The Billionaire’s Daughter Drove Every Maid Away — Until One Woman Refused to Be Afraid of Her
Chapter 9
Clara finally gave Isabella the letter.
The handwriting was unmistakable.
Dear Clara,
If Isabella ever pushes people away, please don’t let her believe that is all she deserves.
Isabella began crying.
The next line was harder.
She will probably make you angry. She may even try to make you leave.
Clara smiled through tears.
“Your mother knew you well.”
Isabella laughed softly.
The letter continued.
Don’t reward her cruelty, but don’t abandon her either. Teach her the difference between being feared and being loved.
Isabella looked at Clara.
“That’s why you stayed.”
Clara nodded.
“Yes.”
“You knew?”
“Not exactly.”
She explained that Richard had asked her to take the position because Isabella had dismissed seven previous employees.
He had hoped Clara could help.
But Clara had accepted for another reason.
She had promised Isabella’s mother years ago.
She would never leave the girl behind.
Isabella covered her face.
“My mother knew I’d become like this.”
“She knew you’d be hurt.”
“What did Dad do?”
Clara looked away.
“He loved you.”
“That’s not an answer.”
“He didn’t know how to raise you without your mother.”
Isabella lowered her hands.
“Neither did I.”
Clara nodded.
The realization broke something open inside her.
She had spent years blaming everyone for leaving.
Her mother had died.
Her father had buried himself in work.
Friends had been pushed away.
Maid after maid had quit.
But one person had stayed.
Not because Isabella deserved it.
Because her mother had asked.
And for the first time, Isabella understood what love without conditions felt like.
