Edmund hadn't anticipated Larissa's strong reaction. He looked at her with a hint of admiration in his eyes.

"The applications will get rejected if we submit them frequently," he said.

"How about this—let's try a different approach. You stay here for now, and I'll submit another application once the housekeeping department is back on track after the big family reunion dinner. To be honest, we need you more here than in Covenford. Departmental reforms can't be accomplished in just two weeks. It's a long process, which is why I hope you can stay in Bartham."

Everything about him—his words, tone, and demeanor—all seemed genuine. If it weren't for Kevan's initial warning and her aversion to being in Bartham, she might have been convinced by him already.

"I disagree," she firmly rejected. "If you can't resolve this, I'll contact headquarters myself."

...

Due to Edmund's persistence, Larissa had no choice but to seek help from her actual superior to explain the situation to headquarters. She