Chapter 132: Tug of War
A few days later, I was going through the usual pile of invitations addressed to me. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Oh, this drink is delicious,” I said, taking a sip of the drink Livya had given me.
Livya smiled contentedly at my reaction. “Still, the alcohol is surprisingly strong, so drink it slowly,” she warned.
I glanced at her. She looked stunning as always, with the subtle scent of the luxurious perfume that was currently in fashion. I sighed inwardly. It would be a real shame if she ended up siding with the princess.
“What can I do for you?” Livya’s voice suddenly sharpened as someone approached us.
I turned my head. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“…”
It was a man I’d never seen before. He had a slender build, dressed in a black suit, and wore a fox-like smile that exuded an air of false intimacy.
I didn’t recognize him, but Livya clearly did. The hostility that flickered across her face was unmistakable.
“Oh my, I apologize for disturbing you, ladies,” he said smoothly.
“Apology accepted. Now you can leave, Count Bill Curtis,” Livya responded coldly.
Bill Curtis? I frowned. That name was familiar—it was the sender of that odd love letter.
Despite Livya’s frosty tone, the man kept smiling. “I’m sorry, but I have a matter to discuss with your companion, Lady Priscilla.”
“What is it?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Lady Fiona Heilon. Please, call me by my name,” he said, as if trying to charm me. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
I scoffed at the cheap attempt. “I don’t think that’s going to happen. As far as I recall, this is the first time we’ve met. Now, what is it?”
“Have you received my letter some time ago?”
“Yes, I got it. But I think my lack of response made my feelings clear.”
By not replying at all.
“Could you spare me a moment of your precious time?”
Why was this guy suddenly so interested in seeing me? It was irritating. I was beginning to understand why Livya didn’t like him—he was really unpleasant.
I was curious about what he wanted, but I also felt bad for Livya since this whole thing was probably going to bother her.
“Fine, but just for a moment.”
It wasn’t proper for a noble lady to be alone with a man she didn’t know well, especially one who seemed infatuated with her. However, because I was the noble lady in question, I could make an exception—I had enough power to deal with any nonsense. If he tried anything, I could grill him…
Wait, wasn’t that a bit too much? Gosh, my thoughts were getting more radical by the day. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
Bill Curtis and I walked to the terrace.
“It seems like you didn’t get the message, so let me spell it out, Count Curtis. Not replying is a refusal.”
“I know.”
He knew, yet he still wanted to talk? Annoying.
“Then why did you call me here?”
“I just wanted one intimate conversation.”
I crossed my arms. Hopefully, his idea of an “intimate” conversation wouldn’t test my patience. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Alright, what is it?”
Bill Curtis smiled.
“I know Lady Fiona very well.”
“…”
I almost flinched, as if something sharp had poked me. But I maintained a calm, sarcastic expression.
“Oh? You mean the fact that I’m an illegitimate child? Please, that’s old news. Plenty of people try to use that against me.”
He ignored my defensive tone.
“No, not that.”
Whatever. I wasn’t about to get rattled by his vague remarks. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Then what do you think you know?” I asked, irritation creeping into my voice.
Bill Curtis smiled and extended his hand. “If you come with me, I’ll tell you everything.”
What the hell?
“My lady, I already wrote it in the letter. If we’re together, we could achieve anything. Please, make the wise choice.”
This guy wasn’t the type to back down after one rejection. I could see now why Livya was so hostile toward him. “I’m not interested, and I don’t care. I’m leaving, Count.”
Bill let out an exaggerated sigh.
“That’s unfortunate. At least take this.” He pulled out a black envelope from his coat. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“If it’s another letter, I don’t want it—” I was eager to get back to the hall, so I took the invitation without thinking and turned to leave.
Then, Bill’s voice came from behind me. “My lady, just consider it. I’ll be worth far more to you than His Highness, if you stand by me.”
“…”
Did he seriously just compare himself to Sigren?
I turned back, my voice icy. “Hearing that changed my mind.”
Bill’s face lit up with hope. “Did you decide to join me?”
“No.” I smiled coldly. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
Shriekk— With a sharp sound, I tore the invitation in half.
For the first time, Bill’s confident expression faltered. Clearly, he hadn’t expected me to react like this. I dropped the torn pieces to the floor and ground them under my heel. Then, with an arrogant smile that would’ve made Abel proud, I said:
“This is my answer.”
My voice dropped to a dangerous tone. “If you ever speak about the prince’s worth again, I won’t let it slide.”
“…”
Without waiting for a response, I turned on my heel and strode away, tak— tak— the sharp click of my shoes echoing through the hallway as I walked off in anger. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
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