“Thank you, Isabella,” Sebastien said courteously, employing the respectful yet distant tone long shaped by habit.
She inclined her head slightly, preparing to withdraw discreetly, until Frederick’s voice halted her departure with unmistakable provocation.
“Sebastien, is this not the employee you mentioned recently,” Frederick asked with deliberate mockery, “the one audacious enough to reorganize your entire library without requesting permission beforehand?”
Sebastien felt discomfort tighten within his chest, recalling his casual complaint, which had intentionally omitted admiration for Isabella’s remarkably efficient classification system and her unexpectedly sophisticated literary insight.
“That responsibility was mine, sir,” Isabella answered calmly, meeting Frederick’s gaze without visible hesitation. “I sincerely apologize if my judgment appeared inappropriate within professional boundaries.”
Calvin’s expression sharpened skeptically. “Such confidence seems rather bold for someone employed within domestic service, particularly when personal liberties involve another individual’s private collection.”