Chapter 63
“My goodness, if it weren’t for you, I might have sat there until sunset.”
As soon as they were a reasonable distance from the ladies, Harriet sighed in relief. Yvonne, smiling, shrugged her shoulders.
“I thought so, so I intervened before you exploded.”
“You’re an amazing secretary. There might not be another talent like you.”
“You’re too kind.”
Having worked together for a long time, the two were perfectly in sync. Guiding Harriet to where the carriage was parked, Yvonne couldn’t hide her smile. The plan was progressing more smoothly than expected. They had caught people off guard by staying one step ahead.
“By the way, it’s fortunate. If you had recklessly denied or tried to suppress the rumors, there might have been a backlash. It was wise for you to openly acknowledge the truth.”
“Yes. Trying to cover the sky with a palm would have been futile, and it would have been discovered eventually.”
Nodding, Harriet fanned herself. The shock and contempt people showed over her origins were brief, and soon they quickly calculated the pros and cons, deciding what would benefit them more. The result was that not opposing Duke Diorne was the wisest choice.
“I think the main reason people sided with you was that the elders who subtly expressed dissatisfaction with the Duke’s succession began to be purged and lost their power.”
“Probably. No matter how much I try to sway public opinion in my favor, it would be useless without strong backing.”
Stretching, Harriet boarded the carriage. As it started moving with a jolt, Yvonne handed her some documents.
“This list contains the journalists who will write favorable articles for us. The list on the opposite side is aligned with Earl Eiden.”
Nodding, Harriet scanned the list with her eyes.
“Still, it seems we’re at an advantage.”
“As it became clear that the true owner of the Diorne Ducal House is your husband, one by one, they’re turning to our side.”
“That’s a relief.”
Sighing in relief, Harriet set the documents aside. Yvonne, who had been watching her intently, suddenly asked.
“Is something going on with you, Director?”
“What?”
“You seem a bit different from before. Somehow.”
“Somehow?”
“You seem more relaxed. Something has changed, but it’s hard to pinpoint…”
“Are you saying I’ve gained weight?”
“No, it’s not that… On your face…”
Searching for the right word, Yvonne suddenly exclaimed.
“Your face is glowing. You look like someone who’s loved.”
“Re…ally?”
Surprised, Harriet touched her cheek. She had been sleeping well and eating satisfactorily the past few days. Although she was physically tired from attending various invitations, her mind was lighter than ever.
“I’m glad you look happy. If things didn’t work out, I was going to use the last resort.”
“The last resort?”
“Well…”
Yvonne hesitated, then shyly spoke.
“I was thinking of marrying Aaron.”
“What?”
Startled, Harriet looked at Yvonne as if she had been burned.
“What do you mean? You two? Are you two in that kind of relationship?”
“Why are you so surprised? Who was the one who nudged us together?”
“Well, I did mention Aaron was going on a blind date to you once…”
Covering her mouth unconsciously, Harriet blinked in surprise and then burst into laughter.
“So that’s how it happened. Sorry, I was too distracted by my own matters to notice.”
“It’s okay. I would have done the same if I were you.”
Yvonne waved her hand, avoiding Harriet’s gaze in embarrassment. Harriet grabbed her hand.
“So, what about the marriage?”
“What do you mean…… It’s just been put on hold for now.”
“That’s not right.”
Harriet shook her head seriously.
“What?”
“Are you planning to play with my innocent younger brother and then dump him?”
“What do you mean…”
“Aaron’s first love is you, and he’s only ever looked at you. He’s never been with another woman. If you break up with him, he might refuse to eat and starve himself.”
“What?”
Yvonne widened her eyes and furrowed her brow.
“Who’s talking about breaking up? Why would you say that…”
“So, marry him.”
“That’s too soon.”
“What’s too soon about it? You’re both adults. Besides me, you’ve already passed the appropriate age for marriage, haven’t you?”
“That’s…”
While Yvonne hesitated, searching for a response, the carriage slowed as they reached their destination.
“Think about it. If anyone tries to interfere, I’ll be entirely on your side.”
“Director…”
Having clearly expressed her support, Harriet took the butler’s hand and stepped out of the carriage.
Watching the carriage carrying Yvonne disappear into the distance until it became a dot, Harriet turned around. The butler, receiving her coat, slyly asked.
“Why are you smiling like that? Is there good news?”
“Um… It’s still a secret. Where are Father and Mother?”
“They went for a walk in the park after a long time. Madame wanted to enjoy some fresh air.”
