Maxine almostughed in disbelief. ‘I can’t believe Hamlin is this brazen, threatening me to my face!‘ she fumed inwardly.

    Hamlin fixed his gaze on her. “bIt’s /bnot that I don’t trust you, Ms. Hudson, but given everything that’s happened before, you’ll have to remain here until bthe /btrial concludesb./bb” /b

    No sooner had he finished speaking than two hulking bodyguards emerged from behind him, nking Maxine on both sides.

    She stepped back protectively, shielding Brian behind her. Hamlin, speaking with chillingposure, warned, “Don’t even think about escaping. I’ve stationed guards outside.”

    Hamlin ran his hand over the dragon–headed cane beside him. “I assume you’ve seen those two men. Do you really think I’d let them roam freely on my property if I wasn’tpletely in control?”

    It finally dawned on Maxine that the entire vi was under Hamlin’s surveince. ‘He probably had people watching me the moment I set foot in this ce,‘ she thought, a chill running down her spine.

    Maxine pushed Brian protectively behind her. “I’ll stay, but he must leave,” she said firmly.

    Hamlin’s gaze swept over the two of them before he chuckled softly. “Ms. Hudson, you’re being rather naive. I’d actually feel much more at ease bwith /byou staying here with the boy. The environment is quite pleasant, just think of this as your own little ‘vacation!”

    Maxine realized he had changed his mind on the spot. She thought bitterly, ‘Children are easier to control than adults. But as a mother, I could never abandon Brian here and escape alone.‘

    Brian caught the implication in his words and, agitated, was about to charge forward to confront him. Maxine grabbed his arm and said firmly, “Fine, I agree. But ion /iione /icondition, we deserve better treatment. Give us a better room, and Brian needs nutritious meals.”

    Hamlin didn’t even hesitate. “Consider it done,” he said.

    Hamlin gestured to the man beside him, who turned and walked into the adjoining room. He soon returned with a middle–aged womanb, /bneatly groomed and efficient–looking, who gave Maxine a respectful bow.

    The man announced, “This is London Knight. She’ll be responsible for attending to all your daily needs during your stay.”

    Hamlin, supported by his aide, stood up and said, “The second floor of the vi will be your living quarters during your stay. Meals will be delivered to your room when they’re ready. After the trial concludes, I’ll arrange for someone to escort you down the mountain.”

    The man walked up to Maxine and extended his hand toward her.

    Maxine gave him a puzzled look. The man spoke quietly, “Ms. Hudson, if you hand me your car keys, I can bring your car up from down the mountain for

    you.i” /i

    She almost let her expression slip, but quickly caught herself. “I didn’t drive up here,” she said smoothly, “I took a cab to about halfway up the mountain and walked the rest of the way.”

    Maxine thought, ‘I’m betting that Hamlin hasn’t managed to extend his surveince coverage from the vi down to the mountainside.”

    Just as she expected, her gamble paid off. Hamlin waved his hand dismissively. “Never mind then. I’m going to rest now, have someone drive me down the mountain tomorrow.”

    With that, he turned and left the hall.

    Only then did Maxine have a chance to take in theyout and furnishings of the first floor, but before she could get a good lo quickly stepped forward and made a stiff “please” gesture toward the stairs. “Ms. Hudson, you should go upstairs bnow/b. I’ll ha meal,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

    * man beside her

    e kitchen prepare your

    Chapter b221 /b

    Hearing this, London sprang into action. She fetched two pairs of brand–new slippers from the entryway shoe cab and set them down before tanni

    band /bBrianb. /b