JOAN’S POV
The incident with the masked man left me shaken. No matter how much I tried to push it from my mind, the memory clung to me. Every creak of the floorboards, every flicker of movement in my peripheral vision, made my heart hammer in my chest. I found myself growing paranoid, constantly looking over my shoulder as if the masked man would come out from the darkness at any moment.
Later that night, as I sat curled up on my bed, hugging my knees, my bedroom door creaked open. My pulse spiked, and I held my breath until I saw Derrick step into the room. His presence filled the space, commanding as always, but tonight, something else lingered in his gaze-concern.
“Are you okay?” he asked. His voice was softer and lower than usual, as if he was afraid he’d startle me.
I nodded, forcing a small smile, even though my hands trembled slightly against my arms. “I’m fine. And… thank you. For saving me.”
He studied me carefully. His blue eyes scanned my face as though searching for a lie. I looked up at him from my bed. My breath caught in my throat as I noticed the way his expression softened just slightly. It was so rare to see anything but his usual cold indifference.
I tried to lighten the mood. “Derrick, are you actually worried about me?” I teased with a small smirk, hoping to break the tension.
But he didn’t smile. Instead, he simply held my gaze and said, “I am.”
My heart skipped a beat.
I could hardly believe Derrick had just admitted that. For a moment, the air between us felt heavier. My lips parted slightly, unsure of what to say, but before I could form a response, he looked away and exhaled. His usual cold and guarded demeanor snapped back into place.
“Get some rest,” he said, his voice quieter now. “Goodnight.”
And just like that, he turned and left the room, leaving me sitting there with my chest tight with emotions I didn’t quite understand.
–
The next morning, I got started on my duties. As the lady of the house, there were always things that needed my attention. The workers bustled around me, and I lost myself in overseeing the daily operations. I wasn’t complaining. I was grateful for the distraction.
That afternoon, my phone rang, and when I saw the hospital’s number flashing on the screen, my breath caught. My fingers trembled as I answered.
“Miss Joan?” the voice said “This is Dr. Reynolds. I wanted to update you on your mother’s condition.”
My stomach twisted. “Is she…?”
“Her vitals are improving. If all goes well, she might be out of the coma soon.”
A weight lifted off my chest, and my knees nearly buckled.
“Oh my God,” I breathed. “Thank you. Thank you so much, Doctor. This means everything to me.”
“Of course. We’ll keep monitoring her closely, but it’s a good sign. You should come visit her soon.”
“I will. I promise.”
After the call ended, I pressed my hand to my chest, allowing myself a rare moment of relief. My mother was fighting. And if she was fighting, then so would I. This was why I endured all of this-why I stayed here. I needed to see this through, for her.
But the reprieve was short-lived.
The staff whispered in hushed voices. I could tell that everyone was uneasy. By midday, it became clear why. Derrick had launched a full investigation into the attack.
Guards roamed the halls, questioning the maids, the butlers, even the cooks. Every member of the household staff was scrutinized. Everyone’s alibis were checked and rechecked. I watched, both surprised and unsettled, as several employees were dismissed on the spot. Whether they were simply under suspicion or truly guilty of something, I couldn’t tell.
It was all because of the attack. Derrick was certain that the masked intruder was a staff.
The air in the mansion thickened with tension. It wasn’t just about finding the masked attacker anymore. It was about control. About loyalty. And perhaps, about sending a message.
Derrick was thorough. Merciless. Watching him command the investigation with such precision made me realize how powerful he truly was-and how dangerous he could be when provoked.
Every maid, every butler, every cook was pulled aside one by one. Their responses were carefully scrutinized. I watched from the sidelines. My stomach was in knots as I saw the fear on their faces.
The first round of questioning took place in the grand hall. I stood near the staircase. My hands clasped together as I observed Derrick at the center of it all. His sharp gaze scanned each person carefully, missing nothing. He asked pointed questions.
“Where were you during the time of the attack?” he asked one of the kitchen maids.
She stammered, wringing her hands together. “I-I was in the kitchens, sir. I never left my post. You can ask the others.”
Derrick exchanged a glance with one of his men, who made a note on a small pad. “And did you see anyone acting suspiciously?”
“No, sir Derrick. We were all busy preparing the evening meal.”
Derrick dismissed her with a nod, but I could tell he was dissatisfied. He moved on to the next staff member, then the next, but the answers all seemed the same-no one saw anything, no one knew anything.
As the day wore on, the tension only grew thicker. People whispered amongst themselves, terrified of being falsely accused. A few had already been dismissed-sent away for inconsistencies in their stories or lack of proper alibis. Watching them leave with their belongings packed hastily in small bags made my heart sink. Some of these people had worked here for years, and now, they were being cast out like criminals.
I hated seeing them go, but Derrick was relentless. He wasn’t taking any chances. I understood why, but it still left a bitter taste in my mouth.
At one point, I caught sight of Derrick speaking with Santi in hushed tones near the study. I moved closer, pretending to adjust a vase of flowers nearby, straining to hear their conversation.
“We’re still missing something,” Derrick muttered “Someone had to have seen something. The masked man didn’t just disappear into thin air.”
Santi sighed. “Either they’re too scared to talk, or we’re dealing with someone who’s smarter than we thought.”
“If they’re too scared, we need to make them talk,” Derrick said firmly.
I swallowed hard, He wasn’t going to let this resolve go. He wouldn’t stop until he found the person responsible.
And it was all because of me.
Did he care that much? The thought of it made my chest ache. I was a bit surprised.
I never knew he cared this much.
It actually made me kind of…happy.