Chapter 6

Mario still looked unsure and confused about his boss's plan, but Diego just smiled at his trusted man's hesitation.

"I believe Elena can do it, as long as you are willing to guide her patiently and earnestly."

Diego spoke sincerely and looked at Mario with confidence.

"Very well, Sir. I will do my utmost to handle this matter. Allow me to proceed with registering your marriage to Miss Elena."

Diego nodded. Mario turned and left his boss's office. The Rodriguez residence was busy that day. Mia had the maids and housemen working harder than usual. From early morning, the house was full of activity, especially in the kitchen. Some maids who usually worked elsewhere were also helping out there.

"What event is happening, really? Why is it so busy? Is the boss going to host a big banquet?" Dona asked, one of the kitchen staff.

"That's right, there will be a big banquet tonight," another maid replied. They whispered to each other as they worked.

"Yes, but what's the occasion for the big banquet? Is it a family gathering?" Dona asked, curious.

"How should I know? Just ask Mia. My job is to help out here."

"What are you whispering about? Stop gossiping! Hurry up and finish—there's still a lot of work to do."

A man in a chef's uniform reminded the other staff working under his direction. This was Jose, the trusted chef at the Rodriguez residence.

"Sorry, Jose, may I go to my room for a moment? I have a bit of a headache."

Dona walked over to Jose, holding her head. Jose paused and looked at her.

"Are you really sick, Dona? Be careful. If I catch you pretending, you'll be in trouble."

"Oh, come on, Jose. Why would I pretend to be sick? My head really hurts; I think I might have a fever."

"Alright then, go see Mia to ask for some medicine and get permission to rest. Please tell Mia to send another maid to the kitchen."

"Okay, Jose, thank you. You really are the best chef in the world."

Dona smiled and left the kitchen. Jose sighed and shook his head. He had worked at the Rodriguez residence for a long time, starting not long after Mia. He loved cooking, so he stayed as a chef instead of becoming the butler. He let Mia take over those duties because he didn't have the patience to deal with difficult staff like Dona.

Dona walked through the room, glancing around. They decorated nearly every corner with beautiful flowers.

"What's going on? It looks like there will be a party," Dona muttered. She asked a few people putting up decorations, but they just shook their heads.

Dona kept walking, not paying attention to her surroundings. Focused on the unfinished decorations, she accidentally bumped into another maid carrying a pile of clothes.

"Ow!!"

The young woman Dona bumped into screamed, and the clothes she was carrying fell to the floor in a mess.

"Oops! Sorry, I didn't mean to," Dona said, having also fallen onto the floor.

"Can't you watch where you're going? If the lady's dress gets dirty, Mia will be angry at me."

The young maid grumbled as she picked up the clothes. She didn't notice that Dona's eyes widened at her words.

"Oh, I… My head hurts, so I'm not focused. I'm looking for Mia to ask for some medicine and permission to rest. Have you seen Mia?"

"Mia is meeting the boss in the main bedroom. If you need her, wait."

The young maid quickly got up and hurried away, but Dona ran after her and stopped her.

"Wait, wait..."

"What do you want? Why are you stopping me? Weren't you looking for Mia?" the young maid asked, puzzled by Dona's behavior.

"Y-yes... But earlier you said those were the lady's clothes? Do you mean Madam...?"

"Madam Rodriguez, of course—who else? This is the Rodriguez residence, not the Carlos residence."

Belen joked with a small laugh. She was a young maid who worked in the laundry, taking care of the boss's clothes. Belen knew Dona was from the kitchen, and everyone knew the kitchen staff liked to gossip.

Dona was surprised. 'Madam Rodriguez? Does she mean Mrs. Emma Rodriguez? Is she coming back to live here?'

Dona looked around, and when she felt safe, she slipped into an empty, quiet room. She quickly took out her phone and dialed a number.

"Hello, Dona. Why are you calling me?!"

A woman's voice answered on the other end. She sounded indifferent and curt.

"Um, Madam, I wanted to confirm..."

"Confirm what? Speak clearly, Dona. Don't waste my time!"

"Oh, y-yes, Madam. Are you coming back here and having a party tonight?"

"What? A party? What do you mean?"