Chapter 1.2

A black car glided down the road.

Raymond sat in the back seat, heading home after turning down an invitation to dinner from the Count and Countess, who clung to him. He placed documents on his lap and read until he reached the part about the recent bankruptcy of an investment bank in the New Continent, then closed the papers.

When one falls, another rises. There was no need to pay attention to the fallen beast.

All that mattered was how much to invest in the victor who would rise by devouring the carcass. Raymond had always chosen the most ruthless investment targets, successfully growing his family’s wealth.

A land overflowing with gold. The country of Aren in the New Continent, with its abundant natural resources and labor, was beginning to surpass the Old Continent’s capital. As their grain and textiles were imported cheaply, the farmers of Rosnair left for the cities. Nobles who had prospered based on their domains’ productivity, but failed to adapt to the new wave, gradually began to decline.

It wasn’t just goods that crossed the sea. Beautiful heiresses who inherited large fortunes from wealthy fathers also sailed across the vast ocean to become wives of nobles.

It was an era of vulgar marriage deals trading status and money. Raymond endured that era of upheaval and became a Duke.

The glorious past.

A history and tradition so long it could overwhelm anyone.

Standing at the center of the old order that worshipped such things was Duke Belsmire, whose footing was unwavering and solid. The nobles all agreed that the young Duke’s tireless efforts had restored the honor of a family that had fallen due to the previous Duke. They politely ignored a few stains on his record.

Soon, Raymond’s car turned onto a broad avenue, revealing a grand building on the right. The Everhart Department Store, distinguished by its blue awnings.

Blue eyes, as vivid as those awnings, flashed through his mind. The clear gaze of the woman who was no longer called the Duke’s daughter.

Alexa Winterbourne.

Raymond silently rolled her name on his tongue. It was a name he’d seen in passing in the newspaper several times, without any particular thought. But for the first time, he felt a strange sense that her new surname didn’t suit her.

Count Dobbins’ daughter was a woman he only pretended to date to quiet the nagging relatives who pushed to marry. He hadn’t realized from the start that the place she dragged him into was Everhart. So meeting Alexa again at the department store was purely coincidental.

It was only when the woman introduced herself as the manager that Raymond realized this was the new home where the girl who left the mansion with her mother had settled.

She still possessed a transparent, lively atmosphere, like a breeze carrying the spirit of spring. As if the days of contempt had been erased from her memory, her upright yet gentle personality was evident in her strong voice.

Much about the girl had changed.

Her distinctive blue eyes had deepened, and she seemed to have grown taller. Her skin was still clean and white, but her figure was clearly more feminine. The lips that used to droop in petty indignation now held a steady smile, even before arrogant nobles.

[I won’t fight you.]

[Have we ever truly fought?]

[It’s no use digging traps. We’re family, after all. We should maintain good relations.]

[Family?]

The girl who longed for the warmth of her childhood home worked hard to change the cold atmosphere of the ducal mansion. She was kind even to the servants who disliked her and secretly harassed her. After realizing that no one, including Raymond, welcomed the changes she brought, she grew quiet and subdued.

Was there no longer an Alexa Belsmire living on the edge?

The girl who liked to read alone on the hill overlooking the ducal mansion. The girl who was so painfully self-aware that she was disliked for it. Now, those were just remnants of the past, and as Raymond thought so, he felt a subtle, indescribable emotion.

“Shall I stop?”

The driver asked cautiously, sensing his master’s mood. It sounded as if he was asking if Raymond needed to visit the Everhart Department Store. Raymond withdrew his gaze and replied,

“It’s fine. Keep going.”

The car smoothly turned at the intersection. The department store was no longer visible. Raymond reopened his documents. The woman’s presence faded, slowly sinking into the print.

* * *

Everhart Department Store was preparing for a new season. To forget the embarrassment she felt from her reunion with Raymond, Alexa threw herself into the mountain of department store work. She finalized the showcase window designs with the interior designer and, busy with preparations for the special vacation shop, soon found it was time to finish for the day.

Riding home in the car sent by her family, Alexa greeted the maid and butler who came out to welcome her, then went up to her room. Before the family meal, she washed off the dust that had accumulated at the department store. Chatting with her dedicated maid while drying her hair and changing clothes, she realized it was nearly time for her stepfather to arrive. Alexa headed to the dining room so as not to be late.

