Chapter 6

Contrary to Harriet’s hopes, handsome men who could make her forget her worries, even for a moment, were not easy to come by.

In the sophisticated setting with red velvet curtains, exotic palm trees, plush armchairs covered in deep green velvet, and elegant rosewood cabriole-leg tables, the men and women, all in masks, were stylishly and lavishly dressed, whether standing or sitting and chatting.

The men, donned in tailcoats, checked their meticulously styled hair and adjusted their handkerchiefs, while the women, wearing white gloves up to their elbows, flirtatiously fanned themselves with fans made of peacock feathers.

In the midst of this, waiters in crisp white shirts, tight black vests, and trousers bustled around, serving finger foods and drinks, while on the balcony, a neatly dressed orchestra played slow and elegant classical music.

In this bustling and luxurious social club, Harriet sat alone in a corner, like an indifferent old woman.

“That man… I’ve already met him once, and that man has too big a belly. And that man’s sleeves are shabby, so he must have spent all his money just to register here. He’s probably looking to catch a wealthy woman to change his fortune.”

Having drunk wine without any crackers, the intoxication quickly set in. Several men approached her, but none caught her eye.

Harriet, who had been scrutinizing the men as if evaluating merchandise in a department store, eventually gave up and stood up. She was about to leave without hesitation before any troublesome situation arose when someone grabbed her shoulder. Thinking it was one of the men who had persistently tried to talk to her, Harriet turned her head with annoyance.

“This. You dropped it.”

Almost simultaneously, a smooth, pleasant baritone voice reached her ears.

“Oh…”

The tall man handed her a cosmetic item. It seemed to have fallen out of her slightly open bag. Harriet, deliberately tucking her long hair behind her ear, blinked shyly as she took the cosmetic from the man.

“Thank you. I didn’t even know I dropped it.”

“It’s alright. It’s dark, so that can happen.”

The man replied softly and naturally continued the conversation.

“By the way, it seems like this is the first time I’ve seen you at this gathering. You look somewhat familiar though…”

“Aren’t we supposed to keep our identities secret until we’ve met three times here?”

“Oh, right. I forgot for a moment.”

Harriet, who had responded coyly, saw the man blush.

She laughed silently at the sight. She knew perfectly well that his face wasn’t red from embarrassment. The gaze that lingered over her exposed shoulder was obvious in its intent. It was much better than pretending to be an innocent, clueless boy like her ex-boyfriend Jeremy, who acted as if he knew no women other than his mother and nanny. Besides, she was sure he wasn’t expecting a long-term relationship either, so it put her at ease.

“I’m Annie. What should I call you?”

Harriet gave a name that was obviously fake and waited for the man’s response.

“My name is…”

After a brief pause, the man introduced himself.

“Eugene.”

* * *

The first meeting with the man named Eugene was quite pleasant. They drank together in a corner until late, got moderately tipsy, and shared light-hearted conversation. They avoided revealing their identities but shared trivial preferences and hobbies.

The enjoyable time passed quickly. The meeting lasted just over two hours. It wasn’t a long time, but Harriet found him likable. It was too early to say she was in love, but she had developed a fondness for him upon meeting a suitable partner.

“It’s dangerous to trust someone you meet at such gatherings.”

“Ellen. I’m not a child, so you don’t need to lecture me. This isn’t the first time I’ve had such meetings, and even if someone had ulterior motives, do you think I’d fall for it?”

Harriet yawned widely, cutting off Ellen’s long-winded lecture.

“By the way, has there been any telegram or anything?”

“A telegram?”

“Yes. It should be coming around now.”

“Sister!”

No sooner had she spoken than a familiar voice came from the front door. Harriet, drawing the curtains aside, looked down at Aaron knocking on the door. Sensing her gaze, Aaron also looked up, and the siblings’ eyes met.

“What should I do?”

Ellen, who had been informed of the situation by the maid from the main house, looked at Harriet with a troubled expression. Harriet, who had been glaring at her brother with her arms crossed, immediately closed the curtain again.

