His Devious Rule

Chapter 312 A Distraction

Thursday evening,

Gianna entered the Matthews mansion which looked nothing like she had decorated. The interior of the mansion was changed drastically. She always looked for the aristocratic, noble vibe by choosing the mahogany and leather furniture with white opulent cloth with an intricate pattern on it. It would make one feel the Matthews weren't new to the business of high society. They were wealthy for ages.

However, the recent changes are more of modern, tasteful decor. It was undoubtedly elegant but it looked more like new money enjoying their wealth. The tall windows with drapes, the light walls reflecting bright lights, the vast living hall with popup forest green and golden touch in decor.

She couldn't believe her cunning mother-in-law and sly husband believed Anya and Alvin would let their son live with them. She scoffed as she proceeded towards the stairs.

Her eyes fell on the young maid named Zina who believed her acting so well. She just had to lure her more every day saying she was the best girl, Zina would follow her orders like a little lamb.

Seeing Zina pointing at her apron, Gianna understood there was a message for her. Gianna discreetly nodded, avoiding the butler's eyes. Although the butler was working in the Matthews mansion for many years, his loyalty wasn't for her but for Casper and Cordelia. So avoiding his eyes was crucial.

"Ahh… Zina… Get me coffee." Gianna gave the opportunity for Zina to change her work.

"Yes, Madam Matthews." Zina bowed to her and went to the kitchen hurriedly.

The butler who was arranging the things in the living hall, saw Zina running to the kitchen and Gianna going upstairs. It wasn't the first time he saw Zina serving Gianna.

Coincidentally, Zina was volunteering to serve Gianna. Initially he thought Zina was hard-working hearing her say to maids, 'Rest some time. Let me do it for you.'

Why was it only for Gianna?

It has been repeating for the past few days. Considering Casper and Harrison's warning, he dialed Harrison, "Secretary Harrison, I am very sure but a maid named Zina is kind of close to Madam Matthews. She always looked out for Madam Matthews." He thought she was trying to gain favor, "Today, madam Matthews asked her to get coffee."

The butler knew Gianna was angry at him for not helping her out in his fiasco and being Casper's side. So he could understand if she didn't ask him anything but Gianna wasn't the type to keep a maid close to her.

Secretary Harrison took it seriously even if it sounded negligible. [Keep the maid busy with different work and serve Madam Matthews.] Harrison instructed.

The butler went to the kitchen and stopped Zina, "Give me this. Go and clean the Young Master's room. They are returning." Liam was indeed returning but it was just a reason to keep Zina away from Gianna. "The room should be spotless."

Zina panicked for a moment seeing the butler taking the tray away. Anyway, she held it tightly, "I will do it, Sir. Since I'm going, I will as well serve Madam Matthews, why will you strain taking stairs unnecessarily?"

The butler's expression changed when the maid continued to put on a virtuous act. Anyway, he scoffed at her, taking the tray away from her hands, "I am being paid for it. Do as I said, don't act smart."

Zina clenched her teeth and watched the old man going upstairs. She couldn't help but think that the butler was a puppet of Casper and he was supporting Casper's abuse of his wife.

Well, she still believed Gianna was doing everything to save her second son from a b*tch, a gold digger who was using her son to her advantage.

She looked at the mobile screen and read a message probably for the tenth time, [Anya Owen acting against us.] It seemed to be an important message. She wanted to give the mobile to Gianna so that she could take action quickly.

….

In the bedroom,

Gianna, who put on a delicate, worried lady look to meet Zina, deadpanned as soon as she saw it was the butler. She watched him keep the tray of coffee and snack on the coffee table and straightened his back.

"Madam Matthews, Zina is busy so I brought you coffee." He paused. Since he knew she wouldn't tell him a word, he continued politely, "Would you like to have anything particular for dinner?"

Earning no response, the butler left the room. However, he didn't go downstairs. He followed Zina and kept an eye on her actions without letting her go out of his sight.

Not just Zina, Gianna also realized the butler was being smart. But he wasn't smart enough to tackle her.

She went downstairs and noticed a maid silently walking in the passage. She passed by her and bumped into her purposefully.

'Pak.'

The maid who was passing by in the corner held her cheek in horror. Tears streamed down her face as her body shook in pain.

Gianna reprimanded loudly to cause a commotion, "How dare you bump into me? Are you blind? Don't you have your eyes? Can't you see me? Without anybody asking you, you all have taken us lightly…"

All the maids ran out and saw Gianna slapping the maid again. One of the maids ran upstairs to get the butler. As soon as the butler came downstairs, Zina took the chance and left the mobile under the pillow as Gianna had told her once.

The butler failed to realize Gianna's plan. He apologized to Gianna on behalf of the maid and sent her upstairs. To make sure Zina doesn't run to Gianna, he went upstairs and went to keep an eye on Zina who was working hard.

…

Gianna scoffed, grabbing the mobile under the pillow. She liked smart people who are dumb and listened to her every word like an edict passed by a queen.

As soon as she noticed the message, she dialed the number. They were sending messages in a form Zina thinks Anya was a bad girl. "What is she up to?" Her voice was dipped in bitterness.

A hoarse voice of a man in his thirties sounded, [Madam Matthews, Anya Owen visited the clubhouse. She was particularly interested in the jobs of the workers. I'm certain she is doubting some of our people.]

Gianna expected this much from Anya Owen. Or else she would have doubted if Anya was really a talented cop. She hummed without getting worked up, "Let's keep her distracted with it." Because her main plan wasn't that.

Poisoning food, and causing disruption in the party is something one could easily guess. So when Anya keeps worrying about it, she will attack the thread of Alvin and Anya's relationship. By the end of this party, they shouldn't be together.

[Alright, I will take care of it.] If he makes the workers behave a bit suspiciously, Anya would be focused on them.

Sipping her hot piping coffee, she kept the cup down and asked, "Were you able to get the invitation card?"

"No, Madam Matthews. The cards are designed and imported in limited numbers. We are trying to make copies of it. But I am sure they will have a guest list and wouldn't allow others."

Gianna didn't work up on it. She knew Alvin was a smart one. If he guards up, he wouldn't care about money but safety.

The man at the other end continued, [As per the information, this event isn't in the schedule of most business and high society persons. Only the party is hit due to the Majestic clubhouse. Should I leak information about this?] If he leaks it's Alvin Matthews behind the scenes, most of the business companies would hound them for an invite.

Gianna could never accept Alvin as a Matthews, so why will she agree to let the world think Matthews as backers of Skylark? She wanted Alvin to face failure and be disappointed without an attendee. "No."

Of course, she didn't realize that if Alvin wanted the Matthews's name and fame, he could have used it a long time ago. He was more disgusted by the Matthews family. So if he earns success, it will be on his capability that nobody could take it away from him.

After making a note on it, the man asked in a dilemma, [What about Zane Owen?]

Gianna: ?