SWNOVELS Chapter 29
Chapter 29
HENRIETTA
He was smiling. Lady Grace was smiling as well. For some reason, I could not stand the sight. Perhaps it was because Lady Grace and I did not have a very good relationship. Or perhaps it is because Andreas is openly flirting with another woman while other people are watching.
I could not care less about his endeavors. We were clear on not making it known to everyone.
Philip, luckily, got tangled with a group of prominent figures and he had been there for several minutes. I know he wanted to take the opportunity of Andreas’ absence to talk to me but I was not in the mood to talk about his and Yvette’s wedding.
Aiden stood by me and even as he was occupied with his drink and letting out his dashing smile, I knew he was watching me closely. Did Andreas ordered him to?
When Lord Herbert came to invite me to talk to his peers, I did not hesitate. Aiden looked like he was about to stop me but I gave him a look and he backed off. I think he should be watching Andreas and not me.
Lord Herbert is a man used to talking to people. His peers, apparently belonging to the same nature as his job, are talking about the recent changes in the market. I, on the other hand, focused on my drink as the music continued and the dancing continued. I saw them earlier as they danced. I did not need to see it again.
True to Lord Herbert’s words, Lady Grace is clearly fond of Andreas and the latter seems to enjoy the attention. It’s none of my concern but I wouldn’t have minded if they did that behind closed doors and not on the dance floor where everyone can see. It fueled an emotion within me that I did not want to acknowledge. So I listened to them talk about business.
When my father was alive, he was also in the business field. My father owned a very large estate in Veridia, almost on par with what the Kingdom owns. My father made most of his wealth from his tenanted estate and the money made from those lands. That’s how he became second to the Royal Family. I never had any interest in
eventually learn about it, being the sole Lady of the House business but as I grew older, I realized I had to
Silvana.
Thinking about it reminded me of my conversation with Myrna who was planning to turn my father’s estate to the hands of Philip. I can’t let that happen no matter what.
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“What about the Lady Silvana?” asked one of Lord Herbert’s friends, pulling me away from my thoughts.
I blinked and looked at them. “Pardon me?”
Lord Herbert chuckled and placed his hand on my waist to pull me close to him. The gesture surprised me but I decided not to make a scene even as I badly wanted to splash the drink to his face.
“Your father owned a very large estate, yes?” one of Lord Herbert’s friends asked. Lord Herbert already introduced us but I already forgot about his name.
“Yes, he still does.”
“It’s rather unfortunate that your stepsister is inheriting everything. She even ended up marrying the Prince.” They all grinned. “A Lady of your standing can now marry anyone. If you ever change your mind about marrying a warrior who has nothing but strength, you can always turn to me, Lady Henrietta. I’ll make you wealthy again.”
I was already pi ss ed from what I saw and now these men dare to talk to me like I am on their level.
I took a sip from my glass but the liquor was not enough so I downed the contents of it. When I was done, I handed them the glass and when the man was about to take it, I deliberately dropped it to the floor. The noise took much of the guests’ attention but I too influenced by the alcohol to care.
They
all looked at me with eyes wide.
“Lady Henrietta–” I raised my hand to cut Lord Herbert off before I removed his hand from my waist. I stepped forward towards the man who offered to make me wealthy.
“Lord Gideon, right?”
“It’s Lord Gerald–”
“Whatever makes you think you’d make me wealthy?”
He was surprised by my question and let out an awkward laugh as he looked at his friends. “Well, it’s the talk of the town that when your father died, you were left with nothing–”
“Anderson Enterprises is your family’s business, correct?”
He nodded, his uncertainty evident as he tried to discern the direction of my statement. “And I suppose you’re
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Chapter 29
not the one managing it?”
His brows furrowed. “Not yet. But I have been involved in its operations.”
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I smirked. “Perhaps you should be involved more. Are you well aware that your business is situated within the Silvana lands?”
“What?”
“That means you’re my tenants.” I smiled.
“But there’s more.” My grin widened. “Six years ago, your family’s enterprise faced a near collapse. Seeking salvation, your father, Lord Theon, asked my father for help. I was there that day. He used your entire company as collateral when he borrowed a substantial
al sum.
“But you know your father. He is addicted to gambling and all kinds of vices that eventually lead to the drying out of your family’s wealth including the money he borrowed. Thinking gambling could give him a quick way out, he splurged everything in it and lost everything as well.”
Lord Gerald paled, rendered speechless. But I wasn’t finished.
