Chapter 28
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 28
"What do you mean? Why are you refusing this?"
John had rushed straight to Perilas, barely catching the president of Perilas Asety before the bank’s doors closed for the day. His relief, however, proved fleeting. The bank president flatly refused to accept the transfer of ownership documents.
"To process a change in ownership, we must first confirm the return of the land. And the owner signing that confirmation must appear in person, unless they are deceased. This was clearly stated in our correspondence."
"Now, listen here! Is the order really that important? The owner herself signed this document stating she is transferring the rights. Show a little flexibility, won't you?"
The bank president remained unmoved, shaking his head firmly.
"I apologize, but matters involving land acquisition and ownership transfers concern assets of immense value. The individual in question must appear in person."
"I’m telling you, Harriet isn't in a position to come here right now!"
"Then we shall wait indefinitely. In the meantime, every single sant of profit generated by the land will be held in safekeeping. We kindly request that Miss Harriet Listerwell herself visit us to sign the land return confirmation."
Faced with the president’s unyielding stance, John was forced to leave the bank empty-handed.
Seething with rage, he immediately turned his carriage toward Saint Clarissa Convent. Since Perilas was on the way, he managed to arrive just before sunset. Impatient and fuming, he didn't bother with the knocker, instead pounding on the heavy convent doors with his bare fists.
A moment later, the small observation window in the door clicked open. A nun with sharp, discerning eyes peered out.
"Who is it?"
"I am Viscount Listerwell. I’ve come to see the girl residing here."
"This is a cloistered convent for women. Visiting hours are from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and you must apply for a visit in advance. Please return tomorrow."
As the window began to slide shut, John grabbed the frame roughly.
"Get the Mother Superior out here this instant! How dare a mere nun be so insolent!"
Normally, John would never have discarded his gentlemanly facade so easily. But after a grueling day of travel and constant setbacks, his irritation had reached its breaking point.
Emma, the gatekeeper, felt a surge of cold anger. This was Viscount Listerwell—the man who had dumped Harriet here and then unilaterally severed her guardianship. What could he possibly want with her now?
"The convent’s rules do not change simply because you demand it. Please leave."
At her dismissal, John let out a curse and began kicking the door. The commotion quickly reached Catherine, who hurried toward the gate with a look of profound displeasure. She motioned for the fuming Emma to step back and swung the door open herself.
"Look here! What do you mean, 'it won't do'—"
Catherine glared coldly at the triumphant John, her voice booming with authority.
"I am Catherine Emillosa, the Mother Superior. What is the meaning of this disturbance at such an hour?"
Confronted by Catherine—who scolded him without a hint of intimidation—John’s bravado vanished. He quickly tucked his tail between his legs. Even if it was a small, seemingly powerless convent, a Mother Superior held significant sway in religious circles. Moreover, Catherine did not look like a woman who would suffer fools gladly.
"Ah, you are the Mother Superior. That nun was so inflexible that I lost my temper. I have come on urgent business."
"You do not seem like a man who would be ignorant of the fact that arriving at this hour without a prior request is a grave rudeness. Just how urgent is this business?"
"It is a private family matter, so I cannot divulge the details. But it is a serious issue, and I must take Harriet with me."
The demand to take Harriet away without notice earned him no sympathy. John’s boorish behavior only confirmed everything Harriet had told Catherine about her life with the Listerwell family.
A thin, knowing smile touched Catherine’s lips.
"And why are you looking for Miss Harriet here?"
"Why? Because she is here, of course!"
"What are you talking about? It has been quite some time since Miss Harriet returned to Genoa."
"What?" John’s eyes widened in shock.
Catherine felt a surge of satisfaction and let her grin widen.
"Miss Harriet Listerwell completed her year of convent life as per the initial request and departed on June 1st. Ah, but since you severed her guardianship, I suppose you wouldn't have known. We no longer had any obligation to report to Your Lordship, after all."
"Th-that’s…! Then where did she go?"
"I only heard that she was heading to Genoa. I imagine Your Lordship would know more about the situation in Genoa than I."
John’s fists trembled. He had never imagined that Harriet, stripped of her guardianship and penniless, would actually leave the convent. What could she possibly have relied on to make such a move?
A cold, unpleasant premonition crept up his spine.
"It seems your business here is concluded," Catherine said, her gaze turning hostile. "Stop causing a disturbance and leave. I will not tolerate another word."
John had no choice but to turn away.
This has become troublesome. I could hire people to find her, but that will cost money again. Tsk.
He clicked his tongue and climbed back into his carriage.
But he wouldn't need to spend a single coin. He would find Harriet far sooner than he expected.
*
A deep green silk dress, an emerald necklace resting against her collarbone, and dazzling chandelier earrings that caught every flicker of light.
Harriet mentally cataloged each item she wore, estimating their worth. Even Bella likely didn't own many pieces of this caliber.
"Are you ready, Harriet?" Trisha asked before they stepped down from the carriage.
To be honest, Harriet’s heart was pounding so hard she felt nauseous. She swallowed hard and nodded. She had already stepped onto a path from which there was no retreat; she couldn't afford to show weakness now.
"Then let us go."
Harriet followed Trisha out of the carriage. As the door opened, the night air—noticeably cooler than the daytime heat—wafted in. The scent of damp grass and blooming flowers mingled with the rhythmic chirping of crickets, setting the stage for the summer gala.
"Welcome. May I see your invitation, please?"
A footman from the Vanderbilt estate stepped forward. He checked their invitation and politely escorted them toward the mansion. Harriet could feel the man’s eyes lingering on her.
I am a diamond. I am a diamond. I am…
Harriet recited the mantra she had repeated endlessly while preparing. She was a diamond; every trial was merely a test of her resilience, and every malicious whisper was nothing more than the envy of those beneath her.
No one can break me.
Visualizing a diamond reflecting brilliant light in every direction, she lifted her chin and looked straight ahead.
The ballroom was a sea of bright lights, women in magnificent gowns, and men in elegant tailcoats. As they entered, the room seemed to tilt as every gaze turned toward them in unison.
Soon, the hostess of the evening, Countess Diana Vanderbilt, approached to greet Trisha.
"Welcome, Countess Fellon! I cannot tell you how delighted I was to hear you would be attending."
"The pleasure is mine. Thank you for the invitation. Ah, this is my grandniece, Harriet. I’ve come as her chaperone today. Harriet, dear, say hello. This is Countess Diana Vanderbilt."
The Countess’s gaze shifted past Trisha. Looking at the woman who seemed not to recognize her at all, Harriet offered a subtle, practiced smile and curtsied perfectly.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Countess Vanderbilt. I am Harriet Listerwell. I have heard so much about your exquisite parties, and I have been looking forward to this evening immensely."
"Harriet Lister… Oh! Th-that’s right. Welcome, Miss Harriet Listerwell."
The Countess seemed barely able to move her jaw, only realizing who had graced her party after hearing the name. Seeing the woman’s flustered reaction, Harriet found it even easier to smile naturally.
"Thank you for the warm welcome. I once heard you sing an aria at Viscount Ainborough’s party, and I was utterly captivated. Might you be singing again tonight?"
"Oh, my! You remember that?"
"You sang 'Love is Not Bound,' did you not? To be honest, I expected the high notes to drop by a semitone, but your voice soared so cleanly. I was truly stunned."
"Oh, heavens! You’re making me blush…"
"Blush? Why? Your skill is as outstanding as any professional's."
At Harriet’s targeted compliments, Countess Vanderbilt let out a delighted giggle.
"She does love to sing, and she is quite talented at it," Trisha added smoothly. "She certainly appreciates the praise."