Bonded Servants Arrive

"Madam, do you really think Mrs. Gold just committed suicide? That old woman was greedy and afraid of death—no way I believe she'd kill herself." Belle was deeply suspicious about Mrs. Gold's death.

Lily Evans shook her head. Suicide out of guilt? Whether Mrs. Gold threw herself at the pillar or someone gave her a push, only the dead Mrs. Gold and May Parker know the truth.

Meanwhile, May Parker continued living in her rundown hut at the edge of the village, acting as if she'd never known Mrs. Gold or ever stolen mushrooms to sell.

That kind of calm from May Parker was unsettling to Lily Evans.

Before Lily could dwell on May Parker any longer, she was swept up in work again. She could only remind her family to keep an eye on May Parker and see if they could catch her slipping up.

The mushroom house and vegetable greenhouse on the newly purchased land were finished, and the fifty bonded servants Arthur Evans helped buy had arrived.

"Lily, these fifty servants have all been carefully chosen—they're honest, reliable, and hardworking." Arthur Evans handed Lily Evans the contracts.

Fifty strong men lined up, heads bowed, respectfully waiting in the courtyard to be inspected by their new master.

Lily Evans looked over each one. All fifty men were sturdy and honest-looking—just the kind of workers she needed. It was clear Uncle Arthur had personally instructed the Evans family steward to pick the best.

"Thank you, Uncle Arthur. Without you, I never could've found such capable people on my own." Lily Evans was genuinely grateful to her uncle.