The Lady Nun Seeks Justice (Eliza Stonor) novel Chapter 297

297.Chapter 297

“What’s all the commotion? Who’s making such a scene?” Just then, the manager, a middle–aged man, appeared from upstairs.

He was surprised to see Jacqueline at the entrance, his eyebrows shooting up. “Well, Miss Henderson! That is a pleasant surprise. Would you like to come upstairs and have a look around? Or was there a problem with our service?”

The staff in the lobby immediately looked down and remained quiet.

Jacqueline scoffed, “Your staff is utterly incompetent. They’re oblivious, letting anyone in.” She punctuated her words with a condescending look toward Eliza.

Roger’s gaze followed Jacqueline’s, landing on Eliza, who had been mostly hidden. His face hardened. “Why are you all just standing here? Remove this individual from the premises! The Oriphoenix Building does not cater to nuns.”

The staff members exchanged uneasy looks before one finally stepped forward. “I’m sorry, but you might want to try somewhere else.”

Eliza’s gaze swept over the staff member before her and then to the others in the lobby. Half were familiar faces from her time managing the Oriphoenix Building, while the other half were unfamiliar–likely hired by Sophie or Malaki.

The staff wasn’t the primary concern; the real issue was Roger, one of Sophie’s hires, brought in specifically to undermine the loyal, long–serving staff of Oriphoenix Building.

Sophie had only acquired Solacecrest Manor and Oriphoenix Building this time, so they were still intact. With some effort, Eliza could still gather a sizable number of her former allies, though Roger would certainly not be one of them.

Eliza mistakenly believed Malaki was tolerating Roger. Roger was shamelessly exploiting his loose tie to the Stonor family, particularly Sophie’s support, to maintain his position.

“Is that so? The Oriphoenix Building doesn’t serve nuns? That’s strange, I’ve never heard of such a rule. Did you invent it?” Eliza’s voice was quiet, but her words held a sharp bite. Her deep eyes, peering from her veil, fixed steadily on Roger.

Unfamiliar with Eliza’s voice, Roger didn’t recognize it. The nearby attendant momentarily froze, then couldn’t help but steal a glance at her. He seemed to have noticed something, though uncertainty clouded his gaze.

Eliza, smirking coldly, missed the attendant’s reaction and wondered what sort of display Sophie’s lackey would attempt in her Oriphoenix Building.

“I managed this building.” Roger declared, his chin held high with arrogance. “I decide who comes and goes. Someone like you–a mere nun–would only bring bad luck. It is a place of business, not a nunnery.”

Jacqueline sneered, “Did you not hear him? Leave at once.”

Eliza’s eyes glittered with amusement. “When the cat’s away, the mice will play,” she said, her voice serene but her words a sharp rebuke.

She ascended the stairs one deliberate step at a time, her gaze cold and detached as she fixed it on Roger. “It seems you’ve been allowed to wield power here unchecked for far too long,” she stated, her voice icy. “So much so that you, a mere manager, dare to believe this place is your own.”

Roger’s face flushed with anger. “You audacious woman!” he spat. “How dare you behave with such disrespect in my establishment? Leave at once, or I’ll have you thrown out!”

Eliza retorted without hesitation, “I don’t believe you.”

Roger, enraged, roared, “Why are you fools just standing there? Did you forget everything I taught you? Arm yourselves and fight for me!”

Renee, her face a mask of anger, darted in front of Eliza and glared fiercely at them. “Don’t you dare!”

Eliza gently patted Renee’s head. “There’s no need to be afraid, Renee. Step back,” she reassured her. Renee hesitantly hid her bared teeth and moved behind Eliza, her gaze fixed on them with unwavering vigilance.

Roger expected his orders to be followed immediately, as they always were, but to his astonishment, half the workers in the hall didn’t move. The other half hesitated, clutching their weapons but unwilling to attack.

Roger, enraged, spat, “Fine! You ungrateful lot! Have you forgotten how I’ve always treated you? I’m still the one in charge! One word from me at the Duke’s estate will ruin you all!*

Understanding the situation at Oriphoenix Building, Eliza decided she wouldn’t waste more time with the manager. She removed her veil with a gesture, revealing a face of exquisite beauty.