“We’re almost at the office.”

Looking out of the carriage window, Regina saw the luxurious workhouse with its glass walls approaching.

It wasn’t far from the estate. The fact that Grey hadn’t visited her even once during her illness, using his busy schedule as an excuse, felt downright absurd – unless, of course, there was another reason.

“I’ll let you off here, Mr Finley.”

“No, my lady. You’ve been through quite an ordeal. I’ll see you home.”

“That is not necessary. The knights are already with me.”

“I’d feel uncomfortable otherwise.”

The coachman, hearing the conversation from inside, began to slow down – ready to stop at a moment’s notice if Regina won the argument.

“We’re almost home anyway. Don’t worry and go about your business.”

She was about to check if they had passed the workhouse when Finley suddenly blurted out in an agitated tone uncharacteristic of him.

“Ah! Got it! I’ll get off here. But before I go, allow me to bid you a formal farewell, milady!”

‘A formal goodbye?’

That was a strange thing to say.

“It’s all right. I just hope we haven’t left you too far from your destination.”

“Not at all, my lady!!”

Just as she turned her head to look out the window again, Finley suddenly shouted – loud enough to startle her. The knight riding beside the carriage even looked in, wondering what was going on.

“You startled me, Mr Finley. Why do you keep raising your voice?”

“It’s just… seeing you safe and sound fills me with such overwhelming emotion…”

“Is there something out there I shouldn’t be seeing?”

There was no way she was going to fall for such an obvious ruse. Finley tried his best to block her view with his entire body, but a slight tilt of her head forward was enough to undo all his efforts.

Through the small carriage window she saw Grey framed like a portrait.

He was walking along the brightly lit path in front of the elegant workhouse, his silver hair glittering like shards of light under the glow of the gas lamps.

Even from a distance, his radiant smile lit up his handsome face—so striking and poised that even someone who didn’t know who he was would have been unable to look away.

The very appearance that had once made Regina fall in love—Grey was now showing it to another woman.

And not just any woman, but one Regina knew all too well.

“…I was under the impression Grey was meeting with a business guest.”

“I can explain, my lady.”

“Then go ahead.”

She tried to speak calmly, but the tremble in her voice gave her away.

“Why is my husband with Nadeira Beaufort?”

Even from a distance, Nadeira was impossible to miss.

Once rivals, she and Regina had spent countless social gatherings quietly sizing each other up the moment they entered a room.

Nadeira – so stunning that it was once whispered that she had siren blood in her veins – still carried that same unshakable beauty. It was as if she wore those old, sordid rumours like armour, untouched and undisturbed.

Her brief marriage, which had ended in less than a year, hadn’t cast a shadow on her.

And now there she was – standing beside Grey, laughing, radiant as ever.

Like a vision plucked from Regina’s most painful nightmares.

“Please don’t misunderstand, my lady!”

Finley rushed to explain, desperate to shield his master from the storm he sensed was brewing.

“The count didn’t lie to you.”

“You know we have recently expanded Capturn Harbour. All territorial expansions require royal approval. But the Administrator of Riddenborough – and many members of the Upper House – are not exactly… sympathetic to the Count’s cause.”

Regina knew full well that Grey Cabil had no shortage of enemies. She had just faced the consequences.

“In a perfect world, one could succeed alone. But for the sake of the Count’s business – his vision – he needs allies.”

“And you’re telling me that Nadeira is that ally?”

“More precisely… her father. The Marquis of Beaufort.”

Yes, a few bribes had changed hands. But without the influence of Vice-Chairman Beaufort, the harbour expansion plans would never have made it past the royal gate.

Even after Finley explained, the furrow in Regina’s brow didn’t disappear.

“I understand the situation. But why is Grey entertaining Nadeira and not the Marquis? Isn’t he a busy man?”

‘Too busy, in fact, to have time for me.’

She barely swallowed the bitter words before they slipped out, and the resentment in her chest only grew.

