Chapter 181 - Equal Employment Opportunity

"Uncle Ruffy, I understand what you are trying to say. That's another reason I ask you to teach me what to do. But, before that ... can you at least join me for a meal? Not just you, but all the housemates. Please! " Beg Ashley. Sorrow was visible on her face.

Butler Ruffy was pleased with what he had heard, but he still needed to be strong and not give in to Ashley's request. This is the only way for her to learn to live up to her status. However, he thought maybe he could give her a little space, just this once. 

"This is what we are going to do. How about, I call Tiny, and Inday. Because they are your personal bodyguard and maid, all three of us will eat with you. It's all I can think of that would be acceptable?" Ruffy said with a serious look on his face.

Ashley was thrilled to hear that butler Ruffy was willing. At least Tiny and Inday could continue to eat with her. She won't be eating alone. "Alright, please! I'm willing!" Ashley's smiling as she answered.

Butler Ruffy left for a moment and went to the household-help dining room. He arrived at the right time that Tiny was about to sit down for a coffee. He has a few pieces of cheese-stuffed bread on hand. When he saw butler Ruffy, he stood up and paid his respect.

"Good morning, uncle Ruffy! Is ma'am Ashley ready?" Tiny asked, thinking he might be there for him.

"Good morning to you as well, Tiny! Leave that thing on your hand. Ma'am is in the dining room, and she's asking for you and Inday. Where is that girl, by the way?" He was looking around the dining room as he speaks.

Butler Ruffy didn't say why Ashley was asking for him. He figured that it's alright for him to have a quick bite. He was about to take a quick bite of the bread, but butler Ruffy stopped him.

"Leave that there. You go to the dining room, and ma'am is waiting!" He ordered without telling him why.

Tiny's face continued to droop as his stomach ached. But he can't do anything when his lady boss is calling him.

"This old man is so mean, I only wanted to take a small bite, couldn't he have let me? Never mind, I'll just find something in the canteen later." Tiny mumbles to himself as he walked into the dining room.

"Good morning, ma'am Ashley! You called for me?" Tiny said as his eyes glanced at the food on the table. 'Wow! Roasted chicken, corned beef, bacon, eggs, beef-tapa, fried fish, and whatnot! How in the wold ma'am Ashley could eat it all?' Tiny thought as his stomach grumbles.

"Good morning to you too! What are you waiting for? Sit down!" Ashley said seriously, while slightly smiling.

Tiny was going to decline the offer. He didn't think it would look good for Ashley. He doesn't want the other household-help to disrespect her, seeing that she is eating at the same time with the help.

"Ma'am Ashley..." He wasn't able to finish what he was about to say. Butler Ruffy and Inday arrived.

"Inday, you sit next to ma'am so you can take care of her. And you, Tiny, sit here beside me. Let's sit down, so ma'am could eat! She's been kind enough to wait for all of us." Ruffy said as he sat down so they could start eating.

When they were all seated, butler Ruffy wanted to make sure that the two understand the situation.

"Tiny, Inday! Keep this in mind, we are eating with her right now as per request. However, this will be the first and last time we will do this. We cannot abuse her kindness, do you understand?!" Butler Ruffy sternly told the two who was busy shoving food in their mouth. 

He was only telling them that so they don't forget that Ashley is their boss, and they should not abuse her kindness. 

"Yes, sir!" Both said in unison without raising their head. They continued enjoying the feast in front of them.

Butler Ruffy continued his sermon as he also shoves food in his mouth. He didn't even realize that no one was paying attention to him. The trio was busy eating while they gossip about the Broadway show that Ashley watches the night before.

As they finished eating, Ashley remembered the other household-help and did not want them to be upset. She cannot play favoritism, it will not be good for her reputation. 

"Butler Ruffy, can you please explain to the rest of the household-help why it's only the three of you eating with me right now. Also, kindly ask the Chef to prepare the same type of food that we have here to share among them.

Butler Ruffy smiled at what he had heard, nodding in agreement. "Don't worry, I'll make sure to convey your orders to the Chef!" With that, he quickly banishes to fulfill Ashley's request.

Little did they know that Ashley's suspicions were right. When Chef saw that Ashley had dined and invited only the three of them, he went to their dining room and called all of the household-help and gathered them together to have a meeting while the four were eating.

He expressed his grievance to them without delay. Everyone listened intently and quietly to the Chef. Once he let it all out, they have mixed feelings and argue about how they should treat Ashley.

But suddenly butler Ruffy came and explained what and why. "Chef, ma'am Ashley ordered me to tell you to prepare the same food that you prepared for her this morning. Share it among all of you!" 

When Everyone heard what butler Ruffy said, they were impressed with Ashley's kindness, and it heightens their respect for her.

"Butler Ruffy, please forgive us if we think anything bad about ma'am Ashley for a moment." Said the Chef apologetically, unable to look at him straight up.

Everyone began speaking at the same time apologizing for their dirty thoughts. Butler Ruffy had to raise his hands to stop them from speaking at the same time. Once everyone stopped talking, he looked at the Chef to make sure he follows through his order.

"Alright! Alright!, do what ma'am Ashley had asked for you to do. Remember, you must prepare the same exactly what you had prepared for ma'am Ashley. Do you understand?" He said sternly with a smile, before turning around to go back out to the hallway.