Chapter 3578
The butler, like others in the household, typically worked from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. However, since they lived in the villa, they were available for overtime if necessary. The master of the house ensured they were well-compensated for any extra hours, with bonuses often surpassing their base salary, making the work worthwhile.
“Good morning, butler. I couldn’t sleep, so I thought I’d take a walk. I’m not hungry yet, so I’ll have breakfast with your eldest young lady when she wakes up,” Serenity said.
The butler smiled and reminded her, “Ma’am York, please remember to wear an extra coat. The morning dew is heavy, and it’s chilly outside.”
Serenity nodded, “I’m already wearing an extra coat.”
“Please be cautious during your walk and return when it gets light. Our eldest young lady usually wakes up at dawn.”
“I will,” Serenity assured him.
The butler escorted her to the door, watching as she walked down the stairs before returning inside.
The villa remained quiet, with the yard’s streetlights illuminating the early morning darkness. They would automatically turn off at daylight. FC Manor was large, much like Wildridge Manor. Serenity had visited several times and was familiar with the grounds. She walked through the front yard and into the backyard.
There, she saw Tim, who was out for his morning jog. He smiled as he greeted her, “Ms. York.”
“Tim, you’re up early for a jog!”
Tim nodded, “I start every day with a morning run. After that, I take a hot bath, have breakfast, and head to work.”
“Your routine is impressive,” Serenity remarked with a smile.
“I’m used to it,” Tim replied. “But what brings you out this early?”
“Out so early? The sun isn’t even up yet,” Tim remarked.
“I woke up and couldn’t fall back asleep, so I decided to go for a walk,” Serenity explained.
Tim nodded in understanding and cautioned, “Just be careful. It rained a bit last night, so some paths are still wet and could be slippery.”
“I’ll stick to the dry paths,” Serenity assured him.
She always stayed on the main roads, avoiding the winding trails in the backyard where she might slip. With so few people around at this hour, a fall could easily go unnoticed.
“Go ahead with your run, Tim. I’ll take a slow walk and head back in time for breakfast,” she added.
Tim gave her a few more reminders before jogging off.
As Serenity continued her walk, she soon heard Jane calling her name. She turned to see Jane approaching, carrying Avah.
When they got closer, Serenity asked, “What are you doing out so early with Avah?”
“I saw you from the balcony and thought I’d join you for a walk. Avah woke up, so I brought her along,” Jane replied.
When left alone, Avah would sit up and play quietly on the bed or wake her brother, Enzo, by kicking him. If the adults didn’t respond to Avah’s crying, Enzo would often stop crying and join her in play.