Butler Ted, sensing the tension, quickly interjected, “Young Master, it’s time for you to head to the company. The driver is waiting outside.”
Holden turned and left.
Butler Ted didn’t know what to say to Sarah. He knew her comment was unintentional and partly in jest. But sometimes, an offhand remark could hit the nail on the head.
The next day, Sarah arranged to meet Merry’s aunt.
Merry’s aunt was a high-ranking executive in the entertainment industry. She had mentioned a few days ago that a well-known director was struggling to find the right actor for a role.
Sarah, having been thrust into this novel, didn’t want to spend her days idly, tormenting Elisa as the original plot dictated. She wanted to have something of her own to do. Keeping herself busy would mean less time fixating on others. Plus, if Holden ever kicked her out, she’d need a backup plan.
So, when Merry’s aunt mentioned this opportunity, Sarah expressed her interest in trying out for the role.
When Alice arrived, Sarah had already been waiting in the cafe for over ten minutes.
Initially, Alice hadn’t thought much of Sarah. She knew her niece Merry and Sarah were close, but it always seemed like Sarah treated Merry as a sidekick. However, seeing Sarah with Merry recently, she realized there was more genuine friendship there than she had initially thought.
Today, Alice intentionally arrived a bit late, wanting to see how Sarah would react. She found the young girl sitting quietly by the window, showing no signs of impatience. This increased Alice’s impression of her.
Alice sat down. “Sarah, I’m sorry I’m late. Something came up on the way.”
They chatted about the director, the script, and the character requirements.
Finally, Alice said, “Sarah, you look the part. But you have no acting experience and didn’t attend a drama school. The director has high standards, and it’s tough for an amateur to catch his eye. If you’re serious about this path, I suggest exploring other avenues.”
Sarah responded, “Ms. Alice, I’d like to give it a try first.”
She approached this as a job application, much like she used to. She just wanted to act quietly, with her own things to focus on, avoiding other distractions.
Sarah had been acting for many years and felt confident in her skills.
Alice smiled. “Alright then, go ahead and audition. I wish you the best of luck.”
Despite her words, Alice didn’t truly believe Sarah could pass the director’s scrutiny. Sometimes, a pretty face alone wasn’t enough to make it in this industry.
When Sarah got home that evening, she finally saw the text from Butler Ted sent at noon: [Everyone is on holiday today. No one is home. Lady, you should stay at a hotel.]
Sarah was puzzled. “Holiday?”
Aren’t the servants at the CEO’s house supposed to be on call 24/7, 365 days a year?
Well, everyone deserves a break.
Since she was already at the doorstep, it didn’t make sense to turn around and head to a hotel. She had taken care of herself all her life without any help, so she could manage.
As she walked in, she texted the butler back: [Why is everyone on holiday? Shouldn’t there be at least a couple of people left?]
Three minutes later, the butler replied: [Mr. Holden’s company has a benefits program that sends employees on a one-week trip to the CM Island every year.”
Although the butler and the housekeeper didn’t work for Holden’s company, they still enjoyed the company’s benefits. Holden wasn’t helpless, so the entire staff went on the trip together.
Sarah looked up flights to the CM Island. Oh, it’s overseas. No wonder they’re so dedicated to him.
The house was indeed very quiet, and even Holden wasn’t home.
Sarah looked around the multi-million-dollar villa, estimating the daily cost of living there. She pondered whether it was cheaper to buy or rent such a house.
While she sat cross-legged on the couch, calculating on her phone, the door suddenly opened.
She and Holden locked eyes.
Sarah said, “Butler Ted and the staff went on an overseas team-building trip.”
Holden ignored her and went upstairs.
Sarah, with her keen sense of smell, noticed a faint scent of alcohol on him. It was normal for someone of his status to have social engagements.
Sarah politely asked, “Did you have dinner? Do you want me to cook something for you?”
Usually, Holden wouldn’t eat anything not prepared by a five-star chef. The housekeeper used to be a chef at a Michelin-starred restaurant, so even the simple dishes she made were exceptional. Compared to that, Holden would likely dismiss her cooking.
“I’m not eating now. Prepare breakfast for me tomorrow morning,” Holden said.
Sarah was taken aback but nodded lightly.
Holden suddenly looked at her, “Tomorrow is Ronald’s birthday. What did you get him?”
Sarah had completely forgotten. She hadn’t prepared anything for Ronald. Considering he was the one who pushed her off the building, not sending a coffin was already kind enough. She had no intention of getting him a thoughtful gift.
Struggling for an answer, Sarah said, “A bottle of perfume.”
Holden smirked and went upstairs.
Sarah still had her audition in a few days and was studying the character. It was a minor role in the movie with few scenes but high expectations. The role was a pretty face but had to be more than just a pretty face. The director had auditioned many people without finding the right one and was now casting a wider net.
She figured Holden would want breakfast at around seven. Normally, Sarah wasn’t up by seven, and she would take her time getting ready. But if she had to prepare breakfast, she’d have to get up even earlier.
Sarah set her alarm for six, placed her phone by her pillow, and fell asleep quickly.
The next morning, she was awakened by the alarm, got up, washed up, changed clothes, and went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
The housekeeper had prepared some semi-cooked meals before leaving, including pizzas. Sarah heated up the pizzas, made two fried eggs, and made the milk.
Holden was about to leave with some files when he unexpectedly ran into Sarah coming out of the kitchen. He was surprised. He knew Sarah wasn’t an early riser. He had only mentioned breakfast in passing the night before and didn’t expect her to actually remember.
Sarah was also taken aback. “You asked me to get up and make you breakfast, and now you’re leaving without eating?”
Holden replied, “No, I was just putting the files in the car first.”
Sarah didn’t buy it. For someone like Holden, lying probably came as naturally as telling the truth.
They sat down in the dining room, and Holden slowly ate a bite of the fried egg. Honestly, the taste was mediocre-neither good nor bad.
Sarah hadn’t expected him to finish the food she made.
Sarah’s mind wandered to random novel snippets. In the original story, there seemed to be a reason why the male lead, Ronald, was favored and supported by someone of Holden’s status. After all, there were many young people at Ronald’s level, but people like Holden were rare.
Holden had helped the male lead Ronald not just because the guy’s company was innovative and caught his attention, but also because they shared the same birthday, which he found interesting.
Same day of birth, different fates.
If Sarah remembered correctly, Ronald’s birthday was today.
But strangely, Butler Ted, who was usually very meticulous, hadn’t reminded her. All the household staff had been sent on a trip abroad during this time.
Sarah felt that Holden was not only complex but also very lonely. He was like a deep sea, seemingly beautiful and mysterious on the surface, but the deeper you went, the more isolated and desolate he appeared.
“Uh…” Sarah bit her lip, “I heard that people who eat egg in the morning have a lifetime of happiness.”
Holden raised an eyebrow. “Hmm?”
Sarah continued, “Yes, that’s the idea. Anyway, it means the whole year will go well, with smooth business and a good mood.”
Butler Ted, the cunning man, didn’t mention Holden’s birthday, which meant Holden didn’t like acknowledging it. Sarah found it hard to say “Happy Birthday” directly. She didn’t want to risk being kicked out of the multi-million-dollar villa and lose her free lodging and breakfast.
But she had to express her wishes.
Sarah genuinely hoped Holden would have a good future.