Chapter 54

Refusing to hide away simply because of the negative rumors just gave those shameless gossipmongers an easy target.

Determined to take decisive action, Aneta made a bold public statement. She declared that the rumors had no relation to her whatsoever and that legal measures would be taken against anyone who continued to spread false information.

Yet, despite such stern warnings, there are always those who can’t resist flapping their gums until they face consequences. For these individuals, Aneta summoned her representative, Alex, to the palace despite her busy schedule.

“Since we haven’t found the initial source yet, let’s start by catching the worst offenders.”

Alex promptly identified Count Damon and Viscount Eden as the main culprits. They had benefited from Adenauer’s patronage, yet they dared to spread vicious rumors about Aneta.

Aneta considered the two names, recalling the inter-family alliances. Aneta nodded in agreement. Her mere words were enough to sever those ties completely.

“Withdraw all the investments in the Count Damon estate under the Adenauer name by tomorrow. As for Viscount Eden, cease all iron supplies immediately.”

Aneta gave no grace period, ordering Alex to overturn all those relationships in a single day.

“If you move so abruptly, there will be some losses to bear. Are you sure that’s alright?”

Alex’s concern was brushed aside, as Aneta’s resolve remained unwavering.

“It doesn’t matter. Don’t worry about that; just proceed with it.”

The Adenauer iron mines were famous for producing high-purity iron, enough for the Emperor himself to propose a deal. There were plenty of others willing to buy it, and it would never go unsold. Similarly, there was no hesitation in reclaiming the investments since the funds originally came from her father, Derek.

Aneta recalled the groveling Count of Damon before her. She had held off on reclaiming the investments due to her late father’s pleas, but now that he was gone, there was no reason to show such leniency.

“So there’s no reason to hold back anymore.”

Aneta clicked her tongue briefly before signing the documents Alex presented.

The purpose of summoning Alex became clear as she escorted him out personally. Turning the corner, Aneta was stopped by a familiar voice.

Blocking Alex’s path with her outstretched arm, he looked at her curiously, but there was no need to ask what was happening.

“What a disgraceful era. To think she’s having an affair with some insignificant painter of unknown origins.”

Alex turned his gaze toward the voice.

The sound came from a corner to the right, and Aneta’s eyes were already fixed there.

Even without seeing the speaker, Aneta knew who it was. Instead of stepping forward, she stayed still and listened.

“I bet the reason she divorced the Duke of Baltimor is because of that painter. Remember how she traveled alone right after the divorce? Maybe she secretly went with him.”

The rumors about the trip abroad, specifically to Lithea, the so-called city of art, sparked a frenzy. The voice speculated that the destination must have been chosen for the sake of the painter, nearly turning it into a novel with its vivid details.

Another voice attempted to temper the gossip.

“Do you think so? These days, one careless word can cause serious trouble.”

“What do you mean, ‘these days’?”

“Didn’t you hear? The Marquis of Adenauer said she would respond firmly to these rumors.”

“Oh, please. Do you believe that? ”

At the question, delivered as if she had heard something ridiculous, Aneta turned the corner without a sound, and the expression on Viscountess Vetier’s face as she locked eyes with her turned pensive.

In contrast, the Countess of Damon continued her gossiping, unaware of Aneta’s presence.

“I’ve heard the threats of lawsuits before, but it’s always the same story. Most of the time, the truth comes out, and the lawsuits never actually happen. I’m sure this time will be no different.”

She spoke with such certainty, devoid of any shame. Aneta, arms crossed, let out a mirthless chuckle.

The Countess’s words were half right and half wrong. Nowadays, it is common for anyone and everyone to threaten lawsuits.

‘That’s why even innocent people like me get dragged into this mess.’

But in Aneta’s case, she had nothing to hide. Why would she hesitate to sue when she had done nothing wrong?

“Oh dear, I’m so sorry. But I can assure you, things won’t turn out the way you expect.”

Aneta spoke up, interrupting the conversation. The Countess’s bold demeanor instantly crumbled, and she turned around in fear.

“Your Ladyship. How long have you been standing there?”

“How long? From the moment you started spouting those ridiculous speculations. Let’s see, what were they?”

Aneta recited the gossip word for word; her voice was calm and precise. The Countess’s face turned white, then tinged with blue. Despite having uttered those words herself, her trembling lips seemed to deny ever having said them.

