Chapter 150
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 150
“Have you heard the latest rumor?” Melody asked, her expression dripping with contempt. The group leaned in, their curiosity piqued.
“It’s no wonder people are talking. More than one person saw Bella Listerwell practically throwing herself at Duke Kailas. Apparently, Young Master Cheslow isn't enough to satisfy her.”
A sharp, phantom ache pierced Harriet’s chest, though she knew there was no reason for it.
Steeling herself, she added, “I also saw the two of them slip out onto the balcony during the Duke’s ball.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yes. It was one of the more secluded balconies… I was quite surprised by how intimate they seemed.”
“My goodness! Bella must be out of her mind!”
Daphne’s friends gasped in shock, their whispers turning into sharp critiques. Not only had Bella stolen a man who was already spoken for, but now, while engaged to him, she was busy seducing another. It was a scandal that most noblewomen wouldn't dare dream of, let alone commit.
The shock was even greater because, until now, Bella Listerwell had been revered as a literal angel.
As the group glanced toward Bella and began to murmur, Daphne gently took Harriet’s hand and leaned in close.
“Are you alright?”
“Me? Why wouldn't I be?” Harriet asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.
Daphne gave a small, awkward laugh. “It’s just… I thought these rumors might upset you, Lady Harriet.”
“Oh… actually, I’m more worried about you, Lady Daphne.”
“I’m truly fine. James means nothing to me anymore. But Lady Harriet, regarding Duke Kailas…”
She was about to say more when Count Laurel suddenly appeared, cutting their conversation short.
“Pardon the interruption, but Daphne has guests she needs to greet.”
The Count tried to maintain a polite facade, but Harriet—having spent years perfecting the art of reading people—could tell he still found her presence distasteful. She decided to make a graceful exit.
“Go on, Lady Daphne. I’m feeling a bit peckish, so I’ll go find something to eat.”
“Oh, alright. I saw some delicious looking treats over there earlier.”
“Thank you. Well then… I’ll take my leave.”
Harriet gave a polite bow to Count Laurel and a small wave to Daphne before heading toward the refreshment tent. Since she wasn't fully integrated into Daphne’s social circle yet, no one followed her.
A small pang of loneliness hit her, but she steeled her resolve and began to fill a plate. She hadn't felt particularly hungry when she spoke to Daphne, but the sight of the spread made her stomach rumble.
That apple pie looks divine. And some ham to go with it? Maybe a couple of cookies, too.
She carefully selected a slice of golden-brown apple pie, two thin shavings of ham, three varieties of cheese, and two cookies—one raspberry and one chocolate chip.
Hmm, they’re grilling beef over there. Should I get a piece?
Since leaving the convent, she had tried to avoid meat, but today felt like a special occasion. It wouldn't hurt to indulge a little.
As she stood there, watching the smoke rise from the barbecue pit, a sharp snicker sounded beside her. She turned to find Bella standing alone.
“Harriet! If you eat all that, you won't fit into that dress next time. Honestly, doesn't your stomach look a bit bloated already?”
Bella wore an innocent expression, as if she were merely joking, but Harriet knew better. She had been the target of Bella’s mockery and "playful" sarcasm more times than she could count.
Harriet didn't miss a beat. “I’d rather gain a little weight than waste away from being forced to starve, like I did when I lived under your roof.”
At Harriet’s defiant tone—so unlike the girl she used to be—Bella’s practiced mask faltered. Harriet relished the sight. It felt as though the day Bella’s true face would be revealed to the world was drawing closer.
“Shouldn't you be grateful I didn't let you starve to death?”
“You didn't do it for my sake. And I certainly have no reason to listen to such nonsense from the woman who stole everything from me.”
Harriet clenched her jaw, her lips curling into a cold smile. Just as she expected, Bella showed no remorse. The truth was written in her eyes—an expression she only allowed when she thought no one was watching.
“You’ve certainly grown arrogant now that you have that old hag backing you,” Bella hissed. “But you’d better watch yourself. That old woman will be dead soon, and then you’ll be back to being nothing.”
Bella wore that same vile smirk she always used when trampling others with her venomous tongue. In the past, when Harriet had cried or begged, that smile would only widen. Harriet was determined never to give her that satisfaction again.
