He recalled the exhibition pamphlet that had opened just yesterday. If his memory served him correctly, Chloe was in charge of that exhibition. From the atmosphere, it seemed the Duchess Dietrich had officially started working.

‘Please don’t stay up all night or skip meals.’

He had been about to add more but decided to set aside excessive worry. Besides, these details were already written on the paper in the duchess’s hand.

On this day of joyful news, it was more important to convey good wishes first. Doctor Harmen concluded the examination by expressing his congratulations to House Dietrich.

“Thank you, Doctor. I’ll see you at the next appointment.”

Chloe carefully stood up after gathering her handbag.

Just an hour ago, she had crossed this threshold while comforting herself not to have high expectations. But still, just in case.

So even if she heard it wasn’t the case…… she had planned to smile at Doctor Harmen and turn away as if nothing had happened.

After that, she had wanted to visit Alonso 5th Avenue where Andert stayed every Friday afternoon. But now, carrying this joyful news, she hesitated to go find him.

‘Perhaps it would be better to wait and tell him quietly tonight.’

Chloe continued to deliberate even after boarding the carriage after descending the stairs.

Then, looking up at the sky, she saw it was clear without a single cloud. It was a crisp autumn day so clear it hurt the eyes, needing no further explanation. At that moment, she missed Andert terribly.

“I really want to live doing what I want with you. Because I already have five years of meaninglessly lost time.”

It was the words Andert had once whispered to her like a pledge. Chloe retrieved this memory carefully stored in her heart and immediately decided on her destination.

The Dietrich family carriage raced powerfully down the main road with the coachman’s vigorous command after confirming the duchess’s destination.

* * *

Andert’s visits to the Tembenon building twice a week to handle business was a regular schedule.

When the reports that had continued for nearly three hours ended, he immediately poured out sharp criticisms as if he had been waiting.

“Is the profit forecast for the first half of next year that I’m looking at accurate? Let’s first recheck the mineral import-export matters of the holding company. The bonds and stock dividends will need readjustment accordingly.”

The complexions of the staff facing the merciless representative were uniformly pale. But the criticism that continued as he flipped through the report page by page seemed endless.

Contrary to the cold directives, the profit rates of the companies owned by Andert were actually drawing steep upward curves.

‘That’s not all. By the year after next, passenger cars bearing the Dietrich name will be rolling out in earnest.’

So it would be reasonable for the duke sitting at the head to be a little more generous…

But Andert, who had picked up his pen rather than raising a toast, showed no signs of such leniency. Those with bowed heads struggled to keep up with the pages the duke was pointing out.

The savior appeared after a man who visited the conference room delivered a brief message to the duke. It was unusual for Andert’s attendant to come in and out during a meeting.

Those seated around the oval table pricked up their ears at the faintly audible voice. Then Andert, closing the file, asked as if to confirm.

“Chloe?”

“Yes, the duchess has been guided to your private office. I also informed her that the meeting you’re presiding over might run long.”

The people in the conference room exchanged glances at the unexpected news but soon realized the reality before them. Based on experience, Andert’s cold interrogation would continue for a while longer.

But contrary to everyone’s expectations, the duke closed the file that still had quite a bit left and stood up.

“We’ll review the supplemented documents at the next meeting.”

That was it.

After adding brief instructions, Andert promptly left the conference room. Those who had been frozen stared at each other blankly before realizing this really was the end.

“Whew.”

The staff, each letting out sighs of relief, hurriedly got up from their seats. They had no time to relax as they needed to supplement the reports by next week.

As soon as he left the conference room, Andert took large strides and quickly reached the door where Chloe was waiting. She had never visited this place separately after they married. Though her sudden visit was welcome, he was concerned if something might be wrong.

“Chloe.”

At the soft call, Chloe, who had been standing in front of the large window, turned around.

The window where the western sunlight poured in lengthily rippled with golden waves. Chloe stood in place and smiled brightly.

It was the space she had first visited to repay her debt to Andert. It was also a somewhat blurry memory now, leaving behind those bleak and gloomy times. Chloe pointed to a large frame hanging on one wall and asked affectionately.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been here. Do you like this painting? Actually, I agonized the most over choosing a work that would suit this place.”

The paintings and sculptures placed throughout the Tembenon building were all carefully selected by Chloe. Of course, it was work that began at Andert’s request.

Still, she had deliberated the longest over the work to hang in this personal space of his. It needed to harmonize well with Andert and not clash with the excellent lighting that poured in brightly.

At the affectionate question, Andert’s gaze, which had been looking at Chloe, turned to the watercolor painting.

“I like it, Chloe.”

His comment wasn’t long. The lake without ripples was serene, and the lush summer foliage on the grassland was refreshing. And whenever he faced this landscape, Chloe came to mind.

So there was no reason not to like it. After kissing Chloe’s forehead, he gently clasped her hand.

“I’m happy to see you here, but is something the matter?”

* * *

The hotel restaurant district located at the intersection of Alonso 5th Avenue was quiet. There was still time before the peak hours when evening appointments would crowd in.

Chloe slowly chewed and swallowed the tender meat stew and chewy mushrooms.

“I missed you. Are you done with work? Then, let’s go have a delicious dinner first.”

She was the one who suggested the meal first. Though she had come to the company because she missed him, she hesitated about how to bring up the subject. Fortunately, Andert didn’t ask further and led her by the hand.

Sitting across from each other at the table, Chloe continued with everyday conversation.

“About the bazaar hosted by House Dietrich. I think the detailed matters need a bit more organization. And I’ve already forwarded the amount I’m personally donating to the lawyer.”

“Alright. If there’s anything that can’t be resolved at Roman and Daniel’s level, let me know anytime.”

Andert, who answered calmly, neatly folded his napkin and placed it on one side of the table. That was all. He didn’t offer any particular opinions, as if he had entrusted this matter entirely to Chloe.

Next month’s event would be the first step for the bazaar that would be held annually in the name of Dietrich. Living as a noble in Vasa, it was impossible to completely ignore the social world.

So Chloe planned to invite those with deep connections to House Dietrich to the bazaar held for a good cause.

‘But is he really not concerned about anything?’

And since she had delivered the donation amount to Daniel a few days ago, the report would have reached him too. But Andert still didn’t reveal any particular thoughts afterward.

Chloe, who had been closely observing him after finishing the meal, asked calmly.

“Aren’t you curious about anything else? About the progress or especially about the donation amount?”

The donation that Chloe planned to make in her personal name was profit derived from Artron Oil bonds.

When the employee in charge of managing the bonds came with the settlement report, she hadn’t known the exact amount of the dividend. Of course, she had heard that Artron was rapidly expanding after successfully drilling in Belfast.

But when Chloe checked the documents handed by the employee, she couldn’t help but be startled.

“You just need to sign here and on the next page in the same way. The full amount will be deposited into the designated account exactly next Monday.”

Even after finishing the signature according to the kind manager’s explanation, the feeling remained strange. Chloe, who knew nothing about the concept of investment, asked Andert that evening what she should do.

Though it was money to be deposited into her account, it was profit generated from bonds she had originally received from him.

His answer was simple.

“Use it however you want. If you want to invest elsewhere, the manager will guide you in detail. If not, whatever, do as you wish.”

It might have sounded indifferent at first glance. But Andert’s eyes, which met hers warmly, contained firm trust.

And it was the same today.