Her mother had worried about her being overburdened, so she'd sent the servant to help. Carolyn had thought it was a reasonable solution-if Sanford needed intensive care, the servant could handle it while she played the role of an attentive companion.

Sanford didn't miss her hesitation. His voice turned icy. "Carolyn, if that's how you think, then let me make this simple: you can leave right now. The woman I marry must be capable of both grace and grit. She should be someone who can handle both joy and hardship— not just a shallow companion for the good times."

"You misunderstood," she said hurriedly. "I only thought the servant could assist me with some tasks while I looked after you. That doesn't mean I'm incapable of handling things myself."

Sanford's gaze remained firm, unyielding. "I already have Shari as my personal caregiver. I don't need anyone else."

Shari, who had been silently observing from the sidelines with amusement, stepped forward and gave Carolyn a polite nod.

Carolyn's eyes darted to Shari, lingering briefly before she forced a smile.

"I see. I didn't realize you already had someone so capable."

Sanford's tone didn't soften. "Miss Deleon, let's not waste time beating around the bush. This arrangement is essentially a trial marriage to see if we're compatible. And so far, I'm disappointed." His next words hit like a hammer. "You should leave."

Turning to his mother, he added coldly, "Mom, please see her out. Shari, take me back to my room."

Sanford's abrupt dismissal left Janiya flustered.

"Sanford, there's no need to be so harsh over such a minor misunderstanding!" she said quickly, her tone strained. Janiya turned to Carolyn, her voice softening. "Carolyn, just send your servant back. You can stay. I'm sure Sanford didn't mean what he said."

Carolyn, watching as Shari wheeled Sanford away, felt her cheeks burn with humiliation. Her hands clenched at her sides as she turned to Janiya, her voice trembling. "Janiya, Sanford doesn't seem to like me."

"Nonsense!" Janiya exclaimed, rushing to reassure her. "Listen to me. Before you came, I asked Sanford what he thought of you, and he told me he had a good impression of you. He's just frustrated about his injury right now. You need to be patient with him. No one is more anxious about his recovery than he is."

Carolyn hesitated, but Janiya's confident assurances eased some of her doubts.

Her eyes searched Janiya's face for more truth. "Did Sanford really say he had a good impression of me?"

Janiya nodded firmly, though her gaze flickered briefly. "Of course! You're beautiful, well-educated, and from a respectable family. Naturally, he thinks well of you."

Reassured, Carolyn's spirits lifted. "Alright, I'll stay."

She instructed the servant to return to her family while she stayed behind.

Janiya let out a quiet breath of relief, feeling even more pleased with Carolyn's compliance.

"Carolyn, I'll have someone show you around the house," she offered warmly.

"Alright," Carolyn responded with a polite smile.

Just as the tour was about to start, a servant entered the room to deliver a message.

“Ma'am, Dr. Hudson has arrived."

At this, Janiya quickly responded, "Excellent, please bring him in."