Chapter 8 – Part 8

“No! It’s a lie! You mustn’t believe the words of a lowly maid!”

At the words “lowly maid,” tears began streaming down Hilda’s face. She sobbed and begged for forgiveness.

What followed was a genuinely sordid tale. Paul had deceived the maid into thinking he cared for her and manipulated her into committing a crime, and now, he was trying to shift all the blame onto her.

The Count, listening to Hilda’s plea, turned his icy gaze to Paul.

Smack!

With a loud crack, Paul’s head snapped to the side from the force of the slap.

“My lord…!”

Matilda shrieked as she rushed to embrace her son.

“Get out!”

“…!”

“I said, get out of my house!”

“My lord, please. How could you do this?“

“You’re no better!”

“My lord…”

‘” I entrusted you with the household while I was away, and you didn’t even know Paul was sneaking into my room? Now, at this moment, you expect me to trust him? What part of him should I trust? Haven’t you tested my patience enough?”

The Count’s words mirrored exactly what Eliana had been thinking.

Matilda pleaded for clemency, saying the punishment was too harsh. But the Count refused to revoke his command. He ordered them to leave the house immediately, as he couldn’t bear to see them any longer.

The Count stood firm, and so did Matilda.

“My lord, this is too much. Even if Paul did wrong, how could you cast your child out? Would you do the same if he were your biological son? Eliana has also disgraced this family! She’s caused far more harm to the family than Paul ever did. If anyone should be expelled, it’s Eliana!”

Fearing that if Paul were cast out, everything would be over, Matilda clung to Eliana as her scapegoat.

“Eliana, who was rejected from marriage, and Paul, who deceived you…”

The Count’s face darkened.

“If anyone should be expelled, it should be both of them. Don’t unjustly blame Paul alone. You’re only picking on him because he’s not your real son.”

Matilda raised her voice, clearly stating she wouldn’t go down alone.

“Mother.”

Eliana finally spoke.

“I don’t understand why you’re dragging me into this. I’ve never lied about succeeding in something I failed at, nor have I sneaked into Father’s safe like a rat. I’ve never deceived Father with lies.“

“You’ve embarrassed our family at a party, making us the subject of gossip!”

Matilda shouted at Eliana in a rage, her eyes blazing like those of a furious demon.

“You’re the disgrace to this family, not Paul. Regardless of his actions, I’ve already decided to send you to the Benroze Academy. I’ve discussed it with the Count, and he agreed after hearing how you’ve tarnished the family name. He thinks sending you away is the best course of action.”

Eliana briefly lowered her gaze, her long lashes trembling slightly.

“I have no reason to attend that academy. The one who needs to go to that cruel, isolated academy isn’t me; it’s Paul.”

Eliana responded coldly and dryly.

“Don’t be ridiculous. If you’re told to go, you have no choice. You have no skills, no money, and no family in Moira would take in a disgrace like you.“

“No, I have enough money to live on my own. Even if I’m kicked out of this house. That’s something Paul doesn’t have.“

“What? What money do you have?”

She had been planning to tell her father about the large sum she earned from gemstone investments. But thanks to Matilda, it seemed she would have to reveal it earlier—and in front of everyone.

“The marriage fund Aunt Angelina gave me.“

“Do you really think that’s enough to live on? Haha.”

Matilda openly mocked her.

“Or maybe the jewels the palace gave you as a consolation?“

“Please listen until the end, Mother. The engagement was broken off, so I withdrew that money and made some investments. I bought rubies from Azilend and sold them for fifteen times the amount.”

Hearing this for the first time, the Count, Matilda, Paul, and Sylvia exchanged serious looks for different reasons. The Count was in shock, while Paul and Matilda looked as if they couldn’t believe the nonsense they were hearing.

“You made such a large investment? When?“

“Not long ago. Fifteen times 9.6 million gold is quite a fortune. I could buy a house in the capital and even open a store with that money. I don’t need to rely on this family at all.“

Eliana’s straightforward response left the Count visibly astonished. Fifteen times 9.6 million gold—an incredible amount.

“What? Fifteen times 9.6 million gold?“

“Yes. I earned fifteen times that, Father.”

Eliana answered.

“Where did you make this trade, and with whom?“

“I bought through a broker at Sadie’s jeweler and sold it back to them.“

“That can’t be.”

As soon as Eliana finished speaking, Paul mumbled in disbelief. He had thought she was doing nothing at home, while he had only failed in his endeavors. He couldn’t believe that Eliana had achieved something unimaginable during that time.

“You’re lying just to spite me, aren’t you?”

Eliana tilted her head slightly.

“Not a single lie, Paul.“

“Show me. Show me the money right now.”

Paul demanded as if he had any right to. His disbelief was apparent, as if he wouldn’t believe it until he saw it with his own eyes.

“I’ll show you anytime. The transaction documents are in my room.”

Eliana immediately sent Mila to bring the papers. She quickly proved that her words were no lie. The large sum was hers, and everyone’s eyes widened in shock.

She made sure her father read through the contract with Sadie. It was clear proof, a stark contrast to Paul, who couldn’t even bring back a single letter from his supposed “great“ broker.

“This should be enough proof, right? In a proper transaction, you need documents like these. You couldn’t even manage to bring one back, could you? Why don’t you just admit your failure and beg for forgiveness? Not only did you fail, but you even gambled with Father’s money. Even if you begged all night, it wouldn’t be enough.”

Paul hated Eliana so much at that moment that he felt dizzy. Even without her success, he was furious that she was exposing his mistakes. But learning of her success on top of that? Faced with such a stark contrast, he felt as if there was no escape.

His father wouldn’t have found out if it weren’t for Eliana.

‘Mother would’ve covered for me, as always, and hidden my faults.’

In fact, if Eliana hadn’t brought the doctor when their father was poisoned with an arrow, he wouldn’t have been scolded at all. Realizing this, he felt an overwhelming urge to do something to Eliana.

This wasn’t the Eliana who used to cry and hide in her room after being scolded by Matilda. The calm, confident woman looking at him now was no longer someone he knew.

Paul knew exactly what Matilda wanted from him: to be acknowledged by the Count, despite not being his blood relative, and to become the next head of the Leiberte family. To inherit all the wealth.

But for that, he needed the Count’s recognition. And now, Eliana was standing in the way.

“D*mn it. Shut your mouth already!”

Paul, unable to contain his rage, charged at Eliana, reaching for her hair—

“Young master! Stop!”

Oliver intervened, blocking him before he could lay a hand on her.

“Paul, I don’t want to see you right now. Pack your things and leave!“ the Count shouted. Paul’s face twitched with anger.

“Fine! I’ll leave! Is that what you want?”

*Bang!*

Paul glared at Eliana, cursing and yelling as he stormed out of the room.

TL NOTE: A more advanced chapter of this story is already up on the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories.