The man who sponsor me

The master is back

The sleek black sedan rolled through the grand iron gates of Kingston Estate before coming to a smooth stop in front of the mansion. The passenger door opened. A beautiful young girl stepped out, adjusting the strap of her designer handbag before turning back with a bright smile.“Thank you for bringing me home, Ethan.” Ethan rested one hand on the steering wheel, his expression unreadable. “I didn’t do it for you.”Vanessa’s smile faltered. “If it weren’t for our grandfathers’ agreement, I wouldn’t have spent ten minutes in the same car with you.” Vanessa’s fingers tightened around her handbag. “You always have to be this cold, don’t you?” “I prefer being honest.” She forced a laugh, pretending his words hadn’t hurt. “One day you’ll change your mind.” Ethan looked at her for a brief second. “I doubt that if it’s you.”

Vanessa stepped away from the car and closed the door and walk toward their mansion, “I’ll see you later.” “Don’t dare”He started the engine. Just as he was about to drive away, he noticed someone hurrying across the driveway with a brown document envelope tucked beneath his arm. “Jude.” The man stopped immediately and turned around. “Young Master” Ethan lowered the car window. “You look like you’re in a hurry.” Jude smiled politely. “Madam gave me an assignment.” “What assignment?” “She wants me to investigate a young lady who attended today’s interview.” Ethan raised an eyebrow. “A job applicant?” “Yes, Young Master.” Ethan wasn’t particularly interested. He simply asked out of curiosity “What’s her name?” Jude glanced down at the note in his hand. “Serena.” He looked back at Jude. “Leave it.” Jude blinked. “Sir?” “I’ll look into it.” Surprised. “As you wish, Young Master.”

Jude handed the envelope to Ethan before excusing himself and heading back into the mansion. Ethan’s gaze fixed on the file in his hand. He flipped it over thoughtfully “So… Mrs. Kingston is secretly investigating a girl who only came for a job interview?” A faint frown crossed his face “Interesting.” he stared at the envelope without opening it. “If there’s something she’s trying so hard to hide… it might be exactly what I need.” His lips curved into a faint smile. “Grandpa has been determined to tie me to the Kingston family. But if I can prove they’re hiding something… maybe he’ll finally cancel this ridiculous engagement. This investigation… might just become my way out.”

Serena almost ran the entire home. As soon as she pushed the door open, she called excitedly, “Aunt Grace!” Grace, who was sitting behind her sewing machine, looked up in surprise. “Serena?” The moment she saw the huge smile on her niece’s face, she stood. “What happened?” Serena rushed over and threw her arms around her. “I got it!” Grace blinked. “The job?” Serena nodded repeatedly. “I got the job!” Grace’s eyes immediately filled with tears. “Oh, thank God.” She hugged Serena tightly. “I told you He would make a way.” Serena laughed through happy tears. “I still can’t believe it.”

Grace gently pulled away and held Serena’s shoulders. “Tell me everything.” Serena excitedly showed her the appointment letter. “They interviewed everyone today… and before we left, they announced my name.” Grace’s face lit up with pride. “My daughter…” “I knew you could do it.” Serena smiled shyly. “They want me to resume tomorrow morning.” Grace nodded. “That’s wonderful.” “There is one more thing.” Grace noticed the hesitation in Serena’s voice. “What is it?” Serena scratched the back of her neck. “It’s a live-in job.” Grace froze. “A… live-in job?” Serena nodded slowly. “I’ll be staying at the estate while working and attending school.”

For a few seconds, neither of them spoke. Grace forced a smile. “Well… That means you’ll finally have a comfortable place to stay while studying. But…” Her voice softened. “The house will be very quiet without you.” Serena took her hand. “I’ll come home whenever I can.” “And I’ll call you every day.” Grace smiled, though her eyes remained misty “I know.” She squeezed Serena’s hand gently. “I’m just going to miss having you around.” Serena rested her head on Grace’s shoulder “I’m going to miss you too.” Grace quickly wiped the corner of her eye before changing the subject. “Come on. We don’t have much time. We need to pack your things.” Serena laughed. “I don’t even have many things to pack. That makes our job easier.”

The two of them began folding Serena’s clothes together. Between laughter, little jokes, and memories, the small room felt warmer than ever. Grace suddenly became serious. “Serena.” “Yes, Auntie?” “When you get there… Work hard. Be respectful. And never involve yourself in your employer’s family matters.” Serena nodded obediently. “I understand.” Grace smiled. “Good. Now go and get some sleep. Tomorrow is the beginning of a new chapter in your life.”

Serena looked at the packed bag beside the bed and smiled to herself. She had no idea… That by this time tomorrow… Her life would never be the same again.

The front door closed softly behind Vanessa. She slipped off her heels and handed her handbag to one of the maids before walking into the spacious living room. Her mother was standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, quietly staring into the garden. Vanessa let out a long sigh. “Mom…” Mrs. Kingston turned around. “You’re back.”

