Chapter 27

Although she had asked the same question several times, Yvonne asked again. Luca scratched his thick hair, looking troubled.

“I want to help, but as you know, it’s become difficult to get materials. I’ve been doing my best since you contacted me, but what I managed to find costs more than what you gave me.”

Since half a year ago, rumors about the largest iron-producing country, Osmil Kingdom, had been spreading, and the royal family started buying up iron and steel, affecting Windfog as well.

With predictions that they were preparing for war, iron—essential for making weapons—became scarce, impacting the supply of materials for construction.

Yvonne managed to cover the skyrocketing prices, but now even that was getting difficult.

Luca spoke with a troubled look.

“At this point, it’s not a manpower issue, but getting materials. If you pay extra, I can get them, but it’s a matter of cost.”

He made a money gesture with his fingers on his elbow resting on the table.

“Honestly, paying ten times the cost just to buy them isn’t wise. Unless the war drags on, prices will go back to normal in a year.”

“A year is too late.”

“I’ll try to find a way, but even if we have materials, it doesn’t mean the building can go up quickly. Three months is only possible if materials are fully available. Do you still want to proceed?”

“It doesn’t matter. I’ll pay whatever it takes, so let’s go with that method. And don’t forget the new IDs.”

If she didn’t beg Carlisle for forgiveness, the Earl—who held Euphoria’s children hostage—could do anything. He’d already handed over Euphoria residents’ IDs to a shady company.

Taking into account the time for her bruises to fade, the Earl had promised to wait two weeks, and only a few days remained.

‘If you do as we say and succeed in marrying, I’ll look after Euphoria orphanage. I’ll continue supporting the kids until they’re adults.’

Because Euphoria’s finances had worsened, Yvonne had no choice but to accept the Earl’s offer and enter the Earldom.

But it was a lie. Bernard took the support funds for Euphoria, brought older kids to his company to work, and threatened to sell the younger ones to slave ships.

Throughout her marriage, Yvonne saved money, bought land in Gagnon—a rural area away from the capital—and paid to build a house. She even bought farmland and land for raising sheep, enough for thirty people to live.

The Earl held Euphoria’s deed, but if he closed the orphanage, that was it.

Yvonne planned to leave the capital after securing Euphoria residents’ safety.

But the Earl, who had left for Asnesh Kingdom on business, suddenly returned early, ruining everything.

Yvonne took a check from her bag and handed it to Luca.

“Use this for now, I’ll look for other ways.”

Luca glanced at the amount and shrugged his shoulders. Just as his hand reached for the check, Yvonne pulled it back.

Facing Luca’s puzzled expression, Yvonne added coldly,

“As I said, if you try anything else, remember that your company won’t just end with bankruptcy.”

“Would I be crazy to cheat you, Madam? You even helped recover rights almost lost to the bank.”

“There are more people who exploit kindness than those who return it. Decide if it’s more profitable to cheat me for petty cash, or finish the job well and get your company’s name on Aerondo’s department store bid I’ll introduce you to. The future profits are bigger…”

So suspicious.

Luca, seeing the meticulous side of a noblewoman who should be ignorant of such matters, clicked his tongue inwardly.

“Don’t worry. You came to me instead of more successful brokers because you trust me. I have acquaintances abroad, so I’ll make some calls.”

At Yvonne’s thorough warning, Luca winked as if to say, just trust him.

* * *

Several days passed.

Luckily, Luca sent hopeful news that he’d secured materials. As her wounds and bruises faded, Yvonne finally went out and caught up on overdue business.

She visited the bank to recover her investment in the West Continent railway project from a year ago, and sent a letter to Cassie, the director of Euphoria orphanage.

Since she couldn’t immediately reclaim the deed from Bernard, she secretly sought legal advice on closing procedures. By the time she returned, it was nearly midnight. The dim orange glow of gas lamps illuminated the sloping hill of Cadney Road.

Fearing the Earl’s surveillance, she purposely got off at Blueair, the neighboring town, and walked. But walking up to her house on the hill for a nice view of Luthers River left her a little breathless.

“Miss, do you think Luca was telling the truth? From what I see, buildings are going up smoothly in Sandiewood.”

“Sandiewood is a luxury commercial area. The owners are high nobles, so they can get materials easily.”

“That’s true… No matter how hard it is, nobles are different. You’re a noble too, Miss. Why not ask the Duke before divorcing?”

“If Carlisle finds out, the Earl will too. He’s not the kind of man who listens to me anyway.”

Jane fell silent, stumped by Yvonne’s words.

He was a man who believed all the rumors of Yvonne’s extravagance and socializing with men.

Or rather, it meant he didn’t care if they were true.

Carlisle was more than indifferent—almost disliked her. Their marriage was forced by Earl Bernard. Even though Yvonne understood Carlisle’s reluctance, she was naturally hurt that he never once looked back, despite her long efforts.

So he must have met another woman.

‘Even during the three years you were married, Carlisle was my man.’

Even when she heard that, Yvonne didn’t believe it. But the moment she saw the photo the woman handed her, her faith shattered.

Recalling the two people lying together in bed, Yvonne closed her eyes and unconsciously wrapped her hand around her flat stomach.

Beyond bitter sorrow and self-loathing, a suffocating frustration pressed in.

Carlisle had never wanted her as his wife from the start. She realized it was because he truly loved another woman.

Thinking of that day, her mood sank. Jane, walking beside her, suddenly stopped.

Yvonne looked where Jane was staring and froze.

Click—the back seat of the car parked in front of the house opened, revealing a familiar man’s face. Carlisle stood upright, closed the door, and walked over leisurely.

“You’re late.”

Yvonne’s eyes trembled at the man’s unexpected appearance. But when she saw the five or six men behind him, her face was filled with wariness.

“Why are you here at this hour? Don’t try to come into the house like last time.”

“I had no intention of coming in.”

Carlisle replied that he had no such plans, then signaled to the men.

“Go in.”

The men obeyed Carlisle, passing Yvonne and stepping into Lisian House’s courtyard. Yvonne’s eyes widened in shock.

“What are you doing?”

“Wait! You can’t go in without permission!”

Jane, startled, ran after them, but the men pushed her aside and entered the house anyway.

Unable to watch, Yvonne tried to follow, but her wrist was grabbed and she was spun around. Facing Carlisle, she frowned and tried to pull her hand away, but his firm grip didn’t let go. After several tries, she sighed and looked him straight in the eyes.

“Let go. You can’t just show up at someone’s house and do this.”

“Did you forget this is still my house?”

“You agreed to give it as alimony. Did you forget what you promised?”

She had only asked for the townhouse, even though her lawyer said she could demand more. Before signing the divorce papers, Carlisle had agreed, so Yvonne confronted him about his change of heart.

“If you regret giving it now…”

“You hired a man named Luca. A broker in construction, right?”

“……!”

Yvonne’s fingers flinched at the name that slipped from Carlisle’s lips.

“How do you know about him?”

She stepped back, but Carlisle closed the distance. His broad, trained shoulders and colder face than ever loomed over her. The pressure from his expression made her swallow dryly.

“I don’t know where or how you found and hired him, but you should have been more careful.”

As he drew closer, the almond scent of his cigar and his strong body scent drifted over.

“You bought land in Gagnon under a false name. Building a house there too.”