All Chapters of From Maid to Heiress : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

End of Summer Vacation Two months later, Ryan was preparing to leave Gram's town, leaving Tessy, his new-found friends, and the quiet simplicity of the countryside behind. The very place he’d once dreaded being sent to now felt like the best thing his father had ever done for him. Back then, he had been angry, even furious, when his dad forced him to spend the summer here. But now, it has grown on him. The people, the pace, the peace... and Tessy. Leaving everyone behind, especially her, gave him mixed feelings. But he knew he couldn’t stay forever. Reality waited for him back in the city. Patricia sat on his bed cross-legged, watching Ryan fold his clothes with an exaggerated pout. “You’re really going tomorrow?” she whined, flopping dramatically backward onto the bed. Ryan chuckled, folding another shirt. “Yes, Patty. Tomorrow morning.” “

13 Victoria Ryan didn’t have the energy for Victoria's games. He just nodded and made his way to the house. The dining table was a mini-feast, steak, seafood, pastries, fruit, and every one of his favorite snacks. Margaret had clearly been busy. The spread was almost ridiculous. He hadn’t even been gone that long. Ryan ate quietly, letting the sounds of clinking silverware and distant music settle him. Still, his mind wandered. To the summer. To Tessy. To the weird ache he hadn’t shaken off since she hugged him goodbye. He missed her already. After the meal and small talk he didn’t care for, Ryan pushed back his chair. He was exhausted to the bones and not meeting his Father dampened his mood. “Going to rest. It’s been a long drive.” “Of course, sweetheart,” Victoria cooed. “I will come up to meet you.” Ryan raised an eyebrow confused on why she wanted to see him. “Why?” “Nothing. I just want to have a conversation with you.” Ryan climbed the stairs slowly, every st

15The Warning!Ryan bounded down the stairs, humming a light tune. It was nice to be home, the high ceilings, the polished marble floors, and the fact that there were maids around to cater to his needs.Sure, staying at Grandma’s had taught him to be more independent, cooking his own breakfast, doing his own laundry but there was something undeniably comfortable about having people at his beck and call again. Maids to cater to his needs and the authority he has around here. Not to mention, he’d woken up early. Unheard of for him.Thanks, Grams.“Ryan!” Margaret’s voice broke into his thoughts, surprised.He smiled at her as he walked toward the dining room.“You’re up early. Do you need something?” she asked, still looking as if she’d spotted a rare animal.“Guess I got used to it at Grams’. That three month vacation really did a lot of wonders. I’m sure I will slip back into my normal routine soon enough,” he said with a casual wave, snagging an apple before heading to the living r

17The Fall Before Them AllThe arrival of the Smith family had been nothing short of grand. Their polished cars rolled up one after the other, sleek and commanding, and heads turned almost instinctively. Eyes widening in awe.Whispers rippled across the garden, reminding everyone of just how wealthy Grams truly was, how much money, class, and power they carried with them. It was as though their very presence reinforced the Smith legacy, power, money, and class wrapped into one spectacle. And somehow, it made Grams shine even brighter in the eyes of everyone present.The party was already in full swing. Long rows of lights twinkled overhead like fallen stars caught in the branches, casting a golden glow on everything beneath while laughter and chatter rippled through the air. The air was thick with the aroma of grilled meat from one corner, laughter mingling with the crisp clinking of glasses from the drinks stand, and the warm chatter of old friends reuniting.When the Master of Cere

19 CaughtRyan carried Tessy back to her house, back to the safety of her room. He set her gently on the bed. She hadn’t said a word since he pulled her away from the party, and the silence gnawed at him. Tessy was never like this.He furrowed his brows, sighing before lowering himself beside her.“Tessy… are you okay? I’m sorry about earlier.” His voice was careful, almost pleading. “Victoria, she’s just… too much sometimes. She acts irrationally, but she isn’t wicked. She likes to make fun, to provoke. But when you get on her good side, you’ll see she has a better side.”He was trying to console her, to soften the edges of what happened. But his words only made her chest tighten.Tessy finally lifted her gaze. Her face was pale, drained, her voice hoarse. Veronica words hurt her, it broke her, even though no single tears was shed, she was wrecked internally. “I thought you said she wouldn’t be there. Why was she?” Her question cut him, and guilt pressed on his chest.“I… She…” He s