Scandal with the Duke

Chapter 8

|Mirrielle Elizabeth Rivantroz|

“She’s letting me manage their business as we expected,”

I stopped walking from my track after hearing it. I was near the entrance of the hallway where I would turn to go to my late father's study. I have called everyone whom I invited to be there at the time I had scheduled. I would have been there much earlier but because I forgot something in my room I had to go back.

 “Are you sure? But why does she even need a lawyer for this? She trusts you, right?”

Hearing Aunt Emilia’s voice caused me to stop walking further. My heart pounded for no apparent reason. I unconsciously looked at the location where the faint voices were coming from. Their coming footsteps instantly alarmed me that I had to hide because of what they were talking about.

 “Yes. She trusts me. I just don't know why she suddenly wanted to have her lawyer in this case,”

Uncle Faro’s voice registered in my system. From the adjacent hallway, they were about to pass the hallway’s intersection where I was about to have my exit. And because I had memorized every corner of the mansion, I quickly hid in a corner that would hide me from the eyes of my uncle and aunt. And I heightened my hearing to hear something more from their ongoing conversation. I haven’t heard that they dropped a name yet but I could suddenly sense that it was me who they talking about.

“If she hires a lawyer for their business, it may be extra difficult for you to get the funds we need, Alfaro. We need to have that money as soon as possible or nothing will happen to everything we worked hard for,” Aunt Emilia responded with a voice full of concernment.

“Just let me handle it, Emilia,” Uncle Alfaro assured his wife.

My jaw clenched tighter as I remained standing on that tight-spaced corner of the hallway. Gradually, their voices began to fade so I wasn’t able to hear what went on with their conversation.

So…they had a plan to mess with the business, huh?

I don’t know if I was lucky that I heard their conversation or not. But hearing their conversation added more to the wariness I am feeling towards my uncle. I clenched my fist hard. I could feel my body trembling in anger.

This never happened in my previous life. None of this happened in my first life was when I suddenly called a private meeting and hired a lawyer for my permission for my uncle to manage our business temporarily.

Maybe… the little changes I have made from the original scenario that happened are gradually changing the future that was supposed to happen.

A string of hope immediately emerged because of that thought. I need to continue this… because if this is going to help me save my own life and the reason for me to put Uncle behind bars, I need to plan and execute everything thoroughly. Not like the personality that I was expecting from my uncle. The god-fearing man I had known was a devil in disguise.

It took me a while to calm myself down a bit. I took a few deep breaths before I decided to leave my hiding place.

But I didn't expect that as soon as I came out of the hallway, Gillie just popped out of nowhere. I almost jumped in a panic because of her presence. I held my hands against my chest as I feel my heart bounce out of my nervousness. She too was caught in surprise.

“Gillie!”

 “Milady! I'm sorry, I didn't expect you were there!” she tells me apologetically and she quickly backed away from me. She bowed her head slightly as a show of respect and regret for what she had just done.

 “No… it’s fine, Gillie,” I said and slowly pulled my poise back.

 “I'm here to pick you up at your room, Milady. They are already looking for you in the office,” she informed. I nodded and started walking towards my late father's office. It will also be my office once I started working as the new countess of House Rivantroz.

Gillie followed behind me. It wasn't long before I saw the door of my father's office not far from me. I was already close to the office when I heard Uncle talking earlier. The warden guarding outside the office opened the door for me when I arrived in front of them. And immediately the eyes of my visitors inside the office opened up and greeted me.

"I apologize for being late, everyone," I said formally in general.

"It's fine milady," some of them responded. The others in the office simply gave me a nod as I pass on each one of them.

I looked down at Sir Nicolas, who was sitting in a chair near my desk. Holding his brown leather bag, he stood up from his chair as our eyes met. He’s our family’s trusted lawyer. And I invited him here for only one reason.

"Good morning, Lady Rivantroz. It’s pleasure to be your acquaintance," he said with politeness.

"Good morning, Sir Nicolas," I returned.

It has been several years since I last saw him. And as the days, months and years go by, the physical appearance of man is also not hard to come by. If I hadn't seen the white fiber in his hair a few years back, now there is.

I glanced at those that were already inside the office. Some of my late father’s trusted men were standing on the left side, near the bookshelves. On the opposite corner of the room, there were a few of our housemaids and staff that I allowed participating in this meeting, especially Belinda. We’re 13 in total, including me and Gillie.

Uncle was just sitting in front of Sir Nicolas and his eyes were all on me. Aunt Emilia was just standing behind him. And as always, she was dressed in her deep green gown from the fine material of silk and other exquisite textiles. Her hair is arranged in a high bun, a few locks were left in the side of her ears, which gives a more sophisticated look on her face and adds thinness to her eyes. Her intricate-designed hand fan made a few sounds as she flaps it, which I feel was the only one making noise inside the room amidst the number of people inside. Her eyes made it to mine. I swallowed hard and fluttered my eyes when I saw how she subtly lifted an eyebrow at me.

