With an unforgettable sense of satisfaction, Fran, who laughed at Lola fiercely, walked leisurely out of the dilapidated chapel. There was a chilling sense of oppression behind her, and it was clear that Lola must have been staring at herself.

At the thought of this, Fran couldn't help but smile from the bottom of her heart.

She finally avenged the hatred she had hidden in her heart when she was studying in the studio, and Mademoiselle de Beauwon, who had the audacity to be disrespectful to Treville, finally received the little punishment she deserved.

Hmph, I swore I would have punished you for your domineering, and now ...... Please obediently drink the bitter bar that you brewed on your own initiative, hahahaha!

"You seem to be very happy? Did you have a good conversation with this friend? Just as she walked out of the chapel full of joy, a greeting suddenly reached her ears.

After hearing this greeting, Fran hurriedly put away this malicious smirk, put on the usual gentle, bright, innocent smile again, and turned her head to look at the sudden young man. "yes, I haven't seen my friends for a long time, but today we had a good chat and I feel much better! I've been suffocating lately......"

"How much you have suffered tomorrow, you don't even have someone who can say intimate words!" Ezreal Walter, who had been hiding outside the church, sighed, "That man will pay for his evil deeds, I swear!" ”

Fran listened to his sigh, but her heart grew colder.

Worried that Lola would really go crazy and do something stupid, Fran called the young man who had been close to him recently, and told him that if something happened to him, he would rush in to save him after hearing about him.

However, the helper was not satisfied with Fran in almost every way, except for some unexplained loyalty.

He was too disrespectful to his brother, and although this is useful now, when the matter is done, he must be punished as well.

Fran secretly told herself in her heart.

"Thank you for your help, sir...... I really don't know how to thank you for the kindness you have given me all the time that I cannot repay......" she looked at the young man with emotion, "I beg you, as a noble person, to accept my reward in the future...... Please! ”

Ezreal was first embarrassed by Fran's earnestness, for a moment

"What are you talking about, isn't it a matter of course for decent people to help a child like you in distress? I just hate that I can't help you too much, so don't mention anything in return, as long as you can get rid of that person's terrible clutches and live a happy life in the future, this is a reward for me. ”

"Do you want me to be ungrateful?" Fran looked at Ezreal with a little sadness, "No, no! Sir, I also have the right to be a noble man, and I beseech you to accept my future rewards, though certainly not ......much."

"Okay, okay, thank you, miss." Seeing Fran's kindness, Ezreal smiled self-deprecatingly, then bowed to Fran, "I'm waiting for you to repay me for the gift." ”

"Well, I beg your pardon for not being able to give it to you right now...... I'm sure I'll give it, though. Fran replied earnestly, and then she looked up at the sky again, "It's getting late, the maid must be impatient, I have to hurry back...... Sir, I cheekily ask you not to forget my entrustment in the future, and continue to help this poor man......"

"I will." Ezreal straightened up and replied, "You should go back early, I have everything, don't worry." ”

"Goodbye, then......" Fran looked for someone at him, then turned to leave.

…………………………

It was late at night, and the whole city was slowly turning from the hustle and bustle of the day back to silence. But at this moment, the mansion of the Marquis of Treville is still brightly lit.

The old master and the young master had just gone out and could come back at any time, so the servants were making preparations so that they would not be in a hurry when they suddenly returned.

The kitchen is reheated every half hour, and the house is cleaned all the time.

In the drawing-room, a middle-aged maid in an apron was absentmindedly wiping copper and silver utensils, while thinking about something she had encountered today that seemed strange to her.

While the clean-up was still going on unhurriedly, she suddenly felt someone tap her on the shoulder.

"Oh, sir! Don't worry, I'll finish wiping this place in a minute! At first, she thought that the housekeeper thought she was moving too slowly, so she was urging herself, and hurriedly responded first.

Then, when she turned around, she found that it was not the housekeeper who greeted her, "Miss, is that you?" ”

To her great surprise, it was Mademoiselle's female companion, Mademoiselle de Léorent, who patted her on the shoulder.

However, the young lady did not respond to her greeting, but only looked at her with a frown, and her lips were closed, as if she had a heavy burden in her heart.

"You...... Can you take a moment to take a moment? I have something to ask you. After a moment's hesitation, she made her request to the servant.