Vanessa tossed her handbag onto the sofa and folded her arms. “Don’t even ask how the ride went.” Mrs. Kingston raised an eyebrow. “That’s bad?” “Worse.” Vanessa rolled her eyes dramatically. “Ethan barely spoke to me the entire ride.” She mimicked his cold voice. “‘If it weren’t for our grandfathers’ agreement, I wouldn’t have being in the same car with you.’” She threw her hands into the air. “Can you imagine?” “I wasn’t even asking him to marry me today.” Mrs. Kingston walked toward her daughter, maintaining her usual composed expression. “Ethan has always been stubborn He’ll come around.” Vanessa scoffed. “That’s what everyone keeps saying. But when?” Mrs. Kingston gently rested a hand on her shoulder. “You’re the first young mistress of the Kingston family. The marriage agreement was made long before either of you were born. No one is taking your place.” Vanessa finally sighed.

“I hope you’re right.” She dropped onto the sofa, crossed one leg over the other, and unlocked her phone, scrolling absentmindedly through her social media.

A few moments later, she looked up again “Mom…” There was no response. She frowned.

“Mom.” Mrs. Kingston blinked as if she had only just realized Vanessa was speaking. “Yes?” Vanessa slowly lowered her phone. “You look disturbed.” Mrs. Kingston forced a faint smile. “Do I?” “Yes.”Mrs. Kingston said nothing. Then she quietly replied, “Something happened today.” Vanessa sat up a little straighter. “What happened?” Mrs. Kingston looked toward the window once more. “I’m not certain yet… But something doesn’t feel right.” Vanessa’s curiosity deepened. “Why,” “Until I’m sure, I’d rather not talk about it.” Vanessa studied her mother carefully. She had never seen her like this before. Whatever had happened… It had shaken her. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll handle it as always.” Vanessa nodded slowly. “If you say so.” She picked up her phone again and stood. “I’m going upstairs.” Mrs. Kingston gave a small nod. Vanessa smiled faintly before heading toward the staircase. Mrs. Kingston remained standing in the silent living room, her eyes drifting back to the garden. “I hope not!”

Serena tightened her grip on the handle of her small suitcase. Even though she had been excited about getting the job, standing inside the luxurious Kingston Estate made her realize how different her new life was about to become. This place was far beyond anything she had ever imagined. The beautiful decorations. The quiet elegance. The way everyone moved with respect and discipline. It all reminded her that she had stepped into a completely different world. Mrs. Kingston looked at her calmly. “From today onward, you won’t be working with the general household staff.” Serena looked up in surprise.

“Ma’am?” “You will be my daughter’s personal maid.” That wasn’t the position she had applied for. She had expected to help around the house, not become responsible for someone personally But she quickly lowered her head. “Thank you for trusting me, ma’am. I will work hard and do my best.” Mrs. Kingston studied her for a moment before giving a small nod. “I hope you do.”

Before Serena could respond, footsteps sounded from the staircase. Vanessa slowly walked down, holding her phone in one hand. She stopped the moment she noticed Serena standing in the living room. Her eyes moved from Serena to her mother. “Mom, who is she?” Mrs. Kingston answered calmly. “This is Serena. Starting today, she will be your personal maid.” Vanessa’s expression changed immediately. “My personal maid?” She looked at Serena again. Then back at her mother. “Mom, I don’t need a maid.” Mrs. Kingston remained composed.

Instead of arguing, she simply looked at her daughter and said, “Remember what I told you earlier.” The words made Vanessa pause.

For a few seconds, she stared at her mother. Whatever conversation they had shared before, those words were enough to silence her. She looked away and sighed. “…Fine.” Then she turned toward Serena. “Follow me.”

Serena immediately picked up her suitcase. “Yes, Miss.” Before following Vanessa upstairs, Serena turned back to Mrs. Kingston. “Thank you again for this opportunity, ma’am.” Mrs. Kingston only nodded. “Do your job well.” “I will.”

Serena followed Vanessa toward the staircase.

Neither of them noticed the complicated expression on Mrs. Kingston’s face as she watched them turn to leave. Everything was happening too close to the past she had spent years trying to bury. Just as Serena placed her foot on the first step of the staircase…

The sound of a car stopping outside the mansion echoed through the hall. The butler immediately turned toward the entrance. “Master has returned.” The atmosphere inside the mansion changed instantly. The maids straightened their uniforms. The servants moved into position.

Vanessa stopped walking and turned around.

“Dad?” Mrs. Kingston’s expression changed.

She hadn’t expected him to return today from his trip. The massive front doors slowly opened.

The sound of footsteps approached. Everyone lowered their heads respectfully. “Welcome home, Master Kingston.” Serena paused on the staircase, still holding her suitcase. She didn’t know why…

But the moment that name entered the room, something inside the mansion felt different. Then the footsteps stopped… The man who had spent his life searching for what he lost was finally back home.