Chapter 9

An adjacent door led her to her own personal gym, which allowed her to see outside. At night, she could see the beautiful sky as well as any TV channel she wanted, as the gym had three TVs installed.

Another adjacent door led to her bathroom, which had a twin bathtub and allows her to relax even while cleansing herself, and finally her closet, which took up the majority of the space.

Half of her clothes were mostly white, while the other half housed her shoes, designer bags, and other accessories that did not include jewelry. Her jewelry collection, which included necklaces, bracelets, bangles, earrings, head chains, hair chains, chokers, watches, armlets, and anklets, was kept in the middle of the closet in glass boxes.

She has an office in the mansion where she does the majority of her business, a personal library where she keeps all of her rare and unique book collection, a gallery where she stores and keeps all of her artwork, and her own personal swimming pool. Other rooms include a kitchen, lounges, sitting areas, and dining tables.

Another library, gym, and swimming pool are now open to all employees. There is also an annex where her employees live if they do not commute to and from their homes.

She built a gazebo where she spends some of her free time at home, as well as another bath house separate from the main mansion. This bath house was designed specifically for her; she bathes and conducts business there once a week. And it was the location where she was at the time.

Her body was submerged in a tub large enough to hold more than fifteen people, the tub filled with warm water and various types of flower petals floating on top.

It was one of those days when she took a bath with natural ingredients from her sacred garden. The air was thick with aromatic perfumes and the scent of the aster flowers she was wearing that day. She has three personal maids who look after her, even though Anne is always nearby.

Anne, in addition to being her daughter, is also the manager of the house; she is in charge of all internal affairs at her mansion. She is in charge of hiring and firing employees, as well as overseeing the mansion's daily operations.

Her personal maids were currently with her, assisting her with her bath. She couldn't wash her hair because it was too long, so one of the maids was in charge of it every day, while the other two helped her scrub and apply the perfume to her body.

She was sitting there relaxed and enjoying the sensations her hands were giving her all over her body when she heard the door open, and judging by the manner in which it did so, she knew what it meant. Her child had returned home.

Anne appeared in front of her, smiling; she had only been gone for half a day and she was already missing her.

"Mother, good afternoon."

"Good afternoon, you've returned."

"I hope I didn't cause you any concern?"

"I suppose I should get used to it. So, what did you find?"

"I came with Martin, who is just outside the door."

"Is that right? That's fine, then. I had some things I wanted to discuss with him."

"So, what should I do with him now? Should I tell him to come inside and wait?"

"No, don't do it. He has work to do, and I don't want to put it off any longer. Bring him inside; I'll speak with him."

"Okay. Allow me to go get him."

Violet dismissed her maids and told them to bring her some refreshments. Martin entered after the maids had left, and she could tell he was a little afraid to look at her.

"Don't worry, Martin, I won't bite. Please take a seat where I can see you, Anne, and assist him."

She watched as Anne gave him a seat directly across from her; they weren't that close because she was buried in water and he was on the dry floor.

"So, Anne, what did you find?"

"When I went to ask Martin about Dylan Dark, we discovered something interesting instead."

"When I went to ask Martin about Dylan Dark, we discovered something interesting instead."

"What exactly is it?"

"Everything is as it is, just like the news says, but there are a few mysteries surrounding Dylan. Mrs. Dark is not his biological mother, and he is currently on the lookout for her."

"It's fascinating. What else did you find?"

"Tell her, Martin."

"It's like this Violet......"

According to Martin's explanation, one of their activities includes private investigations conducted through Martin's company.

Dylan wanted two issues investigated, one involving his mother and the other involving his girlfriend Rita Norris, and he was willing to pay anything, especially for his mother. What a devoted son he was.

"Have you begun your investigations yet?"

"No, we haven't; the request was received yesterday, and when Anne arrived, I couldn't assign it to anyone. I was curious as to what you had in mind for the child."

"You did the right thing at the time. Here's what you're going to do with the case...." Violet explained everything to Martin, who immediately grasped it.

"I will do as you request. Is there anything else?"

"Oh, yes, it's critical. I need you to remove every man you've assigned to my family."

"Huh!!!" The news appeared to have taken Anne aback.

"Why?"

"Those ungrateful humans, they never called again after that night. I believe those resources would be better spent elsewhere, where they could generate revenue for the company. I no longer have the funds to spend on them."

"Are you saying everyone?" Martin inquired once more, and his inquiry caused her to reconsider and reach a different conclusion.

"No, let me go over it again. Withdraw everyone except Lucy, who is as cute as a button and more lovable than the others. If they ask, tell them that they must use their own money for their own security. I Violet, I'm not going to try to curry favor with them. I'm tired and sick."

"But..."

"If you want to lose your job because of my family situation, Martin, keep doing what you're doing. Just because I spared you despite what you did doesn't mean I can't punish you harshly. If you do this and manage your affairs properly, it will be time for you to take a vacation as well."

"I'm sorry for doing something I shouldn't have."

"It's okay, you're human too, but don't question my decisions. I know exactly what I'm doing."

"I'll keep that in mind. You said I should take a vacation; are you punishing me?"

"When was the last time you spent a whole weekend with us?"

"I don't remember."

"That is why I am giving you this chance to save your family before it is too late. Spend some time with them and delegate your responsibilities."

"Thank you; I'll take care of it."

"All right, then, you may depart."

"Enjoy the rest of your day," he said as he left.

When Martin left, Anne approached her and began to comb her hair.

Violet pats her daughter's hand and says, "I love it whenever you do that."

"I understand; that is why I do it."

"She's a lady after my own heart."

They both burst out laughing.

"Could you please pass me that tray of grapes?"

"Sure," Anne said, leaving her for a moment to take the tray before returning and handing it to her.

Violet said, "thank you," as she accepted the tray.

She ate the juicy grapes one by one, enjoying the way Anne combed her hair.

"Are you certain about the vacation with Martin?" Anne checked.

"He's already thirty-six, and he doesn't even have his own family. Don't you think he's pitiful and deserves a break once in a while?"

"Another benevolent act by our white witch," Anne chuckled.

"You appear to be in a good mood; what happened to you?"

"There isn't much."

"You know you can't tell me a lie. I'll still tell you."

"All right, I saw a guy."

"OMG! What did you do?"

"I only saw him at work, and we didn't even talk, but I like him."

"My daughter is finally growing up and you are already thinking of ways to get away from me."

"No, mother, that's not the case."

"Then please tell me."

"I will never abandon you; I will always be by your side."