Love and Devotion No Longer His to Claim (Angela and Dexter) novel Chapter 98

Chapter 98 

Using her position, Talia had entered the room once occupied by the late Natalie, stolen valuables, and taken a few small antique vases from storage, hiding them beneath the floorboards in her room. The stolen items were discovered during the search, leaving no room for denial. 

“She’s the one, Dad,” Fiona said coldly, her tone laced with anger. 

The servant, Talia, immediately showed fear, casting a quick, terrified glance at Fiona before lowering her head and trembling. 

Angela observed the scene, an uneasy feeling settling in her chest. 

“Talia, you’ve worked here for over eight years. You’re practically a veteran in this household. What made you do something so reckless?” Joseph asked with a heavy sigh. 

Talia, in her early 30s, had been working for the Bamford family alongside her husband, drawn by the generous benefits. 

“Sir, I had no choice,” Talia began, her voice breaking. “My son was diagnosed with acute leukemia. He needs money for treatment. I tried asking Madam Fiona for help, but she ignored me. She even said that with my mind on my son, I wouldn’t be able to focus on work and threatened to fire me and my husband.” 

“Fiona, that’s not right,” Ursula interjected, her brows furrowed as though she had already decided Fiona was at fault. “Even if we can’t help her much, we shouldn’t kick someone when they’re down. Managing a household requires compassion.” 

“But that doesn’t justify stealing,” Angela said calmly. 

“She’s right,” Dexter added in agreement. 

Ursula’s face darkened as she sighed. “Talia, tell me which hospital your son is in. I’ll help 

you 

find the best doctors and offer whatever other assistance you need.” 

“What a kind–hearted soul you are, Ursula,” Fiona said with a faint, knowing smile. 

“But as far as I know,” Fiona continued, her voice steady and deliberate, “there are 203 servants in the Bamford Manor. Among them, ten have family members suffering from serious illnesses. 12 have children struggling to access elite schools due to financial constraints. Three sustained work injuries just last week. I’ve already had these cases documented by the butler, Gary. Why don’t we take this opportunity, Ursula, for you to help them solve their problems as well?” 

Fiona’s words stunned everyone, Angela included. 

Good grief, Fiona truly lived up to her reputation as a workaholic. 

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Chapter 98 

+25 BONUS 

It was clear she hadn’t treated her role as house manager as a mere household duty. Instead, she had approached it with the precision and orderliness of running a corporation. The fact that she had conducted such a comprehensive survey and committed these details to memory within a week spoke volumes about her capabilities. 

Ursula’s face turned a sour shade, a mix of anger and embarrassment. 

Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Ursula responded through gritted teeth, “You’re very capable, Fiona, but this is a home, not a company. You don’t need to enforce such iron- fisted measures here!” 

“All I know is that my family is limited to those under this roof. The 203 servants are employees, and I am not obligated to care for their families,” Fiona replied icily, her words sharp and precise. 

The tension in the room was palpable, the atmosphere turning stiff and awkward. 

Angela watched the exchange, feeling like she was witnessing a scene from an old drama. She realized she had underestimated Fiona’s resolve. 

“So, Fiona,” Ursula began, softening her tone but introducing a pointed question. “How do you plan to resolve this matter?” 

Angela felt a weight sink in her chest. Ursula had just laid a trap.