Yushkova mansion

Natalia entered the gates and made her way inside the mansion. As usual nobody paid respect to her. After entering the main door, she saw the ever loyal old maid of Victoria whispering something to the old madam. The old woman looked at Natalia disgustingly.

"What are you doing here? Impudent girl!" Victoria shouted in an accusing tone.

'Ah. So they saw the scene on the cameras already.'

The younger woman walked towards Victoria.

"Mother, what're you talking about?" Natalia innocently asked.

"They said that you've come here with a different man and gone intimate with him!" Victoria accused.

"Oh. He's a friend of mine. And how intimate are we talking about?" The younger woman calmly explained and turned to the old maid, Zuzu.

"You kissed him!" Old maid Zuzu stated.

"Alright. Where?"

"His cheek!"

"Isn't it normal with friends? A peck on the cheek cannot be called intimate between friends." Natalia responded casually.

"Cheater." Old maid Zuzu retorted.

'Oh no. You don't...'

"Aren't you stepping out of the line Ms. Zuzu?" Natalia asked the old maid.

After saying that, Victoria came closer to her. "Don't change the topic, you scandalous girl!"

"Alright. So let's talk about more of cheating, mother. Do you want me to invite Neero?" Natalia uttered whispering the last word to the older woman.

Victoria's face became red as a beet wondering how did this woman knew about him. She tried to calmed herself.

"Invite who?" A man's voice questioned. The three women turned their heads.

"Father. Come join us." Natalia said looking at a panicked Victoria.

"It's nothing dear. We're just talking about the invited guests at the Zimmer grand ball." Victoria quickly covered.

Natalia winked at the old woman. "Also, we're discussing an important thing."

"What important matter?" Euro Yushkova curiously asked. Victoria's face became pale at the words of Natalia. She couldn't say anything.

"Ms. Zuzu here seemed to be forgetting her place. She didn't greet me anymore and treated me like a stranger. I felt disrespected, father. But maybe because her old age made her like this. That's the reason why I still tolerate her all this time." Natalia explained.

Euro glared at Zuzu. He's a person who distinctively separates the upper class and the lower ones.

"It's..it's not true Mr. Yushkova." The old maid countered.

"We can always watch the cameras." Natalia suggested as she looked at the maid. Zuzu became pale as well.

"Forgive her, Natalia. We all know that she's already old." Victoria replied helping Zuzu out of the situation.

"Yes mother. That's why I proposed a recommendation earlier." The young woman said.

"Which is?" Euro considered the words of Natalia. It seemed fair to him.

"That Zuzu should take a three-month vacation to rest and reflect on her actions. She should be with her family at the province. That way, she will feel the love and peace that she needs. She won't be stressed for the time being and enjoy her life more. In the future, she can serve this household more effectively. That's what I'm proposing father." The young woman stated.

By saying this, Natalia not only make Zuzu be separated from Victoria but also make the old maid suffer as she won't be receiving any compensation during those months. They have a 'no-work, no-pay policy' at the mansion. If she can make Zuzu go away then Victoria will be a little bit vulnerable as the old maid always does the personal errands of Victoria.

"Alright. I will allow that. We'll bought travel tickets for you Zuzu. Don't worry and rest well." Euro already decided. No one refuted the patriarch because his words are like iron inside the mansion.

Natalia said to herself.

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Natalia ascended the grand stairs and beamed all the way. She then stopped at the door of the bedroom where she used to settle for the past years. She entered the room and favorably, Devon was not there. She has an idea where he is but for now, Natalia will enjoy the night alone.

She planned to gather her valuable things. She unlocked her vault and collected all her design portfolios, limited edition trinkets and few jewelries that Devon had gifted her. Well, gold is still gold. She will just redesigned it. As for her closet, she looked over the wardrobe and found old clothes that were used interchangeably throughout the years.

"So, these are all it." One hand carry bag.

#######

"Do you always come late at work?" Jake asked the red-haired CEO.

"What are you doing sitting on my chair?" The woman who have just arrived inquired along with a twitching right eye.

"I am the brother of the owner."

"So..?"

"Be good to me red-hair." The man told her.

"If you're done making my day worst, you may leave." Trish said controlling her anger.

"Whatever you say, kitty." Jake raised his hands and stood up walking towards the door.

"What did you just----"

Before Trish can finish her question, the door was already closed.

---------------

"That brother of yours is awful." The red-haired woman complained.

"He's good to me..the best..actually." Natalia said grinning at her pretty friend. She can see that things are now getting colorful in her black and white life.

"The usual?" The brunette woman ask Trish as she stood up.

"Yes, please." The red-haired lady smiled.

Walking at the streets, Natalia felt free. She's feeling great actually after a long time.

She has scheduled her time between the Yushkova mansion and her family. Four weekdays are alloted at the mansion, one night at her condo and the weekends are spent on her beloved family. Today is Friday, so she will be staying at her condo later.

Turning left to an alley, she arrived at the same shabby coffee shop.

"Good afternoon Ms. Zimmer. The usual?" The barista asked respectfully.

"Yes and no. I'll be having tuna sandwich instead." She replied smiling at the person.

After sitting down, Natalia browsed her social media. There are some articles about the previous grand ball and some of them were about the charity dating. The highlight was how a man bid for another woman aside from his wife. This is under the gossip section. She just chuckled and would wait for things to fall on its right places.

Her cappuccino was served after few minutes. Enjoying its aroma, she excitedly drink the liquid and then munched the sandwhich to satisfy her cravings.

"So, this is your other look." A man sat down opposite her while raising his phone to capture the moment.

"A..le...xander." Natalia slowly delivered the name.

"What?"

"Erase that image." The woman said in a low voice.

"No."

"..."

"If you want, I'll buy you another sandwich then you can eat it in a more graceful way then I'll take your picture again." The handsome man offered.

"How about you leave?" Natalia said irritated.

#######

A/N: Oh no.. lol