Welcome to the Rose Mansion - Chapter 11
That’s Madam Otis?
Richelle swallowed hard. It seemed likely, given the context, but she appeared too young to have a son nearing adulthood…
While Richelle was momentarily perplexed, the lady presumed to be Madam Otis gracefully approached.
“Oh my! It’s wonderful to meet you, Miss Howard!”
Then, unexpectedly, she pulled Richelle into a tight embrace.
“I’ve been eagerly waiting for you! I’m so happy to meet you.”
“Ah, Madam Otis!”
Richelle exclaimed, almost like a scream. The hug was overly enthusiastic for a greeting, and something small and hard pressed mercilessly against her ribs, almost making her push away.
Fortunately, the embrace was brief. As soon as they separated, Richelle reflexively checked Madam Otis’s hands. Each finger was adorned with large, thick rings. She looked like a nouveau riche desperate to flaunt her wealth.
‘Umm.’
Judging someone by their appearance at first meeting was something Richelle despised the most. However, this time she couldn’t help but notice Madam Otis’s exterior.
Madam Otis was even more radiant and beautiful than the golden statues in the central hall. Her dazzling platinum hair cascaded down to her waist, and she wore a tiara studded with rubies as big as thumbnails.
Below that were her strikingly bright blue eyes, her clean, white face, and soft lips.
She was the epitome of an ideal beauty, albeit her attire was quite unique.
Madam Otis wore an expensive purple silk dress and had several layers of intricately designed lace shawls wrapped around her. The ends of the shawls glittered a subtle crimson in the fireplace light, presumably adorned with jewels.
Around her neck hung five necklaces, starting from a short diamond choker to long, draped pearl necklaces. Large emerald earrings adorned her ears, and her arms were wrapped in gold bracelets. As mentioned, each finger bore a ring.
In short, her appearance was like that of a child who had rummaged through her mother’s jewelry box for play. Her extraordinary beauty was almost overshadowed by the parade of jewels.
Why such excessive adornment? Although Richelle found it strange, she knew it wasn’t her place to interfere.
Richelle made an effort not to focus on Madam Otis’s appearance any longer and painted a familiar smile on her face. It was a clear, pleasant smile that naturally endeared others.
“I’m delighted to meet you, Madam Otis.”
“I’m the one who’s delighted. I’ve heard you’re exceptionally skilled. Seeing you in person, you seem even wiser.”
Madam Otis was a cheerful and kind person. She treated Richelle almost like a guest or a close relative, exuding warmth and friendliness.
‘It’s a relief she seems to like me. That’s all that matters.’
With this thought, Richelle sat down on the sofa, following Madam Otis’s lead.
“You must have heard, all the tutors we’ve hired so far couldn’t even last a month. It’s been quite a headache.”
“You must have been quite concerned, Madam.”
“Yes, but now that we have a wonderful person like you, I’m relieved. Shall we start with signing the employment contract?”
A middle-aged woman, who appeared to be the head maid, brought a piece of paper. Richelle took it, feeling a bit perplexed. She had never heard of signing an employment contract in such cases.
“There’s nothing unusual in it. Just a confidentiality clause and… specifying the employment period.”
It was just as she said. Not to indiscriminately share information about the mansion. The contract was for one year. She must seek permission for outings.
As the content seemed straightforward, Richelle willingly signed. As soon as the pen left the paper, the head maid took the contract away.
“Now we’re truly a family. I’m delighted.”
Madam Otis offered refreshments. Richelle, feeling a bit famished, happily ate a sandwich and drank tea. She also made sure to respond appropriately to Madam Otis’s stories, boasting about the grandeur and wealth of the Bertrand Mansion.
After modestly filling her stomach without breaching etiquette, Richelle cautiously broached a new topic.
“May I ask about your children?”
“Ah.”
It was a subject Richelle had expected to come up during their conversation but had remained unmentioned until now.
However, Madam Otis’s eyes suddenly turned cold and lifeless. The stark difference from when she spoke about the mansion and art pieces startled Richelle.
