Perhaps Miss Bennett intended to keep her under close surveillance, or maybe she had ulterior motives.
Joanne politely declined, "Miss Bennett, my brother is about to undergo surgery, and my mother is also hospitalized. I'm afraid I won't be able to fully commit to work right now."
"Don't worry about that," Miss Bennett reassured her with a calculated smile. "Every family has its cross to bear. Mrs. Grey already explained your situation. I'll ensure you're accommodated with lighter duties. To be frank, Joanne, I have my own reasons for helping you. I know you and Zane shared history, but as you said, that's in the past. Let's move forward peacefully—for Mrs. Grey's sake. You're smart enough to understand."
Her voice dipped into a sorrowful whisper. "I'll be honest—I know Zane doesn't lo