"Yes, miss." Despite his doubts, the servant complied.

Soon, they were in the storage room next to the living room.

As soon as the door was closed, Mademoiselle de Léoland looked at the maid with a solemn expression.

"You accompanied Miss out today, right?"

After hearing the young lady's question, the maid's heart suddenly tightened.

"Yes, miss." After a moment's hesitation, she nodded.

"I heard that Mademoiselle is going out to meet a friend...... right" After receiving the confirmation, Mary looked at the servant with a more stern gaze, "So, did you notice anything unusual?" ”

The servant's face was suddenly filled with hesitation.

Do I have to sue her for these things? If I sue her, I'm afraid the young lady will be angry...... After all, now the young lady has snubbed her.

Moreover, she also had a very bad impression of this young lady.

In the secret gossip of the servants, it was said that the Mademoiselle de léoland was a very cunning and unscrupulous man, and that when he had lost it at Mademoiselle, he deliberately went to flatter him. It is precisely because of this strict discussion that deviates from the facts that the maid's attitude towards Mary is a little disrespectful.

Recently, the young lady doesn't take her with her when she goes out, but prefers to take a maid with her, which is obviously also proof of her neglect.

As soon as he thought of this, the servant's look at Mary could not help but carry a hint of contempt. "Nothing out of the ordinary, miss...... I don't know what I have to ask so seriously. ”

"Oh, is that ......?" Perhaps irritated by this gaze, Mary's gaze suddenly became a little terrified, "Then I will tell Mr. Sù according to your answer, and if he comes to question you next, I hope you will give the same answer." ”

Mary's looming threat made the maid lose her bearings at once, and she dared to lie to the young lady, but she would never dare to lie in front of her master. If this young lady did move her husband over, the consequences would be too terrible for her.

It's really shameless, I think I can rely on Mr. and not take everyone seriously! The servant's heart was suddenly full of anger, but there was nothing he could do.

"No...... Mademoiselle, don't do this, in fact, I have found something strange, but Mademoiselle won't let me say it......" She hurriedly called out to Mary, who was about to turn away.

Then she told Mary what she had seen. "Miss went out today, saying that she was seeing a friend, but she didn't tell everyone that she was seeing any friend, and after taking me to a chapel, she left us outside, told us not to go in, and then she walked in alone......"

Then, the servant's expression suddenly became very strange, "After a while, just as we were in a little anxious to go in and have a look, the young lady finally came out, and then ...... And then...... I saw what seemed to be a figure next to her, and she had been talking to that person, and that person was ...... It seems to be a young man, so ...... So...... I doubt ......"

Speaking of which, perhaps because she was afraid of something, she stopped talking.

The maid saw Fran and Ezreal talking, and a strange but plausible suspicion arose.

In Mary's case, however, it was impossible for her to think that way......

Well, what kind of trick is he doing! She thought to herself.

Then she began to estimate who this "young man" really was.

Is Lola dressed as a man?

No, no, as things stand, Fran wouldn't want to be single to meet her...... There should be someone else.

So, who should it be?

In terms of Fran's social side, she shouldn't know too many people, at least, Mary who is always by her side should be impressed.

Mary began to ponder, trying to guess who this person should be.

A moment later, Mary had a flash of inspiration.

It's Ezreal Walter! It had to be him!

In the midst of the ambiguity and confusion, Mary's mind suddenly flashed and she remembered someone.

With this light, the young man's voice and smile slowly appeared in her mind—although she had only met a few times, she was deeply impressed by the young man's rather handsome appearance and nonchalant look.

In his memory, he didn't know what his purpose was, he had been getting close to the Tréville family, and approached Fran several times, until he was finally scolded by his husband in person and ordered to never contact Fran again, and he disappeared temporarily.

I didn't expect ...... After being threatened like this by Mr., this guy still has the guts to come back again...... I really don't know whether to live or die.

Surprised and annoyed, Mary couldn't help but frown slightly.

Sir is still too kind, this kind of guy who doesn't know what to do at first glance, if he had given some colors earlier, why would he still cause so much trouble? Thinking of this, Mary couldn't help but feel a little resentful about Charles.

But...... Fortunately, it was detected early, and there is still time to remedy. A moment later, Mary regained her senses.

