He really could not bring himself to do it. Picking a rose at worst meant a few thorns in the hand, but picking a man-eater? That could swallow him whole. Theodore shook his head, dried himself off, and was about to head to the gaming room for a few solo rounds to relax when music drifting from the dance studio caught his attention. "Mom's still practicing?" He pushed open the door. Inside, a woman in her fifties, still graceful and slender, was dancing elegantly. "Mom, aren't you tired?" Theodore called as he walked in. She did not answer, fully immersed in the music and her dance. He plopped onto a chair nearby and tried again. "Ms. Celina Mervyn, take a break already. You haven't even eaten dinner, and you are just dancing nonstop. At your age, aren't you worried about low blood sugar?" Celina finally stopped, giving him a helpless look. "Gosh, you are always causing trouble." Theodore grinned and leaned closer. "Trouble? Please, I'm just worried about my mom." Celina smiled faintly, then gestured to a young maid in the corner. The girl immediately shut off the speaker, picked up a towel and a glass of water, and brought them over. Just as Celina was about to drink and continue chatting with her son, she noticed his eyes glued to the maid. "Mom, when did this little beauty show up? Haven't seen her before." Celina glanced at the girl who kept her eyes down. "Raven is a new hire. She just started two days ago." "Oh." Theodore's grin widened as he leaned closer to the maid. "Hi, gorgeous, what's your name?" The girl lowered her gaze. "I'm Raven Webster." Unlike Cassian, Dave insisted on keeping butlers, maids, and guards at home. Partly out of habit, partly because their presence made the household still feel as grand as before. But there were far fewer staff now—not only to save expenses, but also because after the world fell apart, many servants grew untrustworthy. With no laws and starving families outside, even long-time employees began harboring other thoughts. So Dave let most of them go, keeping only a trusted few. Recently, Celina's maid had died of heatstroke while visiting family, and the family had to find a replacement. Raven, an orphan with no ties, was perfect: food and shelter in exchange for work, no wages required, and quick on her feet. She was immediately placed by Celina's side. Theodore gave her a once-over. "Raven, huh? Nice name." Then, he asked again, "How old are you?" "Twenty-two," she answered softly, still not looking up. Theodore nodded, interested. The truth was, she was just stunning. Even bare-faced in a plain maid uniform, she was easily as beautiful as Cassian's girlfriend.His eyes lit up. "Hey, do you know how to kill someone?" The girl blinked in surprise, finally looking at him. "Huh?" "I said, do you know how to kill?" he repeated. Raven glanced nervously at Celina, then shook her head. "No." Theodore frowned in disappointment. "Figures. That's a pity." After a beat, he pressed on. "What can you do then? Swordplay? Gunwork? Archery?" Raven's lips twitched. "None of that." "Then what if you trained? Could you learn?" Celina finally cut in, unable to listen any longer. "You brat, what nonsense are you spouting again?" Theodore turned to his mom, putting on his most spoiled tone. "Mom, come on. Give her to me. I could use a maid too." The young maid froze, her face flickering with unease before she instinctively stepped back behind Celina. What a psycho. I'd better hide. Celina shot her son a thoughtful look, then handed the towel and cup to Raven. "Go on, you may leave." Relieved, the girl hurried out. Theodore frowned. "Mom, why'd you let her go? I wasn't done talking to her." Celina stretched, cooling down from her dance. "She's staying with me. Raven is quick and attentive, and she suits me well. I like her. I'm not giving her up."Theodore clicked his tongue. "Seriously? You'd fuss with your own son over a maid? Weren't you the one who said I was your treasure and you'd even give me your life?" Celina smiled, turning to him. "My life, yes. A good maid? No." Theodore rolled his eyes. Why did it feel like he was getting smacked down everywhere today? "Hmph, whatever." He sulked for a moment, then added, "Fine, then at least let me chat with her when I'm bored, okay?"