“I see. I guess I’ll have to wait.”
Nodding, Harriet stepped into the foyer.
“Who’s here now?”
“Well…”
“Harriet.”
Just as the butler was about to answer with a troubled face, someone called out. Harriet looked up at the voice from above. It was Mikhail, descending the stairs.
“What brings you here?”
“I came to check on Marianne’s condition.”
At Mikhail’s response, Harriet blinked quietly. Although their relationship was practically broken, Marianne and Mikhail were still legally married. Until the divorce was finalized.
“I hope she regains consciousness soon. There are things I need to ask her.”
“Things to ask?”
Puzzled, Harriet tilted her head, and Mikhail suddenly addressed the butler.
“Could you bring some water, please?”
“I’ll have a maid bring it.”
“No. I’m asking you directly.”
“Oh… Yes.”
It was a polite request for privacy. As the surprised butler withdrew, Mikhail led her to the drawing room.
“What’s going on, all of a sudden?”
Sensing something unusual, Harriet furrowed her brow and pressed Mikhail. After a moment of hesitation, Mikhail took something out of his pocket.
“I found this among Marianne’s things.”
“This is…”
What Mikhail handed over was an envelope.
“Is there still a letter from Marianne?”
“No. It’s not a letter from Marianne. It’s one she received.”
“Received? From whom… Ah.”
As she spoke, a thought flashed through Harriet’s mind, and she quietly accepted the envelope.
“The person who instigated this?”
“Probably. It mentioned where and what to do on the night I was with Marianne.”
“That’s impossible…”
While Marianne’s letter indicated a third party, Harriet was internally skeptical, thinking it might be a fabrication by Marianne to reduce her own guilt.
“Who? Why? Why would someone send such a letter to Marianne?”
Her mind was swirling with confusion. As dizziness suddenly overwhelmed her, Mikhail quickly supported her staggering body.
“Sit here for now.”
“…Thank you.”
With his support, Harriet sat on the couch and took a deep breath.
“Who could it be?”
“I don’t know. But Harriet, you might get angry hearing this, but…”
“But?”
“I heard about your ex-boyfriend through the grapevine recently.”
“Jeremy…?”
“Yes. He said he was drinking in a bar, and suddenly his memory went blank, and when he woke up, there was a n*ked woman lying next to him. He claims he was unfairly dumped.”
Harriet chuckled at the unexpected news.
“I didn’t know he was still going around spouting such nonsense. But why are you bringing it up out of the blue?”
“Harriet.”
Mikhail lowered his voice and asked seriously.
“Isn’t it strange? It happened to me too… And Jeremy and I share the commonality of being your men.”
A chilling silence fell between them. After a long pause, Harriet spoke.
“What are you… talking about?”
“Harriet…”
“Don’t spout such ridiculous theories.”
Cutting off Mikhail, Harriet looked down at the envelope. Already opened, having been read once.
With trembling hands, Harriet took out the letter and began to read it carefully.
“’To dear Miss Marianne… I know how to help you.’”
The letter contained the same scheme as the one Harriet had read in Marianne’s letter at the Vanetti estate.
“My goodness… How could someone orchestrate such a thing?”
Finally, trembling, Harriet set the letter down and staggered.
“Harriet!”
Mikhail quickly caught her and slowly seated her back on the couch.
“Are you okay? Should I call a doctor?”
“No… I just felt dizzy for a moment. I’m fine.”
“That’s a relief…”
Shaking her head, Harriet took a deep breath. After confirming she was okay, Mikhail sat beside her.
“How do you feel after reading it? Isn’t the handwriting familiar?”
“Familiar…”
Harriet murmured quietly, alternating her gaze between the letter and Mikhail. His words and the look in his eyes made it clear whom Mikhail suspected.
“It’s not Lennox.”
“…Really?”
“Yes. Really. I can recognize my husband’s handwriting.”
Shaking her head, Harriet handed the letter back to Mikhail. Reluctantly accepting it, Mikhail sighed heavily.
“Then we’re back to square one.”
“Back to square one?”
“I’m looking for the person who sent this letter. The most likely suspect was Lennox Diorne.”
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Nous_Defions
Ugh… Why can’t they just let them have a peaceful married life?! Lennoooooooooox! You need to think of something, and QUICK!!! Coco, even if you find out the truth, I hope you will see beyond this, and that the only reason Lennox did it was to have you, to make you happy… Marianne and Mikhail falling for that plot are their own doing… They made that choice… Please forgive Lennox… 😞🙏