“Were you eavesdropping on our conversation? ”

Viscountess Vetier, not wanting to be lumped in with the Countess, looked uncomfortable, but the Countess was too panicked to notice.

“Eavesdropping? No, I assumed you were speaking loudly so everyone could hear.”

Aneta didn’t bother pointing out that this was not the real issue. As she uncrossed her arms, the Countess flinched, as if the simple gesture posed a great threat.

“Well, this works out nicely. I was planning to make an example of those spreading these baseless rumors. It looks like you’ll be fulfilling that role.”

“Example? What do you mean?”

“Alex, introduce yourself. You’ll be seeing a lot of each other from now on.”

Ignoring the Countess’s bewildered mumblings, Aneta called Alex, who stepped forward, understanding it was time to earn his pay.

“I am Alex Lemris, the representative of the House of Adenauer. It is unfortunate to meet under such unpleasant circumstances.”

Alex, loyal to Aneta, harbored no goodwill towards the Countess. His polite yet cutting words made Viscountess Vetier take a step back, sensing the gravity of the situation.

Aneta noticed but chose to overlook the Viscountess’s concern. She had no intention of holding her accountable for merely trying to restrain the Countess.

Alex flashed a friendly smile at the Countess of Damon. Sensing the disconnect between his words and expression, the Countess couldn’t help but doubt her hearing.

“Did you just say ‘lawsuit’?”

“Yes, he did.”

It was not Alex but Aneta who answered, her unwavering affirmation causing the Countess’s trembling lips to part in shock.

“I told you things would not go as you expected.”

“…”

“It seems like it’s best to live without doing anything disgraceful. That way, even if ridiculous rumors spread, you can confidently prove your innocence.”

The Countess’s face contorted as if struck by lightning. She opened her mouth, attempting to say something, but Aneta didn’t wait.

“And let me be clear: don’t expect any leniency. I have no intention of overlooking this, and if I were to turn a blind eye here, people would think the rumors are true because I didn’t sue.”

Aneta’s icy gaze bore into the Countess, who, shrinking under the intense stare, began to stammer out a plea.

“I was wrong. Please forgive me. If my husband finds out, it will be a disaster. I won’t be able to show my face in front of others. Please… please, don’t sue me.”

Mentionly, her husband brought back memories of Count Damon spreading similar rumors, naturally leading Aneta to narrow her eyes.

A couple spreading such lies together—truly, like a husband, like a wife.

“You don’t need to worry about that.”

“Then…”

Despite hearing there would be no leniency, the Countess’s face lit up with a glimmer of hope. Aneta was quick to shatter that hope.

“I’m planning to sue the Count as well. It wouldn’t be fair to just target you when he’s facing the same charges.”

Both husband and wife were sued—it was a fitting match.

With that thought, Aneta half-turned, showing she considered the conversation over.

“Also, inform the Count that I plan to withdraw the investment funds. Well then, I’ll be going.”

As Aneta turned, she briefly nodded at the Viscountess of Vetier’s, who visibly relaxed, relieved that Aneta harbored no ill will towards her.

In contrast, the desperate Countess of Damon continued pleading behind Aneta’s retreat, but Aneta never once looked back.

After sending Alex off, Aneta headed straight back to Lennox’s office. As she entered, she found Carlos, who had been absent for half a day.

“When did you get back? ”

Aneta asked casually, moving to the desk where she had some paperwork to attend to, leaving no room for Carlos to join her.

“Just now. Where have you been? ”

“I was seeing Alex off at the front gate.”

Carlos nodded, recalling Aneta’s trusted agent. But then he frowned, remembering the reason for Alex’s visit to the palace.

“So, did it go well?”

“Yes. We’ve decided to sue all the sources of the rumors.”

Aneta shared with Carlos the decisions made with Alex, as well as the incident she witnessed while seeing him off.

Hearing that she had been directly exposed to the vile rumors and witnessed the situation firsthand, Carlos’s expression darkened with anger.

“And you just let it go? ”

Struggling to control his rising fury, Carlos clenched his fists on his thighs, the veins on his hands bulging with tension.

“No, I’m not someone to just take it lying down. I told her I’d be suing both her and her husband, Count Damon. I also informed her that we’d be withdrawing our investments. It won’t be long before they’re stripped of both their reputation and their wealth.”

Aneta looked down at her documents, thinking that by now, Damon must have heard the news too.

She lowered her gaze to the documents in front of her, flipping through a few pages, when an uninvited guest barged in.