“Let him in. I can at least hear his last words.”

* * *

Aaron felt like he was sitting on a bed of thorns, just like last time. Harriet’s expressionless face was as cold as the wind on an icy surface, making him shiver.

“I really didn’t know. He didn’t say he was coming to the main house.”

“Then why did he come?”

“I’m not sure, but… I think Father is planning to start a shipbuilding business with Lennox.”

“Is he out of his mind?”

As soon as Aaron finished speaking, Harriet shrieked and slammed her teacup down.

“The department store business is going smoothly. We should be pushing forward with the construction of the second branch, so why suddenly a shipbuilding business?”

“Maybe because the trade routes have opened up recently, and he thinks having ships would be convenient for importing and exporting goods to the department store.”

“Then why not just buy ships?”

Harriet, who had been grumbling, couldn’t contain the heat rising to her face and stood up. Aaron, who had been anxiously gauging his sister’s mood, defensively replied.

“How would I know Father’s thoughts?”

“What about Ted? Does he know about this?”

“He doesn’t know. As soon as I heard about it, I came here to tell you first.”

This meant he had come to calm Harriet’s anger and also to see Yvonne. Harriet, seeing through his intentions without him needing to say it aloud, smirked.

“Yvonne’s not here. She’s on vacation. A long one.”

“What?”

Now it was Aaron’s turn to be startled. He jumped up in surprise.

“What do you mean? Is she sick or something?”

If that were the case, he seemed ready to rush out of the house and roll up his sleeves to nurse Yvonne. Harriet clicked her tongue and plopped back onto the couch.

“She’s not sick. She just has some business to attend to in her hometown. She’ll be back soon; it’s just a week-long vacation.”

Her intention to see Aaron’s face filled with despair vanished upon seeing her innocent brother’s eyes. Harriet, calming down, asked Aaron seriously.

“By the way, how did you find out about this? How is Father planning to start a shipbuilding business with the Young Master?”

She deliberately referred to Lennox by his title instead of his name, but Aaron didn’t notice.

“I overheard Father talking with his secretary in his study today, but I don’t know the details. I just heard something about a merger and shipbuilding.”

“Hmm.”

Harriet, deep in thought, crossed her legs. The Vanetti Earl family had always been wealthy, but it was Franz, the current Earl, who had tripled that wealth with his exceptional business acumen.

She had briefly lost her composure and lashed out at the sudden news, but as her excitement subsided, her mind worked quickly. Surely, there must be a plan behind his actions. To earn his favor, she needed to deduce his true intentions and act a step ahead.

Everything was for the appointment as the CEO of the second branch. It was a stepping stone to a position recognized and respected by all.

“Well, I’ve delivered the message, so I’ll…”

As the silence dragged on, Aaron awkwardly laughed and moved towards the door to grab his coat.

“Wait.”

“Why…?”

“You haven’t accounted for how you screwed me over.”

“What? The visit from Lennox should cover that.”

“Not that. Jeremy. Your friend. The one you introduced to me, asking me to sponsor him because he was talented.”

“That was…!”

Who would introduce their acquaintances to their sister as a romantic partner? He genuinely thought Jeremy was a talented artist and had pitied his wasted talent, which was why he had asked for Harriet’s help. He never imagined Jeremy would be the type to have a one-night stand while having a girlfriend.

Aaron, filled with indignation and about to speak, turned around. And at that moment, he closed his mouth.

Even though she pretended to be fine, the hurt was hidden in Harriet’s eyes. It was a tiny emotion that only a brother who had grown up with her since childhood could recognize.

“…What do I need to do?”

“You’re quite likable today.”

Harriet beamed as Aaron finally surrendered and asked quietly.

“There’s only one thing you need to do for me, my dear brother.”

Harriet had no intention whatsoever of exploiting Aaron’s soft-hearted nature, unlike Yvonne, who would pick a fight.