Emily Thompson shook his head and said, “Do you really think that with Frank Bolton gone, you can truly become the chief steward? If that’s what you think, you’re mistaken. The reason Frank Bolton hasn’t left is because the master has always protected him. Only with Frank Bolton around does the master have any say at all. If Frank Bolton leaves this time, the madam will surely give the master some face and pick another steward to take his place. At that point, if you try to prevent Charles Bolton from moving up, do you really want to wait for another rival to appear?”

Luke Bolton shuddered. Indeed, if he couldn’t get his own man in, then it would surely be George Bolton, who currently manages the estate for the master. This man is ruthless and even worse than Frank Bolton, and his relationship with Luke Bolton is extremely strained.

Thinking of this, he asked anxiously, “Then I’ll go beg the madam to let Charles Bolton become the second steward. Charles Bolton’s father also came as part of the madam’s dowry, so it shouldn’t be a problem.”

Unexpectedly, Emily Thompson just sneered and said, “If you go and beg, Charles Bolton will have even less hope. Neither the madam nor the master wants a single steward to hold all the power. It’s best if the two stewards keep each other in check, so the steward’s authority stays balanced. If it weren’t for Frank Bolton bringing in the second madam, the madam wouldn’t really want to drive him away. You’ve worked together for over ten years—can’t you see even this much?”

Creating discord among subordinates is a basic art of leadership. Emily Thompson had witnessed this daily in his own office; it’s been the same from ancient times to the present.

Perhaps it was because he was too close to the situation, but this was the first time Luke Bolton had heard such words. He was stunned. It felt as if he had just gulped down a mouthful of bitter kuding tea—bitter at first, but then the flavor slowly emerged. It was so true; wasn’t this exactly how things were? For more than ten years, the madam had used him, demoted him, and constantly created conflict between him and Frank Bolton—so this was the reason. Suddenly, Luke Bolton felt like a puppet, manipulated by strings for over a decade. He let out a long sigh, his expression gloomy and desolate.

“The second steward needn’t take it too much to heart,” Emily Thompson smiled slightly. His goal was to keep Luke Bolton on a leash so he would fully cooperate with his plan. He continued to persuade him gently, “Actually, the second steward hasn’t lost anything. If something really happens, the madam will still favor you. After all, you came with her from her maiden family and are absolutely loyal!”

“Absolutely loyal!” Luke Bolton nodded. That was true. His only advantage now was his unwavering loyalty to the madam. Suddenly, Luke Bolton snapped out of his daze, looking at Emily Thompson in surprise, as if he was meeting him for the first time. How long had he been here, and yet he saw through everything so clearly.

Emily Thompson smiled and said, “No need to wonder how I know, Second Steward. As the saying goes, ‘Those involved are confused, bystanders see clearly.’ If you weren’t in the thick of it, you’d understand too. As for Charles Bolton, if I speak to the madam, she’ll listen. But—”

Emily Thompson’s smile suddenly vanished. He stared intently into Luke Bolton’s eyes and lowered his voice, enunciating each word: “But first, we must join forces to drive out Frank Bolton.”

Chapter 10: Returning Straightness for Resentment (Part 2)

Luke Bolton was startled and said anxiously, “With all the terrible rumors about Frank Bolton now, do you really think the master can still tolerate him?”

Emily Thompson gave a faint smile, as if laughing at Luke Bolton’s naivety, until Luke Bolton’s old face flushed red. Only then did he slowly say, “Do you think a few rumors will get Frank Bolton kicked out? After all, they’re just rumors, with no evidence. Besides, even if the master wanted to, he couldn’t use that as an excuse. Otherwise, wouldn’t that be telling everyone he’s been cuckolded?” Emily Thompson couldn’t help but make a hat shape over his own head, then burst out laughing.

Although Luke Bolton didn’t fully understand the meaning of the “green hat,” he could guess a bit and couldn’t help but laugh as well.

“Then what method does Young Master Li suggest?” Luke Bolton stopped laughing and asked. Suddenly, he realized that since Emily Thompson had waited for him on purpose, he must already have a plan.

Sure enough, Emily Thompson’s expression instantly turned icy cold. Did these people really think that just because the authorities didn’t intervene, nothing would happen? Emily Thompson had always been clear about gratitude and resentment, always repaying a grudge. These rumors were just the first stick of dynamite; to make it explode, a detonator was still needed.

“Second Steward, you’ll need to handle this matter.”

He leaned in and whispered a few words in Luke Bolton’s ear. Luke Bolton’s face changed dramatically, cold sweat breaking out on his back. Luckily, he wasn’t the target—such a vicious scheme, no one could escape it if it were aimed at them.

……

A few years ago, there was a saying: “Big head, thick neck—either a tycoon or a cook.” This perfectly described the head chef of the Zhang household, Henry Bolton. He was a burly, dark-skinned man with a face full of flesh, his huge head seemingly perched directly on his shoulders, and a pair of bulging, crab-like eyes—none of which matched the “joy” in his name.

Henry Bolton had come as part of the second madam’s dowry and was a staunch confidant of Frank Bolton. With Frank Bolton backing him and control over everyone’s meals, Henry Bolton was extremely arrogant in the household. If he didn’t like someone, he’d let them go hungry for a meal, so everyone in the house hated him.

The attack on Emily Thompson during the Lantern Festival was orchestrated by him, using street thugs and ruffians, and he personally took part in the beating. In his opinion, it would have been best to cripple the man as a warning to others, so he was especially ruthless. Unfortunately, he was caught by Hehua and failed to succeed.

The rice, flour, meat, and eggs consumed daily by the Zhang household were usually supplied by the estate, but since the estate was remote and transportation inconvenient, deliveries weren’t frequent. Fresh vegetables and fruits needed for daily use were bought in the market, and the purchasing power naturally fell into the hands of the head chef, Henry Bolton.