MTLNOVEL Chapter 643: Trained to take care of her.
Downstairs, at the dining table —
Under Mr. Jones's supervision, dinner had been beautifully laid out. The chefs had prepared everything with great care, to suit everyone's taste and preferences.
Because Arwen had specifically asked Mr. Jones to ensure Selene's likes and dislikes were taken into account, and the old butler had personally visited the kitchen to oversee the preparation of a few dishes of Selene's choice.
As the maids set the final platter on the table, the rhythmic click of heels echoed through the hallway.
They turned toward the sound, only to see Selene walking in with an old woman accompanying.
Though the maids were trained not to speak out of turn, they couldn't help but exchange glances.
The woman looked … striking. She was dressed in comfortable loungewear, with her face fully made up and stilettos clacking against the marble like she was walking a runway. She moved with an air of practiced elegance, as though the dining room was her stage.
But who dresses like that for a quiet dinner at home?
Maybe some young women of rich families did, but their madam, Arwen, was the epitome of understated grace. At home, she favoured soft fabrics, no makeup, and bare feet or slippers. Her beauty didn't demand adornment —it simply spoke itself.
In contrast, Selene's arrival felt almost theatrical. The difference stood too stark to ignore.
"She seems so … unrealistic?" one maid whispered near the corner.
"She has to be. I heard she is a model abroad," another murmured. "Maybe dressing up like this is second nature to her."
"Really?" someone asked, her tone tinged with disbelief. "Even at home? Madam never does that. I have barely seen her with so much make up —not even when she goes out."
"Why would madam need to?" another one scoffed softly. "She is beautiful without effort. Even Sir looks at her like she is his whole world."
The gossip was quiet, but not quite enough to escape Mr. Jones's ears.
He turned sharply, his piercing gaze cutting across the room.
The chatter ceased instantly.
"You guys could move back first," he instructed, "When needed, you will be called for."
The maids quickly bowed their heads and retreated.
Selene might not have heard them, but she saw the way they looked at her. She smirked, knowing she was looking the best.
"Young Miss, those staff were mesmerized looking at you just now. See, I told you, no one can beat you in looks." Carla spoke close to Selene's ears, responding to which she smiled.
She then gestured to her and the old nanny looked at the butler and asked, "is the dinner prepared?" Her tone, carrying the tilt of arrogance.
Mr. Jones might not have liked that tone, but he didn't let it appear on his face. He was Winslow family butler, he knows how to act.
Putting on a formal smile, he looked at Selene and said, "The dinner is ready, Ms. Martin. I was about to send someone to inform you. But since you are here, please take a seat. Madam and sir will be joining soon."
Selene gave him a curt nod and then walked to take the chair. But reaching the chair she had sat yesterday, she paused, only to give a small cue to her nanny who was following her a step behind.
As if it was some pact signed, the moment their gaze met, Carla understood. Giving a subtle nod, she spoke, "Please wait, young miss."
She then turned to glare at Mr. Jones as if accusing him of something. "How could you let out young miss sit here?"
Mr. Jones didn't understand. He was about to ask, but just then he saw the saw the old woman turn and look the other side.
Arwen had entered the dining room … alone. She hasn't dressed up, so she looked pretty casual. This was Carla's first time seeing her, and finding her so plainly dressed, she didn't find her at all comparable to Selene.
Shouldn't the ladies of the rich family dress up a little?
Her expression twisted in dislikement as she stared at Arwen.
Arwen blinked, not quite familiar with the woman either. Turning to Mr. Jones, she asked, "Mr. Jones, this is —?"
"Madam, this is Carla Johnsons, Ms. Martin's nanny. She arrived in the morning. Sorry, I couldn't inform you about her earlier."
Arwen turned to look at the old woman. She could clearly see her defiant gaze. But as long as she doesn't cross her, she wouldn't care about her. Wasn't she just an underling?
"Good evening, Ms. —"
"Mrs. Winslow." Arwen was quite prompt to correct her. "You can address me with the marital title. Mrs. Winslow."
Carla forced a smile, but nodded. "Good evening, Mrs. Winslow. I am Carla Johnson. Sorry, I didn't get the chance to come and greet you earlier. I am just too occupied in taking care of our young miss. She is my priority."
Arwen raised a brow, amusement dancing in her gaze. "Oh, of course. I can understand, after all, you are her nanny. It's just that …" she turned to look at Selene and continued, "Ms. Martin said she would feel lonely here since she had come alone and doesn't know many people around. So, I didn't expect you … someone close to her, to show up on the very first day. I am sure now she doesn't have to worry."
Selene understood what Arwen meant. However, she just shrugged it off with smile. "Carla has always stayed around me since I was a kid, Arwen. I hope you won't mind her presence. She will take care of me here as she has been trained to do so. I can't depend on anyone else apart from her."
"Definitely not," Arwen shook her head. "Of course, you aren't well and need someone to take care of you." Then turning to Mr. Jones, she spoke, "Mr. Jones, arrange a room for Ms. Johnson in our servant quarters."
"Yes, Madam," the butler politely nodded.
Once that was said, Arwen turned to look at the dining table where the dishes were all laid out. "The dinner is served," she said, gesturing her towards the table. "Let's sit. Aiden would be here soon."
And with that, she went to grab her seat when suddenly Carla spoke up to stop her.
"Mrs. Winlsow, please wait!" She exchanged a small glance with Selene and then turned to look at Arwen, with hostility clear in her eyes.