Dominic Winterbourne, who had arrived first, greeted her. Dominic, Harrison Winterbourne’s only biological child, was a handsome young man with wheat-colored hair. As soon as he saw Alexa, he set aside the newspaper he’d been reading and smiled gently.

“It’s been a while since you came home early.”

“To hear that from Dominic Winterbourne! Overtime is practically the family specialty.”

Due to their parents’ remarriage, Dominic and Alexa had become siblings. Even after Alexa’s mother, Isabella, passed away from the flu that was popular a few years ago, the Winterbourne father and son continued to treat Alexa as family, just as before.

“And you’re a Winterbourne too.”

As Alexa shrugged her shoulders, confident footsteps approached. Dominic and Alexa exchanged glances, already guessing who was heading for the dining room. Soon enough, Harrison Winterbourne appeared, not disappointing their expectations.

“It always feels good to see the kids waiting for me in the dining room.”

With his broad shoulders, Harrison gave the impression of a retired athlete rather than a businessman. The owner of powerful capital and influence, he was the proprietor of Elford Steel Company and Everhart Department Store.

“Observing proper manners is more than enough for dinners with politicians.”

Harrison motioned for his children to stay seated rather than stand, then sat at the head of the table. He commanded the butler, who was waiting at the entrance.

“Serve the food.”

“Yes, Master.”

With that, the chef began to bring out the carefully prepared dishes.

The first topic at dinner was Harrison’s steel company. Dominic, twenty-nine, was currently learning the ropes at the company to eventually inherit his father’s business.

Since Harrison constantly tested whether his son had the ability to lead the company, he would throw sharp questions about current affairs at every meal. Today was no exception—Dominic fielded difficult questions until his father was satisfied.

“Since the trade dispute between Holstein and Glessa shows signs of turning into a physical conflict, you should be prepared. I trust you’ll handle it.”

When Harrison finally seemed to wrap up the barrage of questions, Dominic took a drink, relieved.

“Alexa. Is the summer season preparation going well?”

Listening to the father-son conversation while focusing on her meal, Alexa started, setting down her fork and knife.

“Yes, of course.”

It was her turn. In contrast, Dominic picked up his fork and knife with a mischievous grin. Alexa straightened her shoulders, bracing herself for the questions.

“I finalized the showcase window design with Mr. Gladney. He asked me to be sure to tell you that this work might be his masterpiece.”

“Oscar Gladney is always boasting that this season’s window design will be his greatest masterpiece. What I want to know is your opinion.”

Even the company’s seasoned executives struggled to avoid Harrison’s barrage of questions. But Alexa, undaunted by the man’s piercing gaze, continued.

“I think it’s more innovative than the last showcase. It seems he was inspired after his recent trip to Aren.”

Harrison, seeming to appreciate her confidence, allowed a slight smile before composing his expression. Returning to his stern manager persona, he emptied his glass.

“How are preparations for the special vacation wear sale? Last year’s results were so good that it’ll be hard to beat them.”

“I’m confident.”

“Let’s hear your reasons.”

“This time, not only adult beachwear but also a wide variety of children’s beachwear is ready. The kids’ sandals and swimsuits are so cute that even some staff worried about them selling out have already bought some for their own children. I think the striped swimsuit for girls will be the most popular.”

“Is this something another department store has already introduced?”

“We’re the first.”

Dominic, who had been eating, eventually set down his fork and watched Alexa and Harrison’s conversation, nodding in support of Alexa’s words.

After a few more questions, Harrison ordered dessert to be served. That meant the questions were over.

Looks like dessert can be enjoyed in peace.

Alexa placed her hands under the table and waited. Relaxing, she soon saw cream custard topped with sugar-soaked cherries placed before everyone. Harrison took a large bite of his favorite dessert and commented with satisfaction.

“Both of you are doing your part. Very harmonious.”

It was praise for his children disguised as a dessert review. Dominic and Alexa exchanged glances and smiled, just as they had when Harrison first entered the dining room.

Dinner ended peacefully, as usual. After coffee, Dominic excused himself, saying he had documents to read, and went up to his room first. Once his son disappeared, Harrison stared at the spotless table before suddenly addressing Alexa.

“Would you come to the study for a moment? There’s something I’d like to discuss. Just the two of us.”

Alexa, who was savoring the aroma of coffee, nodded slightly, feeling a bit tense.