NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 88: A Very Odd Change…
(Nina’s POV)
Everything was… odd. In a box by my side… was a box. Inside of the box was my smartphone, and a very interesting note. Inside the note, someone wrote that they have dealt with the surveillance in this estate.
Not only that, but the phone was modified to not be tracked by Vale. Originally, I thought that Vale was just trying to trick me. Though, Charlie was able to prove that the smartphone wasn’t tracked anymore.
But that wasn’t the weirdest part… My personal maid, Uni, treated me amazingly well. For a month, I didn’t know what to think of it. And I still don’t. The rest of the maids now act and treat me far better as well.
In fact, it was almost as if Vale was being isolated in this estate. To the point where she didn’t even sleep here anymore. Instead, she would sleep in an expensive hotel. What caused this? I had to know, so I built up the courage to ask this of Uni…
Uni: “Would you like to know, My Lady?” She said with a smug grin on her face.
Nina: “Will I be in danger if I knew the truth?” I ask in reply.
Uni: “No. You see… my true Mistress… She isn’t a normal human. Mistress took pity upon you, turning me into her underling. I slowly turned the other maids against Vale, giving your estate back to you in the process.” She explained in a whisper in my ear.
Nina: “…”
What? Her Mistress? Who would that even be… Why would they bother to help me? So many questions flooded my mind, but it was clear that Uni had no intentions on explaining anything further.
Is that it? Someone took my agency away from me, and I am just supposed to sit here and accept it? What if that Mistress of Uni’s wishes to betray me, or what if she gets bored with me? With that thought process, I knew that I needed to focus on offing Vale as soon as possible…
A Month Later.
Zia: “Vale doesn’t live there anymore?” She asked with an unsure tone.
Nina: “At the very least, she hasn’t shown up here in over two months. And, for some reason, the maids have decided to side with me, and isolate Vale. Which explains her not wanting to be in this estate.” I explain.
Zia: “I see… Regardless, it is nice to be able to hear your voice again, dear.” She said with a warm tone.
Nina: “It’s nice to be able to hear yours as well, Mom. I’m sorry for not contacting you for so long… I couldn’t do so with Vale watching me like a hawk, and I needed time to ensure that this situation at the estate was real, and not Vale trying to trick me.” I reply with a remorseful tone.
Zia: “There is nothing to apologize for, Nina. I understand your situation, and I am just glad that it is finally approving for you after so very long.” She said with a motherly tone.
Nina: “As am I… Sorry, Mom. I am very busy right now…” I say with a sorry tone.
Zia: “It’s fine. Good luck at work.” She said with a giggle.
After saying that we love each other, I hang up the call. Mother was… more motherly than before? I wonder why… Amelie said that Ria hadn’t regained her memories yet all. How is it that she has changed so much?…Regardless, I have business to deal with right now…
Charlie: “You’re doing great, Miss Chairwoman.” She praised.
Nina: “So you say, but I just took a personal call while working.” I jokingly reply.
Charlie: “I’d say that no one would be upset that you called your mother while on the clock. Unlike me, you and your family have always produced amazing leaders. I am ashamed that you’ve made us 50% more profitable in just a few days…” She admitted with a sad tone.
Nina: “Don’t think too highly of me. I am sure that it is just because people respect my word more than yours.” I reply with a laugh.
Charlie: “That does hurt to hear, but you’re probably correct on that.” She said with a small pout.
Once I was clear on my situation at the estate, taking control of my rightful companies was very easy. Unbeknownst to Charlie and the rest of the employees of my companies, the maids are all helping me out with managing said companies.
It does somewhat feel like I am cheating, but I don’t mind it. Instead, I should just see it as using what resources are at my disposal. But I will admit… it’s very nice to have my own bank account.
Before, Vale controlled all my finances. Now I am free to spend as I please. As for the other family accounts… Charlie did some legal loopholes, having all the wealth, assets, etc. Of the accounts that Vale had control over, to my new bank account.
Now, it was Vale who was reliant on me. At least at the moment, Vale seems to be content with living in that luxurious hotel room of hers. Of course, I am the one paying for it. Which does hurt me in some odd way…
So far, everything has been going so very well. It pisses me off, but whoever that Mistress of Uni’s is… I have most of my success due to the help that she gave me. This makes me think… I didn’t inadvertently make a deal with the devil, right?…
Whatever the case may be, that woman never showed up asking for payment. Well, she hasn’t done so yet; I mean… If only Vale can accept a life where I control her finances, I won’t mind keeping her alive.
Amelie: “Nina!” She said with a hurried tone.
Nina: “What’s wrong?” I ask with a worried tone.
Amelie rarely calls me, and her voice wasn’t pleasant at the moment. Clearly, something bad had happened…
Amelie: “Is Ria with you?” She asked.
Nina: “No. I just had a call with her not that long ago…” I answer.
Amelie: “Dammit… She went for a walk with two maids, but the maids came back without her. I asked them about where she went, but they said that they had no idea…” She said with a sad tone.
Nina: “…”
Amelie: “I hate to assume the worst, but I fear that Vale might have kidnapped her…” She said with a serious tone.
Nina: “I agree. Hold on, I will put all the resources that I can into finding her.” I swear.
Hanging up the call, I gave Charlie some orders. After she left, I banged my hand on the desk. Why couldn’t that bitch just stay still? Did she have to try to earn my anger at every step of her meaningless life? Who was the soon-to-be dead bitch that leaked Ria’s survival, as well as her location to Vale? I have never been this angry before in my entire goddamn life…