Let's do what I agreed with Matilda before, and find a way to arrest this guy and ask him to see what the hell Fran is up to...... No matter what, she must not be allowed to succeed!

In an instant, Mary had thought of so many things and had thought of a countermeasure, but there was nothing unusual on her face.

"Okay, I know everything you said, don't worry, now everything is handled by me, and no one will blame you anymore." After calming the other party's nervous mood with a pleasant face, Mary immediately changed back to Yan Sù's face. "However, you must remember that this is a matter of the lady's reputation, so you must not disclose what you say to me to anyone, otherwise...... I guess you know the consequences, right? ”

Being frightened by Mary like this, the maid was so frightened that she hurriedly assured Mary that she would never talk nonsense and would definitely keep it a secret.

Seeing that the other party was so obedient, Mary nodded in satisfaction. She was glad that she had gotten the information she wanted, and at the same time had established authority over the other party in one fell swoop—and that this person would never dare to disrespect her again.

"Okay, I've already asked everything I want to ask," although she was very happy in her heart, she was still strict on the surface, "You can stay here and clean up properly, I'll go and report to Mr." ”

That being said, she wasn't going to really report it to Charles at the moment—whether it was a kind of insistence on her promise, or a stupid pride, she just didn't want to do it.

The relieved maid thanked her again and again, but she turned a deaf ear and turned to leave the storage room.

Mary, who was in a good mood, finally found a clue about what she should do next.

As far as she was concerned, the interests of the Charles, and indeed of the Trévilles, were the safeguard of her own interests, and she ought to defend them in any way, and not to be shattered by the willfulness of one man.

With Matilda's support, she is now confident that with her two talents, she will never be afraid to play against anyone.

Just as she was about to go upstairs to her bedroom to rest with such a relaxed mood, she suddenly felt a chill that made her whole body uncomfortable.

She looked up, then her eyes widened suddenly.

Because, that Miss Tréville, who was standing by the railing on the second floor, looked at herself condescendingly.

In the dim candlelight, her beautiful face was covered with a layer of shadows, and she looked almost hideous.

For no reason, Mary only felt panicked.

Calm, calm! Don't show weakness to her!

In her heart, she yelled at herself, and finally let herself not show her timidity.

Then, she bowed gracefully to Fran. "Good evening, miss."

However, she saluted in no return, and Fran's face only showed that sneer of anger at betrayal.

"Look at your style, do you really think of yourself as a hostess!"

"Then you can blame me, Mademoiselle, for I never thought of it......," replied Mary calmly, "a privilege I cannot afford." ”

"I'm glad you're able to face reality, then......" Fran still sneered, "when will you be able to abandon your fantasies of competing with me?" ”

It was hard to hear, but anyone could tell that Fran really wanted her to change her mind, to be reconciled to herself, to be reconciled to herself, and to her, which was already a rare gesture of friendship.

"Never." Mary looked up at Fran with determination in her eyes, "If I give up this idea, it will be tantamount to losing the value of my whole life...... I can't do that. ”

Such a categorical refusal made Fran finally become annoyed.

"So, for the sake of this ridiculous pride, you're willing to throw away our friendship and find a way to climb into his bed! Isn't that just as shameless? ”

"In my current situation, if I want to compete with you or Lola, or even Matilda, I can't do it on my own...... God has created a natural chasm for us, you are born with a family name that is superior to mine, a family that is stronger than my parents, and I can either bow my head and admit defeat to fate, or I have to find a way to get rid of this qiē. Mary stared at Fran and said word for word, "You say I'm not ashamed, and well, I admit that I am shameless, but would you have a better choice when you're in my position?" ”

Then, a mocking smile appeared on her face, "Besides, is this an age of shame?" Did you think about any shame when you murdered her brother with Lola? I appreciate the importance you have shown me, but it's a pity...... I'd rather bow down to your brother than be your servant, and I think you'll understand my feelings. ”

"I don't understand, and I don't want to......" Fran replied coldly, "I only know that you have abandoned my friendship, betrayed my help, and chosen to be my enemy!" ”

"You can think so if you want, but, as far as I can see, I still have a lot of respect and affection for you." Then Mary suddenly smiled, "Now that you have offended you by accusing me, maybe one day you will have to thank me?" Who can tell ...... future?"

"Humph......"

