Called Off the Wedding, Left Him Bankrupt novel Chapter 126

After dinner, her grandfather would always spend some time in the courtyard doing sports to keep himself fit, while her sister stood nearby—back straight, face serious—as she gave him a crisp rundown of her day at work.

Cynthia knew, of course, that the Tremaines were no longer what they once were.

But it wasn't until she felt the emptiness of Tremaine Manor for herself that she truly understood just how dire their situation had become; it was far worse than she'd ever imagined.

"Miss Cynthia, I'm glad you're back," Camilla said as she cleared the dishes. "Otherwise, when I leave next month, this whole big house would be too much for just Miss Juliet to handle on her own."

Cynthia knew nothing lasts forever, but hearing that even Camilla—their housekeeper for so many years—was leaving still stung.

"Why are you leaving? Did another family offer you a better salary?"

Camilla shook her head. "No, Miss Cynthia. Juliet's been very good to me over the years, and she's raised my pay more than once. It's just that I'm getting old. I can't keep up anymore. My son and daughter-in-law just got married, and I've got a new grandson now. It's time I went home to help out and spend some time with them."

Cynthia nodded, a little dazed.

"You've worked here so long, you must've missed out on a lot with your own family."

"Have you told my sister you're leaving?"

Camilla nodded again. "Yes, I spoke with her last month. Juliet approved my resignation right away. It's just…there's no one new to take over yet, and I didn't want to leave her alone in this big old house."

Cynthia gave a bittersweet smile.

"I'll start interviewing new staff tomorrow."

"That's wonderful." Camilla's smile was warm and motherly. "With you back, Miss Cynthia, I'm sure the Tremaines will find their spark again."

Cynthia pressed her lips together and motioned for Camilla to go rest. Left alone on the sofa, she sat in silence for a long while, trying to collect herself.

She'd only just come face-to-face with the state of the Tremaines, and already her heart felt heavy.

Her sister had been living in this fading mansion day after day, bearing its decline firsthand—it was no wonder she seemed so weighed down.

Juliet didn't return until late into the night. As she stepped into the foyer, struggling to unbuckle her shoes, she nearly tripped.

Cynthia hurried over to steady her, her nose immediately wrinkling at the strong scent of alcohol clinging to Juliet's clothes.

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