Chapter 69

"Ah... acting head of house? Ah! Someone who stands in for the head of house... I see."

The shift in his expression told me exactly what was running through his head.

Surprise that I was a child, disbelief that a child could really be head of house, and then, settling into belief but concluding it probably didn't amount to much anyway — the whole thought process played out plainly on his face.

"I'd like to discuss a business matter. Please, sit."

Hendricks's gaze flicked over to Oskin, standing behind me. He'd decided Oskin, not me, was the one who actually held the power here.

"Sir Oskin, could you ask for some tea and snacks to be brought in?"

I decided not to waste my breath explaining who I was to Hendricks and show him instead.

The man you think outranks me — he answers to me.

"Of course, my lady.…