“He could not repay the borrowed sum and he placed your entire company in collateral. I suppose you’re knowledgeable enough to know what that means, Lord Gerald.”
His mouth hung open and I could almost taste his embarrassment.
“In all honesty, it’s not proving highly profitable but my father decided to keep the business there. Apparently, my and your father are good friends.”
There was embarrassment but then his face turned furious. “That can’t be true! Why did my father not say
anything–”
I shrugged. “You can ask him yourself. I have no reason to lie. Nevertheless, the business you claim that would make me rich doesn’t seem to be thriving. And since you don’t even know this situation means your family does not consider you involved, unlike what you claimed.”
“You don’t know much. You’re probably just spouting nonsense-
I chuckled, cutting the other man named Lord Albert, as I remember.
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“Spouting nonsense? What, is it very hard for you to believe that a Lady like me is just as adept in business, if not better, than you? Or rather, better than you?” I took another step forward and I could have sworn some of them. gulped. “I am still the Lady Henrietta Silvana and I need no wealthy man.”
I gave them the sweetest smile I could muster but then before I could turn around to leave, Lord Herbert grabbed me by my wrist and pulled me back. His nails dug on my skin but I did not give him the satisfaction of seeing me in pain. These men resort to intimidation when they have nothing else left.
“Let me go,” I said sternly.
Lord Herbert smiled and said, “I’d like you to first apologize to my peers. Those words coming out of your mouth were all talk. Even as I am away, I know what has been going on in this Kingdom. I know your father left all of his wealth to your stepmother and stepsister. You’re nothing but an arrogant bitc h–”
Another hand grabbed Lord Herbert’s hand, causing the latter to wince in pain. We both turned to see who it was
and it was Aiden.
“That’s no way to talk to a Lady, don’t you think?”
Lord Herbert tried to pull his hand away but it was futile. Aiden is much stronger.
“Who the hell do you think you are? Let go!”
“I’d want you to let go of the Lady’s hand first. If not, that’s fine too. I don’t mind breaking fingers tonight.” Aiden grinned, licking his lower lip with his pierced tongue. “As for your question, my name’s Aide
Whitdur. I am Lady
Henrietta’s guard tonight.”
“Who gave you permission to talk to noblemen like that.”
“I did,” I cut Lord Herbert off and gave him a sweet smile. “I permitted him. If I want, I can order him to break. your arms too, Lord Herbert. And I am not one to fool around.”
I saw how Lord Herbert and his peers’ faces paled when I said that.
He then let go of my hand and gave me a glare as well as Aiden. “You two get out of our house.”
I chuckled. “I’m afraid not. Sir Andreas took us here. We leave once he leaves. Until then, I’ll enjoy the ball. Have a good evening, gentlemen.” I dipped my head slightly and smiled before I turned to walk away. I heard Aiden following closely behind me.
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“That was rather tense, Lady Henrietta. If I was not there, I don’t know what they are capable of doing.”
“They are mere kids dressed in men’s clothing. And besides, they would not dare do anything to me.”
“You’re a half-wolf,” he said, making me stop in my tracks. I faced him.
“And what about it?”
“You may not see it but the pureblooded wolves despise the mixbloods. You included. Isn’t that the reason why the Crown Prince backed out on you?”
I furrowed my brows. Since when did he become this talkative? But before I could retort, he went on. “Because of you being a half-wolf, you’re not as strong as them. It would be wise if the Lady would avoid encounters like
that.”
“Are y
you telling me that I should just let them talk to me like I am some worthless trash?”
A feral glint shone in his eyes. “I am saying it would have been ideal if you called for me. I would have broken their limbs should you order me to.”
I blinked and cleared my throat. “I downed a whole glass of liquor. I was not thinking straight. Besides, I don’t
have the right to order you.”
“I’am Andreas’ beta. You’re his future bride. Whatever is his is yours. Just like how you can use him, you can use
me as well. That’s my duty.”
I stared at him for a long while. “What did he do to earn your loyalty?”
He smiled, one that reached his eyes. He does not look like the coachman, the butler, or the man who scared the noblemen earlier. He looked like a normal man grinning at me.
He leaned to whisper in my ear.
“I could tell you all about how we met but that would be a story for another time. For now, we’re capturing vampires.”
I froze and looked at him, waiting for him to tell me he was just fooling around. “I’m sorry, what?”
But instead of answering, he grabbed my hand and led me to the grand staircase, leaving the lively music and
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Chapter 29
the chattering behind.
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