Departed With A Belly {1}

Pour Away the Medicine

Victoria spoke plainly and straightforwardly, unlike Claudia's polite but indirect approach.

Suddenly, Claudia felt awkward. "-I didn't mean that."

Nonetheless, Victoria didn't bother with her and changed the topic. Before leaving the clinic, Dominic gave her some medicine. He advised Claudia, "Although your friend doesn't want to take medicine, she should try to drink some if possible. I prescribed traditional medicine, and it won't harm her body. Only drink it a few times."

"Okay."

Soon, the three of them left the clinic and returned to the Cadogan Residence. As soon as they pulled into the driveway, Victoria, still in discomfort, attempted to exit the vehicle. All she wanted was to return to her bed.

"Who is Miss Johnson?" Most of the long-serving maids in the villa knew Claudia, but some newer ones didn't.

"Claudia Johnson. She's the woman that Mr. Cadogan likes. Don't you know that?"

"Mr. Cadogan likes her?" The young maid's eyes widened. "Isn't Mr. Cadogan already married?"

"Most marriages within wealthy families are only business deals. No real love involved," said the older maid, who had spent many long years in the Cadogan Residence and spoke confidently.

"You guys are new here, so you don't understand. However, I was there when it all happened. Claudia isn't any random woman Mr. Cadogan likes. She actually saved his life. She went abroad to study for some time, and he's been waiting for her ever since."

"So, why did Mr. Cadogan marry someone else?" asked one of the listening maids.
"Well, that's because Old Mrs. Cadogan got sick and wanted to see him settle down and start a family. He had no choice but to find someone else.

At that time, the Selwyn Family had gone bankrupt, so you know how it goes," the older maid finished with a sly smirk. "It's a secret within upper-class society. Not many people know about it, so don't spread it around."

"I actually thought Mr. Cadogan and his wife were really in love. I had no idea it's all merely an act," one of the other maids said, sounding disappointed.

"Of course, it is all an act. Don't be so naive," the older maid responded.

As they were about to say more, a cough interrupted them. They turned around to see Hector standing there, his face dark and stern expression.

"Don't you have work to do?" he asked, and the group dispersed like startled birds.

Once they were gone, he stood there. He was a man in his fifties with gray hairs in his eyebrows. He furrowed his brow when he heard that Claudia had returned.

That explains why the madam had been acting strangely last night. Meanwhile, Claudia helped Victoria back to her room.

"Thank you," Victoria said.

"Thank you," Victoria said.

"Don't mention it," Claudia replied with a smile.

"You should get some rest now."

"Okay." Victoria took off her shoes and lay down. That was when she noticed Alaric entering the room slowly, his eyes wandering carelessly over her until they landed on Claudia.

"Shall I send you home?" he asked. After all, Claudia was in the Cadogan Residence and had no reason to stay there. So, she nodded. "Sure, thanks."

Before leaving, she glanced around the room and noticed a handcrafted men's suit on the coat rack outside. Only Alaric would wear that style.