C8 CHAPTER EIGHT

She pressed her lips into a seamless fold, advancing purposefully until she reached them, executing a deliberate bow. Alabama's expression morphed into an instantaneous frown – weren't these the maids, particularly Aurora?

"Hold on!" Alabama's voice cut through the air, seizing Aurora's attention as she continued walking, a palpable tension settling in. Alabama paused, her throat constricting as she gathered the courage to confront the enigma that was Aurora.

"Look at me," Alabama commanded, a stern directive cutting through the charged atmosphere. Slowly, almost reluctantly, Aurora turned, her gaze avoiding Alabama's face.

The question erupted from Alabama's lips, a manifestation of her simmering anger. "What business do you have in my brother's room?" The words hung heavy, pregnant with accusation. Aurora's eyes darted, only to be met by the smirking countenances of the two devils flanking her, adding an extra layer of complexity to the unfolding confrontation.

Aurora responded with nonchalance, "I went to serve him his dinner," her words were delivered casually. As Alabama closed the distance, a palpable tension lingered; however, beneath the surface, Alabama couldn't deny a subtle feeling of intimidation stirred by Aurora's undeniable beauty.

"Why did you do that?" Alabama interrogated, her words edged with accusation, causing Aurora to retreat slowly. Unfazed, Aurora explained, "Sir Raymond instructed me to bring his meals directly to him."

Alabama's patience wore thin, and with a sudden burst of anger, she bellowed, "Shut up!" Her hand met Aurora's cheek in an immediate, stinging slap. A gasp escaped Aurora's lips as she cradled her throbbing cheek.

"My lady," Aurora implored, her eyes reddening, tears welling up, creating a poignant scene. Alabama, however, couldn't suppress a smirk, reveling momentarily in the power she held in this unfolding drama.

Alabama confronted the two maids, her gaze piercing through them like a stormy sky. Her question hung in the air, laden with an intensity that demanded a response. The maids, caught in the crossfire of Alabama's scrutiny, exchanged uneasy glances, their apprehension palpable.

As the tension simmered, one of the maids cautiously spoke, revealing a scandalous tale of the lady in question seducing Sir Richmond into selecting her as his maid. Alabama's reaction was swift, her lips parting with incredulity. The confirmation echoed in the room as the other maid affirmed the sordid revelation.

Alabama's displeasure erupted audibly—a hiss punctuated by the indignant click of her tongue, while her fingers absently traced the contours of her flaring nose. Determination etched on her face, she vowed to expose the alleged seductress and make her pay for daring to ensnare her brother.

The maids, sensing Alabama's righteous fury, pledged their allegiance to her cause with whispered assurances. A silent understanding passed between them, their smirks signaling a united front against the perceived threat.

Undeterred, Alabama steered her emotions into a fiery resolve. With determination propelling her forward, she declared her intent to confront the woman who had supposedly ensnared her brother. The maids, shadows in her wake, pledged their discreet support as Alabama marched purposefully toward Richmond's room, ready to unravel the truth and mete out justice.

Richmond's gaze lingered upon the spread of food adorning the table, a heavy sigh escaping his lips, parting slowly in contemplation.

"Just who the hell is she," Richmond muttered under his breath, the frustration evident, "that she can etch herself into my mind so swiftly?" He intended to take a seat, but his plan was interrupted by the creaking door, revealing Alabama's entrance into the room.

"Alabama," Richmond's voice echoed through the room, drawing her attention. Alabama turned her gaze toward the food laid out before her and then back at him, a silent inquiry in her eyes.

"Why didn't you come down for dinner?" she inquired, her steps slow and deliberate as she approached him. His response came with a slow, almost mischievous smile, "I prefer eating in my room," he stated, gesturing casually towards the array of food.

A scoff escaped Alabama's lips, her skepticism palpable. "Is that why Aurora has to make her way into your room at this hour?" she questioned, her tone carrying a subtle accusation.

Richmond's initial smile faltered, replaced by a frown. "What? What are you talking about?" he asked, the air now charged with confusion. Undeterred, Alabama moistened her lower lip, her words hanging in the tense atmosphere. "Isn't it wrong for a maid to enter the billionaire's room at this time?"

Richmond's firm words cut through the tension-filled air as he cautioned Alabama, "Stop assuming things, and remember, you're just my little sister." He leaned back, his actions deliberate, and casually lifted the tea mug from the table, taking a measured sip.

In response, Alabama, desperate for validation, questioned, "Do you interpret my concern as an assumption? I'm only watching over you as my big brother." Richmond, perplexed by the unfolding drama, stylishly licked his teeth and tousled his hair, a gesture of mild annoyance.

An abrupt interruption came from Richmond, his voice carrying a harsh tone, "Alabama! What on earth is all this about?" Surprise etched on his face, he had believed his sister had outgrown this peculiar behavior.

Alabama, undeterred, finally voiced her discontent, "Fine! I can't stand that maid of yours. Replace her; she's a disaster." The room hung heavy with unspoken tension as the siblings grappled with their conflicting emotions.

Richmond, wearied by the brewing conflict, abruptly declared, "That is enough; you can leave." He hastily consumed the entire contents of his tea, turning away from Alabama, whose presence had become an unwelcome disturbance.

A bewildered Alabama sought clarification, "What? Are you asking me to leave your room?" Richmond's response was unequivocal, "Alabama, I said you can leave!" Her distressed plea echoed in the room, "Brother!" punctuated by an audible sniff.

Frustration surged within Richmond as he resolutely asserted, "Fine! I will leave!" With a curt snap, she grasped her clothes and stormed out of the room. The door closed, and Richmond, needing a moment to collect himself, breathed out, shutting his eyes slowly.

"Just why is everyone getting me annoyed today," he muttered, the weight of exasperation evident in his tone. The mug, now emptied of its contents, was relinquished onto the table, and he sank into a chair. Opening the food, he couldn't help but smile the moment he...