Hannah lowered her voice deliberately . " The White family is a century - old clan . Old rules linger , even now . To be honest , Ms. Woodward , Azure Bay is nothing compared to White Manor . That place has far more traditions . " Mr. White is young , raised in modern times . Since taking the head seat , he's abolished many outdated customs . But the rules that remain are the ones no one can ignore . If you wish to stay by his side for the long run, you'll need to adapt to the White family's atmosphere . " Her words left Sonia thoughtful . A house with 100 years of history truly carried a weight that nouveau riche families like hers could never match . " By the way , Hannah , " Sonia asked carefully , " do you know which ladies Mr. White keeps close ? " That was what she most wanted to know . Hannah , of course , understood . " Mr. White is particular when it comes to women . Ordinary women would never catch his eye . Naturally , someone like you , blessed with both beauty and intellect , is an exception . In all my time working at Azure Bay , you're the first woman he has ever allowed through the door . " The Azure Bay's gates were notoriously strict . Strangers never set foot inside . Sonia's mood lifted . She remembered how she'd earned entry in the first place - by demonstrating her world - class hacking skills , which had impressed him enough to break his own rules . Flattery pleased anyone , and Sonia was no different . Back and forth , Hannah laid it on thick , praising her until it seemed there was no one on earth to compare .. Then , eager to score extra favor , Hannah made a reckless decision and spoke . " To tell you the truth , Ms. Woodward , a few days ago- But before she could finish betraying Valerie , footsteps sounded on the stairs . Lucius descended , his expression hard , and his eyes locked on Hannah . " Go on . What happened a few days ago ? " The sudden question jolted her . Words froze on her tongue . Keane had warned them before - never gossip about Valerie behind her back . She hadn't yet spoken , but the dark expression on Lucius ' face told her she'd already gone too far . Sonia stood quickly , offering a polite greeting , then tried to shield Hannah with a smile . " Hannah and I were only chatting about trivial things before you came down , Mr. White . Her Chapter 57 coffee is excellent . You're lucky to have such capable help in your home . " Hannah shot Sonia a grateful look . 2/2 22 But Lucius didn't let the matter drop . His gaze bore into Hannah . " You still haven't answered me . What happened a few days ago ? " It was the first time Hannah had seen him wear such a serious expression . Anxiety gnawed at her , draining the color from her face . She realized she might have stumbled into something dangerous . " Mr. White , I ... " Under the weight of his presence , excuses felt pointless . Meanwhile , Sonia sensed the tension and tried again to smooth it over . " She was only telling me some amusing stories . No need to frighten a young girl over nothing . " In truth , Hannah was 25 , four years older than Sonia . She was no young girl . Lucius ignored the plea . His voice dropped , sharp as steel . " Take her away . Teach her the rules properly . " Chapter 58 1/2