Chapter 20

The office they shared had become Aneta’s alone in recent days.

The only sound lingering in the space was the flipping of papers, and when her hands stopped moving, it was a complete silence.

Aneta put the finalized report on her desk. Thanks to the materials provided by Carlos, she was able to complete the report and secure the evidence with ease.

It wasn’t enough that Philo and Folter had spent money to cover up the misdeeds of their successors but also engaged in corruption dozens of times. Based on the detailed information she had, Aneta prepared thoroughly.

Russell, who understood all the circumstances, showed a cold anger as if he were about to explode. After hearing from Aneta about the statements of the guards, he immediately summoned Tereza to inspect the security forces.

Externally, Carlos was known to be absent from this matter.

Now, all that remained for her was to provide appropriate assistance to the victims of the incidents and cover up the money they deserved.  

As she pondered how she could best help them without hurting their feelings, a knock on the door broke the silence.

“Come in.”

As she looked up to the opening door, the figure revealed himself to be someone entirely unexpected.

“Vernon Kainer?”

She hadn’t expected to encounter him in such a private setting. His visit as a cousin of the same age was itself questionable.

“What are you doing here?”

Given that he couldn’t be unaware of Carlos’s whereabouts, the matter must have concerned him. Aneta asked, anticipating what must have been a heavy step.

“I’ve come to ask you a favor.”

“To me?”

“Yes.”

“Well, that’s unusual. You’ve come to me for help.”

Vernon’s mother, Liliette, had cut ties with her father, Derek, and she hadn’t even set foot towards the Adenauer’s mansion, which was their ancestral home.

Though she held a soft spot for her niece as an aunt, that was all.

Given the way their respective mothers and fathers treated each other like bugs, there was little chance of any interaction between Vernon and Aneta.

“As you know, we don’t usually ask each other for favors.”

When she bluntly pointed out that their relationship was inferior to that of their parent’s generation, he had nothing more to say and remained silent.

It wasn’t now, but it was a natural reaction since it hadn’t bridged the gap between them.

Aneta looked at him for a moment, then got up from her seat and moved to the couch.

“Sit down. I don’t know what you’re asking me to do, but I’ll listen to it and decide.”

The reason she decided to listen to Vernon’s words was purely because of Chris. She wondered if it might be a request related to her.

As the owner of the office, Aneta prepared tea to entertain her guests. Vernon, who was looking at the swirling tea water, began to speak about the ‘favor’ he mentioned earlier.

“I used to be close to a child when I stayed on the estate. Her name is Chris Deven, a name you’ve probably heard before.”

He must also know that they have already met once. Aneta nodded silently.

Vernon began to explain the situation along with Chris’s name.

The former Viscountess Deven and her husband lost their lives in a carriage accident. The damage caused by their absence became a debt that placed a burden on Chris, who had just become an adult. 

“The creditors offered to forgive the debt if the estate was handed over, but that is not possible. Because they’re paying off the debt with taxes, and if the estate is handed over, the tenants will have nowhere to go.”

Since there were no townhouses in the system, it would have been even more daunting.

“Chris only asked me to arrange a job for her. That’s why I came to you without any hesitation.”

“Why would you want to send her under my wing?”

“Because she saw you and started to dream.”

She, who had only hoped to settle her debts, began to dream. Every time she asked about Aneta and learned more about her, she brightly revealed the expression she had been trying hard to conceal.

Vernon could not overlook that sight.

“I’m asking, Aneta. I hope you’ll take Chris as your assistant.”

Aneta looked at him, who lowered his head without hesitation. Even as time passed, he did not raise his deeply bowed head.

“Look up, Vernon. Rather than using this method, I would like you to tell me about the benefits I get. Because it will be faster and more certain that way. You’re not the type of person who is so reckless and without measures as to blindly take a child with no abilities under your wing, are you?”

After gathering his thoughts for a moment, Vernon raised his head.

“She’s never shied away from mingling with the people of the estate, so she’s familiar with their way of life, and her opinions sometimes come from unexpected directions. I’ll ensure her patience and perseverance. It will undoubtedly be helpful to you.”

He had an exceptional eye for observing people, so she felt a connection.

There was enough reason to grant Vernon’s request. She was impressed by his willingness to bow his head for someone dear to him, and she also liked Chris.

“All right.”

Aneta ended her brief contemplation and nodded her head.

“In exchange, you owe me a favor. Is that acceptable to you?”

“Why would I have any complaints?”

Vernon’s face, now expressing gratitude, blossomed into a smile.

“I’d like to meet her either today or tomorrow.”

Aneta had been interested in Chris. She wanted to talk a little more, and she received a surprising response, as unexpected as his appearance.

“We can do it right now; she’s in my office.”

“Tell me honestly. Did you plan this?”

“Partly.”

Aneta chuckled at his confidence, then rose to her feet as if there was no other choice.

“She must have been waiting alone. Let’s go to your office.”

