna leaned back against the seat, contemplating what lay ahead.
As they neared their destination, she slightly opened her eyes and peeked outside the window.
The roads widened. Lush trees lined the sides, and expansive grounds stretched on either side. No other vehicles were in sight. The area was secluded, exclusive to the Blackwell family. The car paused once along the way, and Luna’s curiosity drew her gaze outside.
It was a security post. Armed officers in uniform stood on both sides of the road, and the car was only allowed to pass after showing a passkey. The level of security overwhelmed her; she was certain not even a bird could trespass their territory.
“Sisi, I don’t think you’ll be able to visit me,” she thought with a smirk, leaning back in her seat.
The entire estate belonged to the Blackwells, and outsiders were forbidden.
After passing through at least five levels of security, a building appeared in the distance. Small at first, it grew grander as they approached. The gardens outside were meticulously maintained with exotic plants, and countless servants moved about, all uniformed.
Luna stepped out timidly and adjusted her clothes.
A group of servants was already waiting.
“You must be Miss Luna Hart,” the man at the front addressed her directly.
“Yes,” she replied.
“I’m Harold Benson, Mr. Blackwell’s housekeeper,” he introduced himself, bowing formally. “Ms. Lu informed us of your arrival today. Miss Luna, the servants will take your luggage to your room.” One stepped forward, bowed, and lifted her bag.
Luna nodded, handing over a smaller bag of personal belongings. She clutched her necklace nervously.
Her heart raced.
I’ll make you regret for the rest of your life. Those words reverberated in her mind.
She was alone in unfamiliar territory, uncertain how she would be treated. Though she had shown strength to her family, inwardly, she was scared.
“Please follow me, Miss Hart.” Harold guided her into the mansion with formal precision.
Luna silently followed. The interior was magnificent, glittering, and spotless. Every minute detail seemed meticulously cared for.
She couldn’t imagine how much it must cost to maintain such a large estate.
“From now on, I will assign personal maids to attend to your needs. Should any of them dissatisfy you, you may inform me,” Harold explained.
“There’s no need,” Luna said, used to managing things on her own.
“I am simply following protocol,” he replied, maintaining his professionalism.
Luna fell silent, listening as he continued to explain the manor’s rules.
“That’s all. Miss Hart, you must be tired from your journey. Rest in the guest room until your luggage is brought in. Later tonight, your personal maids will prepare you. You must be in Mr. Blackwell’s room by nine p.m. Ensure you are punctual. Mr. Blackwell dislikes delays.”
Luna’s heart skipped a beat.
“Mr. Benson, this is my first day here. Is it really necessary?” she asked, trying to sound calm, though her voice betrayed her.
Harold paused and glanced at her. “Mr. Blackwell has personally requested your presence at nine p.m. Miss Hart, please do nothing to offend him. Do not complicate matters for us.” He bowed again.
Luna bit her lip, understanding the unspoken meaning. If she refused, she would be compelled to his room anyway.
“Alright. I’ll be there,” she acquiesced. Defiance would only bring more harm.
Lunch was delivered to her room. Once her room was arranged, she entered. Medium-sized, she could tell every piece of furniture was expensive, far exceeding anything she had ever owned.
Her first act was to bring out a picture of her family and place it on the table beside the bed.
“You guys will always stay by my side,” she whispered, smiling at the photo. That would now be her source of strength.
Next, she explored the room. She was surprised to find a small, half-circular annex. She stepped inside in awe. One-third of the curved wall held floor-to-ceiling mirrors, while the remaining two-thirds contained wooden cupboards.
Opening them one by one, she expected emptiness, but instead found extravagance. Designer clothes filled the cupboards, sorted into casual wear, formal wear, party wear, and undergarments. A rack of expensive shoes was neatly arranged in another cupboard. The jewelry section glittered with diamonds and precious stones.
“What does he want to prove with this?”
Where once she had been merely confused, now she was bewildered.
Luna wasn’t one to care for worldly things, but she knew someone who did. Her lips curled into a small smile. I bet Bree would have loved all this. Despite their argument, she couldn’t hate her cousin entirely.
“For my family,” she whispered, taking a deep breath before returning to the bedroom.