“Are you certain?”
“Absolutely.”
“Because your fiancée has been telling staff for months that she decides who works in this house.”
He glanced toward Catherine.
The event manager’s face tightened.
Ivy continued.
“She made one of the housekeepers change her shoes because she didn’t like the sound they made on the marble. She told the kitchen staff they weren’t allowed to use the main staircase even when transporting equipment.”
Ronan’s jaw tightened.
“And last week,” Ivy said, “she told me I should be grateful anyone would employ a woman of my size.”
Maya lowered her gaze.
Catherine looked uncomfortable.
Ronan stared at Ivy.
“Why wasn’t I informed?”
Ivy let the question settle.
“Your household manager received complaints.”
Catherine spoke quietly.
“Yes, sir.”
Ronan turned toward her.
“And?”
“They were treated as matters of personal preference concerning the event arrangements.”
“Personal preference?”
Catherine looked down.
“Mrs. Hale was expected to become the mistress of the house. Staff were concerned that challenging her could cost them their positions.”
Ivy adjusted the robe.
“Everyone was afraid of losing a job, Mr. Blackwood. That made it very easy for her to decide what she could get away with.”
Ronan pulled out a chair.
He sat down opposite her.
For someone whose presence could silence a corporate boardroom, he seemed to have difficulty finding a response.
Finally, he said, “I’m sorry.”
Ivy looked at him.
