I'M IN CHARGE

CHAPTER 5

Chapter 5

The head maid sneered inwardly, 'At least she has a good fashion sense.'

"oh, and make sure to take away any open back outfit" Liliana said as walked to the bathroom to change while the maids arranged the outfits in the walk-in wardrobe.

In the bathroom, Liliana changed into the dress and brushed her hair to the side before stepping out.

The maids were stunned as they stared at Liliana, the dress fitted her like a glove revealing her slender figure, she had the temperance of a queen that even the seemingly simple dress enhanced, 'ahem' Liliana saw this scene as she stepped out and cleared her throat. They snapped out of their trance with faces red like tomatoes, “Miss, please sit. Let us style you,” one of the slender maids said. Liliana glanced around, noticing that the head maid and some of the other maids had left at some point, leaving two maids to tend to her. She sat down and checked the time—it was twenty five minutes past six o’clock.

“Is Mr Pace at home?” she asked.

“No, Miss. Sir left for work early this morning,” the maid replied in a respectful tone because the Liliana infront of them was nothing like the so called rural bumkin but like a queen commanding her servants.

Liliana nodded and looked at herself in the mirror as the maid tending to her hair began braiding it, leaving two strands curled at the front. The other maid applied a light makeup just enough to enhance Liliana’s natural beauty. Pearl pins adorned her freshly styled hair, and Liliana admired the result as it had been a while since she got dressed up like this.

The maid applying her makeup couldn't help but feel surprised and envious. She had heard that the Miss had been sent to the countryside for six years, and she had expected her skin to have some effects. Yet, Liliana's skin was flawless—fair and smooth, as if her skin could squeeze out water.

The maid styling her hair was no less shocked. She had expected dry, damaged hair, but Liliana’s hair was silky to touch, black, and healthy. Both maids exchanged brief glances of surprise, Liliana noticed their exchange but paid them no mind.Due to the excellent condition of her skin and hair, the styling and makeup didn’t take long. Liliana checked the time—it was seven o'clock, just in time for breakfast.

She stepped out and descended the stairs, where the butler, James, was waiting to show her to the dining area. As she entered, she saw an older woman sitting at the head of the table, and a young boy with a proud look, likely a high schooler, sitting by her left.

'Pride certainly runs in the family,' Liliana thought. 'I didn’t expect Oxford to have a brother.'

She wasn’t surprised to see the old lady. Liliana had been expecting her sooner or later.

“Liliana, you look splendid! Come, sit,” Mrs. Pace called out sweetly. It was clear the old lady adored her daughter-in-law, despite Liliana having spent six years in the countryside.

Liliana smiled gently and sat to Mrs. Pace’s right. “Good morning, Grandma, and…” she glanced at the boy sitting opposite her.

“Oh, silly me! This is Milo, Oxford’s younger cousin,” Mrs. Pace patted her leg with a laugh.

“Nice to meet you, Milo. I’m Liliana.” She smiled at him. Milo had been irritated at being ignored earlier, but her smile captivated him, causing him to fall into a brief daze.

“Your sister-in-law is greeting you. Answer her,” Mrs. Pace smacked Milo lightly on the head with her hand fan, snapping him out of his trance.

“Ouch, Grandma!” he pouted, clearly embarrassed. Looking at Liliana, he quickly added, “Good morning, sister-in-law.”

Liliana chuckled at their playful exchange.

The three of them settled down for breakfast, and Milo immediately grabbed a piece of toast, biting into it with little to no regard to table manners.

“Slow down, Milo,” Mrs. Pace chided. “Your sister-in-law is here, and you’re behaving like a wild animal!”

Milo, unfazed, wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “I’m always like this, Grandma. She’ll have to get used to it.”

Mrs. Pace shot him a warning look, but Milo ignored it and glanced at Liliana, smirking. “You know, I heard you lived in the countryside for six years. How was it? Do you know how to milk a cow?”

Liliana gave him a small smile with a calm, steady gaze. “No, but I’m sure I could learn. Would you like to teach me?”

Milo was caught off guard by her composed response. He blinked, then chuckled. “Touché, sister-in-law. But I’m not sure you could handle it.”

“Oh, I’ve handled far worse,” Liliana replied, a hint of mystery in her voice.

The banter between them made Mrs. Pace smile. Though Milo’s attitude was brash, Liliana wasn’t the type to let herself be easily rattled, and that was something the old lady appreciated, her granddaughter-in-law should not be a pushover.

---

During the meal, Liliana learned that Milo was a senior at Nexus High, one of the most prestigious schools around. The fact that he was attending such a school impressed her, especially since getting in required not only significant connections but also exceptionally good grades. Apparently, he had taken a leave that day just to meet her.

After breakfast, they moved to the living room for tea—well, two of them did, and Milo… well, he had other plans.

“Get behind me, i***t! Ugh, shoot them! How can you all be so dumb... I’m out,” Milo yelled at his game.

Grandma scowled at him. “Can’t you behave like a proper member of the Pace family? Where are your manners? All you do is play games nonstop. If you weren’t so smart, you would’ve been shipped off to a military camp by now.”

Milo grinned cheekily. “It’s not my fault, Grandma. Ever since my idol quit gaming, all the other players have been trash. He was the best.”

Mrs. Pace sneered at his nonsense, resuming her tea. Liliana watched the two with a smile.

After a while of drinking tea and chatting with Liliana, Grandma grew tired. “I’ll be off now. Milo, spend the day with your sister-in-law don’t trouble your her.”

“but Grandma, why do I have to spend the day with her” Milo whined, "do as I said or I'll tell your cousin to cut all your credit cards" grandma pace threatened. Milo grumbled but said nothing, clearly dissatisfied. After seeing Mrs. Pace out, Liliana and Milo returned inside.

While playing games again, Milo heard a cool, indifferent voice.

“Who’s your idol?”

He glanced up, sneering. “Why do you want to know?”

Liliana’s expression remained calm, her almond eyes indifferent, as if she hadn’t even asked the question. After a beat of silence, Milo spoke, perhaps due to something in her gaze.

“Ghost. He was the best player to ever enter the eSports arena four years ago. But he suddenly quit after two years, no one knows why. You probably don’t know him since you were in the countryside.”

Liliana raised an eyebrow. “How do you know Ghost is a 'he'?”

“Of course he’s a guy. No woman can play that well,” Milo sneered.

Liliana’s lips curled into a smirk. “I’ll prove you wrong. How about we play together?”

“You?” Milo burst into laughter. Even the nearby servants snickered. When his laughter died down, he wiped a tear from his eye looking at her smugly. “No way. I don’t want to be accused of bullying my sister-in-law.”

Liliana tilted her head, her smirk deepening. “How about a bet?”

Milo’s interest was piqued. “What do you have in mind?”

“If I win, you’ll place first in the upcoming college entrance exams and be my servant for a month.”

“What?... Why bet on studying?” Milo groaned, rolling his eyes. “Fine. And if you lose?”

“I’ll be your servant for a month and cover all your expenses during that time.”

Milo considered the offer, feeling like it was a risk-free bet. He was smart but lazy when it came to studying. Still, the idea of having someone pay for everything sounded appealing. He sneered again. “Do you even have money?”

Liliana rolled her eyes. “I’m your cousin’s wife. Even if this is an arranged marriage, it doesn’t mean I'm being mistreated.”