He didn’t have to ask where it was. Aneta headed in the direction of her previous office, ahead of Vernon.

In the meantime, Vernon didn’t tell Chris about taking her under Aneta’s care because he was afraid of being let down. Aneta vaguely agreed with him.

“I’ll see Chris Deven soon, so let’s talk about Rodion. He got enrolled in Alberic Academy early.”

Aneta was referring to Vernon’s younger brother. Rodion was the youngest child of the Kainer family, who had just turned seven.

Since they met by chance at a reception hall and became friends, he was the only one among the Kainers who had a good relationship with Aneta.

Recalling the scene where he cried, wanting to marry her but finding out she already had a husband, Aneta wondered how he was doing.

“He’s still the same. He doesn’t like to socialize.”

Vernon knocked on the door of his office. Seeing how considerate he was of Chris inside, Aneta recalled her conversation with Rodion.

The child said he was afraid and sick of people approaching him with a purpose.

“Vernon, did you come?”

Following Vernon through the open door, Chris, who had just risen from her seat, froze in surprise.

Her expression changed rapidly, showing uncertainty. Though she was tempted to just leave her be, she didn’t have much time to spare.

“Are we good?”

Aneta spoke first to Chris, who stood there looking bewildered.

“Greetings. You probably already know, but I’m Aneta Adenauer, Vernon’s cousin.”

Knowing the strained relationship between their families, Chris never dreamed Vernon would bring Aneta himself.

“Starting today, I’ll also be your employer.”

Not only that, but the job she was introduced to under her. While she felt like she was dreaming, Chris’s body was moving steadily.

“I’m grateful for what happened the other day,” she says.

“I just did what I needed to do.”

Although it may seem formal on the surface, Aneta’s words were sincere.

“I’ve heard the general situation from Vernon. I’m about to propose the Viscount, but I hope it won’t upset you.”

Chris nodded nervously, hiding her tension.

“Do you have any complaints about working under me for now?”

“Of course not. It’s an honor if anything.”

“But there’s a problem that needs to be addressed first.”

“What would that be…?”

“Well, I don’t like to have people working for me who have complicated debt relationships.”

It was a lie. If it wasn’t their fault that they were in debt, judging someone based on the fact that they have debt is not right. However, the reason for mentioning it was to achieve a certain goal.

Chris’s face darkened, as she didn’t know about it.

“Don’t think about working under me until you’ve paid off your debt. That’s roughly what it means.”

“I’m not saying I won’t hire you. Instead, I’ll take over the Viscount’s debts.”

“I can’t cause trouble for you, My Lady, again!”

Chris exclaimed in a small voice, her heart pounding. Vernon’s eyes widened in surprise at the outrageous offer.

Aneta ignored the second glance and continued firmly.

“Fine. If you don’t want to work under me, there’s nothing I can do.”

“That’s…”

“I didn’t say I would pay off your debt. I said I would take it over. At least there won’t be any interest added.”

At the mention of interest, her small body trembled. It was clear that she was partially convinced.

With the thought that this would be the last time, Aneta spoke up.

“Why was I able to sit in a position as high as the Minister of Health and Welfare at this age? Was it because I was recognized for my abilities? Of course, that’s one reason, but the biggest reason is because I have a lot of money. Not just a lot, but an obscene amount. I have no worries about touching the budget that will go back to the people.”

Vernon grimaced silently at Aneta’s somewhat uncomfortable words, but she ignored him.

“So that kind of expenditure will never be a burden for me. Even though I said this much, if you don’t like it, there’s nothing I can do.”

Chris looked into Aneta’s eyes. I wonder if she’s trying to trick her. She thought for a moment, she even thought that way when facing the object of her admiration.

Chris was not as innocent as she appeared to others. It was more exhausting, no doubt. Even if there were requests from Vernon’s cousin, there would be no one who would show such kindness to someone they had only met twice.

But somehow, she found herself trusting her. An untraceable trust took root in her heart.

Chris didn’t reject this strangeness she had never experienced before.

“I won’t force you. If you don’t want to, you’re free to leave this position.”

“Then, I’ll humbly accept your offer.”

Thinking coldly, it was a luxury even to hesitate. Chris looked at Vernon. She didn’t want to owe him silently in her heart.

Hoping for the day when she could face Vernon as an equal, Chris made a promise.

“I will repay the favor you both have shown me.”

Aneta responded with a smile to her confident declaration.

The contract was drawn up on the spot. After checking off the last box and agreeing to assume the debt, Chris signed and stamped her name.

“You and Isabel can take care of the rest.”

Mentioning her attendant, Aneta passed one of the two contracts to Vernon.

Vernon frowned at the vague contents, but Aneta paid no attention.

‘Don’t say anything.’

With that expression, Aneta silently told him, and his lips were obediently sealed shut.

Whatever else happened, it wouldn’t harm Chris.

“According to the contract, today is the first day, so I should let you leave early on your first day. You can go home first.”