“Not a chance.”
“What was that?”
“Your wish for me to be nothing is just that—wishful thinking.”
“What are you talking about? Have you finally lost your mind?” Bella laughed, her voice laced with sarcasm.
Harriet’s confident smile didn't waver. “I am Harriet Listerwell. Daughter of Arthur and Lillian Listerwell. I am a businesswoman, a major landowner in Perilas, and a sister of the Saint Clarissa Convent. I have countless ways to prove who I am.”
Harriet pointed a finger directly at Bella.
“You, on the other hand, are a monster fueled by vanity, jealousy, and spite. You, who cannot show your true self to a single soul, are the one who is truly nothing.”
Bella’s face twisted hideously. It was an expression of such raw, ugly emotion that it was hard to believe it belonged to the woman praised as the "Golden Rose of Genoa."
But Bella was no amateur. She quickly mended the cracks in her mask, her eyes shimmering with a subtle, amused malice.
“Yes, enjoy your little moment. Because once I’m married, someone like you won't even be allowed to look me in the eye.”
“We’ll see about that. Do you really think I’d be intimidated just because ‘someone like you’ manages to snag the title of Countess?”
Bella chuckled, as if she found the remark genuinely hilarious. “We’ll see. Just wait. You’ll soon find out exactly who you’ll be bowing your head to.”
With that, she turned and walked away without a backward glance. Harriet watched her retreating figure, her gaze utterly cold.
*
The hunting competition concluded successfully.
The men returned from the woods with proud expressions, presenting their kills to their lovers and families. It was then that the carcass of a large male fox was delivered to John Listerwell, who had no close friends among the hunters.
“Wh-what is this?” he asked the servant, blinking in surprise.
“His Grace, Duke Kailas, sent it. There was no message other than instructions to deliver it to Viscount John Listerwell.”
“W-wait! Duke Kailas? Duke Cedric Kailas sent this?”
“...Yes, sir.”
The servant gave John a strange look, bowed, and departed. John, however, was left beaming with elation.
“B-Bella!”
He cheered inwardly, trying to suppress his delight as he searched for his daughter. He found her praising James, who had just returned from the hunt. John waited impatiently for her to finish enchanting her fiancé before pulling her aside.
“What is it, Father?”
“Bella, you clever girl!”
“What? Why are you acting like this?”
“Do you know what this is?” He pointed at the fox carcass, his face glowing.
“It’s a fox. Who gave it to you?”
“Take a guess.”
“Father, just tell me.”
“Hehehe!” John couldn't contain his greedy laughter. He leaned in and whispered, “Cedric Kailas sent it!”
“Really?”
John nodded vigorously. “He sent it to me, but why would he give such a thing to me? It’s clearly a message for you.”
He was right. Cedric had no reason to send a gift to John, a man with whom he had no connection.
“He truly is a wise man,” Bella mused. “If he had sent it directly to me, it might have looked scandalous to the others.”
“Exactly! My goodness, you’ve truly captured the Duke…!”
“Shh! Quiet, Father. Things like this should be spread through whispers, not shouted from the rooftops.”
Bella smiled sweetly as she examined the fox’s pelt. It was an older male, so the fur wasn't the softest, but it was impressively large.
“I’ll have a craftsman turn this into a stole.”
“Hahaha! Of course, of course! Oh, did James send you anything?”
“Naturally. He caught five foxes and said he’d send three of them to us.”
“Hahaha! We’ll have to find a furrier the moment we get back!”
John was over the moon, ecstatic that Bella had both James and Cedric wrapped around her finger. Bella felt the same as she looked down at the dead fox.
I take back what I said about him being slow to move. The man is subtly aggressive.
She hadn't expected him to be so bold during the competition. She had assumed that if he sent a gift, it would be delivered discreetly in a day or two.
The more I see of him, the more he draws me in. I like that he prefers my true self, and that he doesn't hesitate to act…
Of course, what she liked even more was his title, his power, his wealth, and his face. Regardless, now that he had made a move, she had to reciprocate.
“Since we’ve received such a fine gift, it’s only right to return the favor. He seems to enjoy wine, so please prepare a vintage bottle.”
John beamed and nodded eagerly.