Just as Fran was about to say something, the door suddenly opened, and Charles and the Marquis of Treville walked back, laughing and talking.

The old marquis was a little tired, so his valet helped him to the dining room to rest and have something to eat, while Charles planned to walk straight back to his bedroom.

When he reached the stairs, he was shocked to find that his sister was confronting Mary, as if they were arguing over something.

"Good evening, two......" he asked with a smile, "Did anything just happen?" ”

Fran ignored him, just gave him a blank look, then turned and walked towards his bedroom.

This merciless treatment embarrassed Charles, who turned his head to look at Mary, as if to get some information from her.

I have tried to overcome all obstacles for you to avoid terrible disasters, and you have been able to do a great job...... Thinking of this, Mary couldn't help but feel a trace of anger in her heart.

Although she knew that Charles really couldn't help herself much without knowing it, she just couldn't help but be a little angry.

"Looks like you're a qiēshun lì?"

"Yes, 一qiē顺lì......" Although he was still a little stunned, Charles replied immediately, "Charlotte finally changed her mind, I spent a lot of ......"

"Oh, is it? It's great to see you in a hurry......" Mary interrupted Charles with a flat smile on her face, and then the rest of the words seemed to bite out of her teeth, word by word, "I wish you and that young lady a smooth sailing in your marriage, sir." ”

If there is a slight jealousy and bitter respect for Fran, there is nothing left for Charlotte - can there be anything more infuriating in the world than to be able to get a good thing even though she has not done any effort, but in the end she can get a good thing as a matter of course?

Even more uncomfortable than jealousy was the fact that her present unclear position depended on the approval of, or at least acquiesce, of the future Madame Treville.

"What's wrong, Mary?" Seeing the insincerity in Mary's tone, Charles hurriedly asked, "Is there anything that makes you unhappy?" ”

"No, I'm happy, sir......" Mary replied in a tone of obvious displeasure, "what reason do I have to be unhappy?" You are about to enter the sacred marriage hall with Miss Treville, and the Treville family will flourish even more...... And I'm going to have one more hostess...... Oh no, it's hard to say whether he's willing to be my mistress or not, and I'm a little too carried away when I say that, sir? ”

"Oh...... So you're worried about this? After hearing this sour tone, Charles finally came to his senses.

That's right, in her situation, it's time to worry about her future, why didn't I think of it before?

Judging from Charlotte's usual temperament, there are really some doubts about whether she can accept this secretary staying by her side.

Then, he couldn't help but look at Mary apologetically.

Although she may have dedicated herself to herself because she was pampered by her grandfather, not because she was infatuated with herself, but for whatever reason, now that she has followed her, and she has done so many things for herself, she really has no reason to leave her behind.

"Don't worry," he replied to Mary directly, "whether I'm married or unmarried, here at Treville you'll get the respect you deserve, and as I said, I'll never abandon my own people." ”

"Really?" Mary looked at Charles with wide eyes, as if to see if he was sincere, "What if...... I mean, if Madame wants to force you to kick me out in the future, will you do that? ”

"You're my reliable assistant and have helped me do so much, Charlotte won't be ignorant." Although he said so, Charles was still a little apprehensive in his heart, and he was not sure about Charlotte's thoughts.

Under Mary's still suspicious gaze, a sense of irritability suddenly rose in Charles's heart.

Do I need someone else to approve my use as my secretary and assistant? Shouldn't I be in charge of my own business? Even Charlotte couldn't dictate me everything.

"Even if she doesn't know the general situation, I have the right to make arrangements for my career! You're my assistant and can keep doing it if you want, that's it. Charles replied categorically.

Then, he added, "However, you must also show enough respect for her, respect her as much as you respect me, and not be disrespectful to her, understand?" ”

It is enough to have such assurances...... Looking at the resoluteness on Charles's face, Mary also breathed a sigh of relief, confirming that she really would never be kicked away and work hard in vain.

However, she only listened to the first half of Charles's advice.

It doesn't matter, I'll flatter her if I need to, even if it's groveling...... But Hugh wants me to respect her. Mary thought to herself. In the back of her mind, she was still indignant at her own failure, and even at Fran's.

I'm not going to be convinced of her.

"Do as you command, sir." With a soft smile, Mary bowed lightly to Charles. R1152