Chapter 73
Norbert stood up, his authoritative gaze sweeping across the room.
The young men present felt their knees go weak under his stern look.
Among the elders, Norbert was known for his short temper.
Previously, a young man from the Hetfield family had taken a liking to one of the maids and forcefully took her out for drinks after pestering her for days. It was just drinks, nothing more, but when Norbert found out, he broke the young man’s legs without a second thought.
Everyone tensed as Norbert seemed on the verge of anger.
They feared Stuart for his reckless behavior, but they feared Norbert for his strict and impartial demeanor.
Those who usually misbehaved found themselves at a loss for words in front of Norbert.
With a serious tone, Norbert announced, “I have something to say today.”
From a distance, Stuart set down his whiskey glass, his deep gaze fixed on the scene. It seemed he was right to suspect that Norbert would take this opportunity to reveal his relationship with Morwenna.
Stuart had brought Adelaide to the gathering as a countermove to impress Norbert, but after an unexpected mishap in the lake, his Imitation had washed away his plans.
As everyone listened attentively, Norbert pulled Morwenna forward. “This is my precious young friend, Morwenna. She’s a real sweetheart, pretty quiet and sometimes too shy to stick up for herself. But that’s no excuse for anyone to insult or mock her! From now on, I don’t want to hear anyone speak ill of her. If anyone tries to mess with her when I’m not around, they’ll have to deal with me!”
Morwenna stood next to Norbert in shock. No one had ever defended her so openly and directly before, telling everyone that she was off–limits.
The moment overwhelmed Morwenna who felt both flattered and scared. What had she done to deserve such fierce protection from Norbert?
After Norbert finished speaking, his formidable gaze swept over the crowd.
Jemima, who had tried to bully Morwenna earlier that day, hid in the back, terrified of having her legs broken.
The Hetfield family, young and old, were indeed a formidable bunch.
The crowd was also shaken by Norbert’s public defense, especially since Morwenna had been given a status that even Stuart hadn’t received.
It turned out Morwenna wasn’t just a maid after all, Why hadn’t Stuart mentioned this before?
The young woman living in Windcharm Villas wasn’t there without reason.
It was clear that Norbert intended to match Morwenna with Stuart, potentially setting her up as the future bride of the Hetfield family.
The guests couldn’t help but steal glances at Stuart and then at Adelaide. Stuart looked particularly perplexed, as if a firm belief had been challenged, his expression tinged with surprise.
Indeed, Stuart was surprised. He had assumed the announcement would be about his and Morwenna’s relationship, especially since Morwenna had let it slip to Norbert about being mistreated.
Wasn’t all this maneuvering meant to prompt a public acknowledgment of their relationship?
Why didn’t Norbert mention this then?
Meanwhile, Adelaide looked pale, as if she might faint at any moment.
Over the years, Stuart had no other women close to him except Adelaide who held a special place.
But his demeanor wasn’t that of a lover. Despite the years, there had been no talk of marriage or a confirmed relationship.
Now, with Morwenna backed by Norbert, Adelaide seemed to be suddenly threatened.