“The Marquis specifically requested it. I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but Lady Nadeira had a tragic incident recently…”

“I have heard. She divorced, didn’t she?”

“Ah, since you already know, that saves me the explanation! The Marquess of Beaufort was deeply concerned that his youngest daughter might fall into despair. So he sent her to Capturn Harbour for rest and recuperation, thinking the sea air and scenery would do her good – and asked our Count to keep an eye on her while she’s here.”

“Must be nice to have such a doting father.”

Regina said, unable to hold back a sneer.

The Marquis’ true intentions were all too transparent.

The news of Regina’s long illness hadn’t exactly been a secret. A young, wealthy count with a sickly wife – who could be a better candidate for a second marriage for someone like Nadeira?

She saw Nadeira pause, adjusting the brim of her hat. Tall and slender, with cascading emerald hair, lightly tanned skin that gave her a healthy, seductive glow, cat-like eyes and a dazzling smile that revealed pearly white teeth – she looked stunning, even for a woman.

And beside her, accompanying her, was Grey. Whatever he was thinking, he was smiling too.

While Barbara had raced on horseback to save her daughter-in-law, Grey had been strolling leisurely with another woman.

The sight of the two of them together looked like the height of spring – warm and alive.

But in Regina’s heart, winter had already retreated – leaving only a cold, lingering shadow.

As she began to tremble, Finley could stand it no longer and pleaded.

“Please go home, my lady. You’ve done too much for one day.”

“When did Nadeira arrive in our territory?”

“A little over two weeks ago.”

She’d been there a long time. What baffled Regina most was that no one had told her – no one, except one person.

“Regina. The reason I mentioned Nadeira is because…”

The memory of her friend, who had made the effort to visit despite being heavily pregnant, made Regina’s nose sting with emotion.

“How long does Nadeira plan to stay in our territory?”

Now that Regina was awake, there was no reason for Nadeira to linger – unless her goal was to marry Grey Cabil.

“My lady…”

Finley, who had tried so hard to hide the truth but had been completely exposed, spoke in a pleading tone.

“You really don’t look well. Please go home first and I’ll check Lady Beaufort’s schedule -“

“I don’t want to repeat myself.”

“She stay… she said it wouldn’t exceed a month.”

So it was two weeks at the most.

Having heard all she needed, Regina finally gave the signal for the coach to move on.

“Take care, my lady.”

There was no reply.

Through the passing window, Finley caught a glimpse of Regina’s pale face. When she had first married, she had had the blush of peaches on her cheeks and an innocent smile – just a pure young lady.

He felt a pang of guilt and a heavy sense of regret.

But there was nothing he could do about it.

***

That night Barbara returned home like a triumphant general, proud and dignified.

Despite her resentment of Grey, Regina was deeply grateful to her mother-in-law. As soon as Barbara arrived, Regina rushed out and took her hand.

“Thank you for coming to rescue me, Mother.”

“What are you doing, girl? Why are you taking my hand like it’s something to celebrate?”

Barbara clucked her tongue – she hadn’t even washed yet. She took out a handkerchief and scrubbed her own hand clean.

“There. You can hold it now.”

Regina didn’t refuse. She took Barbara’s hand again and thanked her several times. Barbara responded only curtly.

“I just made an example of those fools who dared to disrespect our family on our own land.”

“What happened to the fishermen?”

“I plan to hold them overnight. The constables will give them a little lesson and we’ll let them go in the morning. That’s what you wanted, isn’t it?”

“You’re the one who taught me that, Mother. Whether they’re employees or residents of our domain, we must never lose their trust.”

“You remember that?”

“Of course. I try to take your words to heart.”

“Hmph. Your parents raised a fine daughter. But my son… it seems he was a lost cause.”

Barbara tilted her head and looked up at the estate.

The darkened windows of Grey’s bedroom and office loomed over her like a shadow.

‘That scoundrel! His wife was almost killed and he’s still not home?’