Even from the start, Aunt Emilia and I never had a good relationship. We hardly even talk when we’re together on some occasions. So, it is not surprising that she is treating me like this. I never imagined that one day I’m going to say this but somehow… I realized that… she was much better than Uncle Faro. Because from the very beginning, she showed me who she really was and never faked her behavior to me.

I went straight to the table in the middle. I immediately sat down in the chair that is meant for me. Gillie chose to stay behind my seat. I straighten my back as I look directly at the two men seating in front of me.

"Shall we start?" I said formally. I can’t help but feel anxious all suddenly. The thought of failing in today’s agenda arouse in my thoughts.

I am not really used to all the eyes that is looking in my direction. But what can my shame do if I want to save myself from the waiting disaster? I need to enhance myself and my behavior. I need to train my sociability if I must.

 I was taught the standards and proper etiquette when I was young. It is a must for a lady like me who grew up in a nobility. But then I failed to use the things which I was taught even before my parents were still alive.

"Is the contract ready, Sir Nicolas?" I asked the lawyer who is disposing all his attention to me.

 “Yes, I do, milady — Lady Rivantroz. After you sealed it with your signature, your uncle will have the right to run your business in your place,” Sir Nicolas informed. I nodded and glanced at my uncle.

 “Are you really certain about this, Eli? I can teach you things that you needed to learn for the business even if you don't know anything of it yet. And I believe Diego could also offer a hand when you need something,” he said with concern in his voice.

I stared at Uncle for a few seconds. And I don’t know where I got my composure to grin because of what he said. It was only recently that I have heard him and Aunt Emilia talking behind my back. Shouldn’t this be in his favor?

Oh. That’s right, he’s acting like a concerned relative in front of everyone else.

 “Lord Alfaro has proven a point, milady,” Diego, who was standing near the bookshelves and my father’s trusted employee joined in. Almost all of us turned our attention to him. He made a few steps forward to my desk. He bowed his head slightly before meeting my gaze back. “I can help you with everything you want to learn about business. In fact, I’ll be very honored to be a service to you, milady. You don’t need to… ” he swallowed hard and glance at my uncle before he threw his eyes back at me. He still seemed hesitant to say something but eventually continued. "With all due respect, you don't have to rely on Lord Alfaro for everything," he said carefully.

I stared at Diego for a few seconds. The determination in his eyes told me that he’s willing to do everything he can to help me. That he was telling me that even at the age of twenty — no, I’ll be 21 in the next days — I could afford to run and manage our business. I couldn’t help but applaud for what he did. I must say, his act could really convince anyone in this room.

One of the things I learned from my first life, was that I had to be prepared for whatever war I started. And that’s what I did last night.

Last night, I stayed up late thinking and executing the plans I needed for revenge that I’m plotting. I remember what happened in the past six months before I died and. I wrote the big events that would happen and thought of solutions for it in my personal diary. I also thought of ways I could bring out Uncle’s true persona. I need to make action that would bring out his desperation.

I looked back at my uncle. He was intently staring at Diego for a few seconds before he returned his full attention to me. He warmly smiled at me. But of course, I knew that his smile of his was only a facade. I did the same.

 “Even Diego is agreeing with me. You should think of this once again, Eli,” Uncle said.

I let out a deep, calming breath.

 “My decision is final, uncle. It would be better for you to manage the winery first while I have my own time to study its operation. I don’t want to risk the state of the business as well as the staff. I don't want to lead the business that my forefathers built with sweat and blood that I do not fully master yet. I trust that everything will be in good hands as you temporarily managed it,” I explained.

The lawyer stared at me for a few seconds, before adjusting his glasses.

"It looks like that the countess has already made up her mind. So why don't you just give in with her request, Lord Alfaro?”

It was my uncle’s turn to let out a deep sigh.

 “I’m just making sure that my niece has made up her mind. Of course, I am more than willing to help my niece with the heavy responsibilities she will face. If handling their business temporarily would help her, I won’t complain anymore. I'm just making sure she’s fine with her decision,”

"Then I believe that settles everything. You need to sign the contract," said Sir Nicolas.

I simply scan my eyes in Uncle Alfaro’s direction. Sir Nicolas handed the contract to him first. Uncle picked it up at the same time as he reached for the fountain pen. My eyes stared at him as he signed the contract. And somehow, after he signed the contract, relief washed over me.

Uncle lifted his eyes to me. His icy-blue eyes, that same as mine, stared back at me. He handed me the contract and the fountain pen. I accepted it and didn't hesitate to seal it with my signature.

This is what I failed to do in my previous life. I gave so much trust to Uncle Faro that I did not think of his evil plans for me. I was too blinded by his good acts because ever since I was small, he has been always so kind and caring for me.

But now I know better, I need to take action that will limit everything Uncle can do. And providing this contract of letting him handle our business temporarily was my first solution. I also needed a lawyer and a good number of witnesses to witness everything that is happening now so that in case he did something evil to me in the future, everyone would have to come up with the same theory that it was my uncle who was behind my death.

