However, his transgression did not warrant severe punishment. After all, the maintenance of the Oracle Stone was not within his purview to begin with! As expected! Mrs. Jenkins uttered slowly, “Reuben, according to the rules of the Jenkins family, when one commits such a grave error in their assigned duties, severe retribution must follow. Even expulsion from the Jenkins family wouldn't be too severe of a consequence...” Reuben was taken aback by her words, aghast at the severity of the proposed punishment .

"Mrs. Jenkins, feel free to impose any punishment upon me," expressed Reuben willingly, yet his words somehow brought a spark of delight to his eyes, as he gazed up at Mrs. Jenkins with unwavering loyalty apparent on his face.

In response, Mrs. Jenkins nodded approvingly, her satisfaction evident.

“However, since the deputy butler is responsible for managing the Oracle Stone and you were merely overseeing it temporarily, I cannot impose severe punishment despite your error," she explained.

With a tone of authority, Mrs. Jenkins continued, “Here's what will happen: your wages will be deducted by the amount equal to next year's money and you will be relieved of your position as the chief butler. However, considering your proficiency in handling family affairs, I grant you the opportunity to continue as the acting chief butler. If you prove yourself worthy within the next year, you may be reinstated.”

Upon hearing these words from Mrs. Jenkins, Reuben’s voice instantly rose as he exclaimed, "Mrs. Jenkins, you are truly magnanimous! I acknowledge my wrongdoing and I promise not to disappoint you in the future!"

In truth, Reuben was already filled with immense joy.

Although the salary of the Jenkins family's chief butler amounted to a meager sum of slightly over one hundred thousand per year, there were abundant illicit gains to be acquired through the position. Reuben and his wife, Doris, indulged in clandestine activities, discreetly profiting from various affairs and events of the Jenkins family, accumulating an impressive sum of more than one million annually.

Regardless of whether he retained the formal title or served as the acting chief butler, as long as Reuben maintained his position, he could continue to exploit the family's affairs for personal gain.

Moreover, being a loyal subordinate of Mrs. Jenkins, Reuben knew that after shouldering the blame for his master, she would undoubtedly reward him in private!

With thoughts of their impending prosperity, Reuben and his wife, Doris, were filled with immense joy, as if they were celebrating the dawning of Christmas.

In truth, every member of the esteemed council, including Canaan, was well aware of the situation at hand.

“Alas!" Canaan let out a heavy sigh, his disappointment palpable.

It was evident that there were incriminating details against Mrs. Jenkins but she possessed a remarkable ability to distort the truth and turn the tables. In the end, she emerged unscathed, unharmed by any consequences!

Even her Loyal subordinate, who was seemingly given a punishment, would continue to benefit from the Jenkins family.

Mrs. Jenkins, the indomitable matriarch of the Jenkins family, held supreme control over the family's power for two decades, rendering her impervious to any attempts against her.

“Now that the situation is clear, Let us once again declare the outcome of the semifinals," Mrs. Jenkins said slowly, her gaze shifting towards her granddaughter, Barbara, who appeared uneasy.

Her eyes then fell upon Maria, who exuded not an air of arrogance but rather a tranquil composure.

Mrs. Jenkins's heart sank, her realization dawning upon her.

“I have underestimated her. I believed I had complete control over everything, but now it seems she has returned to her clan with a strategic plan. It turns out she is a formidable opponent,” Mrs. Jenkins mused to herself.

“Ahem!”

Doris cleared her throat, signaling the commencement of the announcement of the semifinal results of the literary competition.

“Maria Jenkins has concocted a Concentration Pill with an astonishing efficacy of 99.99%, earning her the coveted first place in the semifinals."

In the semifinal round, Miss Barbara Herrera displayed her skill by refining a Concentration Pill with an efficacy of 89%, securing an admirable second place.