After meeting Mr. and Mrs. Loran in the reception room, the three of them headed toward the rooms prepared for them.
The atmosphere was calm but carried an unspoken tension, especially from Stella, who seemed determined to stir the waters subtly.
Mrs. Loran had asked Annie to come and greet them as well, but the little girl refused politely, making the excuse that she was a bit tired, saying that she would see them at dinner anyway.
It was clear that Annie preferred to avoid the initial formality, perhaps to keep some distance.
Stella was informed that she would also be accompanying Annie at dinner since she was her personal nanny.
"I didn't want this, but she insisted," Stella said with a hint of resignation.
"I don't know, but I think the lady might be upset about this. No nanny has ever attended dinner with the guests in this house," Carla spoke with a serious expression, her tone almost warning.
"Oh, really?" Stella replied, raising an eyebrow slightly.
Carla confirmed, "Yes, there are limits, we are just servants here."
"Hmm, well, I hope the lady doesn't get upset as you said. You know I can't refuse the little miss's request, and she said she would talk to her grandmother afterward," Stella answered, her voice calm yet carrying a subtle defiance.
"Alright then, good luck," Carla said, leaving the room to have her own dinner.
Stella smiled faintly to herself, "Very good, this is exactly what I want. I hope she really gets upset with me, that way I can get away from here."
She decided to wear the best outfit she had to increase the level of annoyance that would occur.
Dinner time finally arrived. Annie's maid came to call Stella.
"Alright, go ahead, I'll be right there."
Inside her room, Stella took her time getting ready, adding a few enhancements with makeup.
She stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her outfit one last time, satisfied with her appearance, "Ah, I hope everything goes as I want this time," she sighed, her lips curling into a subtle, confident smile.
After finishing the final touches, she went to Annie's room, where the little girl was already waiting, sitting quietly by the window with a book.
"Wow, you look amazing, Alina!" Annie said in admiration, her eyes lighting up.
Stella smiled gently, "Thank you, little miss, but I could never be more stunning than you."
Annie smiled shyly in response.
Just then, a maid entered the room softly, saying, "Miss, Mrs. Loran is waiting for you, and the guests are asking about you as well."
"Then let's go," Annie said eagerly, taking Stella's hand.
The two headed to the dining room.
Annie was visibly excited, her steps light and energetic, while Stella walked with a calm, measured pace, her posture erect and poised.
As they entered the room, Annie walked in first, followed by Stella.
The guests and family were already seated at the table, which was set with fine china and sparkling crystal glasses.
The flickering candlelight cast a warm glow across the room, accentuating the elegant atmosphere.
As soon as the two entered, they caught everyone's attention. Annie greeted them cheerfully, "Good evening, everyone."
Stella followed suit but lowered her head slightly in a customary gesture of respect for household staff. As she lifted her head, she looked directly at Mrs. Loran, studying her expression carefully, silently bracing for dismissal.
But soon, her hopes were dashed.
With her usual composed smile, Mrs. Loran said warmly, "Good evening, please, join us."
Then she turned to the guests and added, "Let me introduce you. This is Miss Alina, my granddaughter's nanny."
At that moment, all eyes turned to Stella. Mr. Linden showed little interest and continued his conversation with Mr. Loran, while his wife made a few polite remarks, her eyes flicking briefly over Stella's outfit.
"As expected of your household staff, elegant and well mannered, Mrs. Loran," she said softly.
Their daughter also showed no particular interest in Stella and simply greeted Annie with a casual, "Good evening, Annie."
After the two took their seats at the table, the door opened again, and another person entered.
It was Liam, elegant as always, with his usual gentle smile.
He greeted everyone politely, "Good evening, everyone. It's been a long time, Uncle Linden. I'm happy you have come."
Then he took his seat at the table, positioning himself next to Miss Linden, directly across from Annie and Stella.
"I see everyone is here except the peacock. I heard he traveled just two days ago."
There hadn't been many conversations or encounters between them since the village incident. Stella sometimes wondered about Adam's frequent absences but never tried to ask anyone, as she believed the matter wasn't hers to meddle in.
The soft murmur of conversation resumed, blending with the clinking of silverware and the gentle lighting of the room.
Stella settled into her seat, her mind already running through the possibilities that this evening could bring.