I don’t know if doing this would save my life but this is the most effective way I can think of.

The meeting at the office did not take long before it finally ended. Everyone was immediately dismissed inside the room after it was adjourned. Uncle Alfaro has been itching himself to have a private conversation with me but I did not let him have his chance. Diego and I looked at each other. I gave him a knowingly look and he nodded. He approached Uncle after understanding what I wanted to happen.

Diego talked with Uncle Faro as he leads him out of the office. I remained in my seat as the numbers inside gradually reduced until I was left alone.

I have given Diego a secret agenda. Because my father trusted him in the business, he was the first thing I thought of to start the plan. Of course, I don't fully trust him yet. But what I had given to him was only a way to test if he’s loyal to me or not and not an enemy.

I sent him a letter earlier this morning through Gillie. Inside the letter was everything I wanted to happen this day, including him… butting in if I ever insist on letting my uncle handle our business temporarily. And because he really did take an action to what I wanted him to do, he passed my first test. I have formed five trials or tests before I ensure that a man is really worth my trust. I know I only formed it recently but that’s better compared to plotting nothing at all.

I stayed in the office for a few more minutes, drowning myself in the thought of even a better test to be given to the people I wanted to be my ally.

Gillie… if I go back to what happened, I have a feeling why she changed so suddenly in the weeks before I died. And how she acted around my uncle, I knew my uncle had something to do with her change.

So far, I know nothing because Gillie and my uncle still treat me well. It means… my uncle had not yet threatened her into something that would make her turn against me.

I heave a deep breath. I have already concluded many things last night. But honestly, I feel like I’m going mad because of the situation I’m stuck in.

I stopped in my chain of thoughts as the office door opened, revealing Gillie.

 “Milady. Your uncle has requested your presence in the dining. He has told that you should dine along with your guests,” she announced.

I looked at the clock on the table. It's past one o'clock. I suddenly remembered the threat I had given to the man yesterday I just met yesterday. And since I wasn't hungry yet I quickly turned Gillie down.

 “Do tell them I can’t. I'm going to Mama and Papa,” I said then got up from my seat to leave. I only stopped from walking only to notice that Gillie has still remained at the door, and there was a glint of sadness in her eyes as she stared at me. It didn’t take long for her eyes to succumb to her own tears.

“Gillie…”

"Milady… I can't quite imagine that at a young age… you would take on such responsibilities," and she burst into tears because of what was said. She wiped away the tears with the apron of her dress. I gritted my teeth as I looked at her. I felt sad because of what she said but maybe because my brain was busy with other things, I just found myself laughing because of her reaction.

Gillie was always a bright woman and has a shallow tear. Quick to cry with things especially when it is about me.

I walked towards her to give her a hug.

 “I’m fine Gillie. There are definitely events that we cannot prevent even if it is against our will. So, all we can do is face it and acknowledge that such things happen,” I preached. But she cried even more after saying it all to her.

 “Milady! I will stay by your side through thick and thin! That’s a promise!” she said with conviction and hugged back to me.

I was a little surprised by what she said. I wasn’t entirely expecting anything from her. In my heart, I was hesitant because Gillie might eventually betray me. But why would I forget? We’ve been almost together since I was a kid? And right now… she’s the only truest person I have left.

I tightened my embrace to my handmaiden who became my friend and a family member as well.

I’m glad that I have her.

I do.

It took us a while before she finally calmed herself down. I just laughed at her because of how sudden she could be at times.

 “Aren't you going to eat your meal, milady? How many times do I need to remind you that it’s bad for someone to have an empty stomach?” she preached.

Right now, we’re walking in the hallway towards the back door of the mansion. I had to go through the kitchen to finally get out from behind. It’s much better if I pass through the rear going to the hill where my parents were buried.

 “If you're that worried, you could just pack my lunch for me, Gillie. I want to be with my parents,” I tell her.

She nodded quickly. “Then… I should ask some of our—”

"There’s no need. I can handle myself. And I just want to be alone right now,” I said before she could offer someone to be with me up to the hill. Gillie stared at me for a few seconds before submitting my request.

 “Alright, milady. You can just wait outside the kitchen while I get you your lunch,”

We entered the kitchen together. Its familiar smell immediately registered inside my system. Our staff greeted me with a smile. Gillie has already started preparing what I will take along with me. My last memory of getting in here was…before I died. That was technically almost six months from now. I let out a deep breath and thought I would just wait outside for Gillie.

I walked out and the first thing that popped up to me was our vast vineyard. There were also a few personnel scattered around the scene. I walked a few meters away from the mansion to focus all my attention on the hill in the distance.

I squinted my eyes as if I could see someone from there in a great distance even, I know it was impossible. I can't help but wonder if Lorenzo is already there?

I hope he fulfills what he and I talked about.

 ‘You’re threatening me,’ his deep voice echoed in my mind. I can’t help but smile at the memory of that.

Tch. Why does Gillie taking her this long?