Chapter 23 Chapter 23 Otti/Leave the harsh words for next time
"Thank you for the fashionable wig, Miss Norman. I will definitely wear it to play the clown on Halloween. Now, I have to tell you some mixed news." Despite complaining in his heart, Charles still dutifully conveyed his employer's instructions.
After Audrey finished emptying her wallet, she felt a lot less guilty. She smiled and said, "Then please tell me the good news first."
"The good news is your dwindling wallet will be full again," Charles handed over the check, then poured cold water on the bright-eyed blonde. "The bad news is you'll have to start socializing on behalf of the White family, and your first stop will be the formidable Blossom family."
"The Blossoms?"
"Hmm, Richard Blossom, your employer's current business rival, a long-established and leading merchant in Kent. Two years ago, he offered a large dowry to marry his granddaughter, Miss Blossom, into the Earl's household, and has since become incredibly powerful." Charles raised an eyebrow and sighed. "In short, he's a sly old scoundrel we have no choice but to deal with."
Audrey looked troubled.
What she dreaded most was socializing. She was often unexpectedly asked to demonstrate her talents, and her every move, whether she was eating or walking, was scrutinized by countless eyes.
"Are there any rules I should follow?"
Charles hadn't expected the young lady from a baronial family to be so nervous, so he quickly added, "Don't worry, if you have any questions, just ask Caroline. She knows everything."
Just as he finished speaking, Caroline appeared from nowhere, snorted coldly and left.
"Oh! Such a bad-tempered girl." Charles shook his head and looked at Audrey again. "Don't be afraid. Caroline may appear cold but she's actually kind. As long as you take the initiative, she'll be willing to teach you."
Audrey was absent-minded, staring at Caroline's tall back in a trance: "Hmm!"
-
The flower beds at Winston Manor are filled with centifolia roses, their soft pink petals cascading in bloom.
Caroline sat on the swing in a daze, not even hearing the bees buzzing around her ears.
Her unique position was that she was both a housekeeper and a business assistant. No one except Hermann could control her, so she was free to be lazy.
It sounds like a good thing, but she knows how others talk about her behind her back, and they say all kinds of nasty things.
Caroline didn't care, just like Hermann didn't care about the outside world's opinions.
People who come from the lower classes have seen the most miserable situations. How could they let rumors block their path to upward mobility?
The sun was shining brightly, and Caroline stared at the centifolia roses from Hersland, where she was born.
Elmi was exiled with her parents at the age of four. All she remembered was the gray sky outside the mine shed, but her mother told her that they came from a place where roses bloomed, where the garden was full of flowers and it was magnificent.
Later, both parents died in the fire. Ten-year-old Caroline survived and followed Hermann across the ocean.
In fact, little Caroline knew that the silver-haired boy was not a kind person. He was unwilling to take her with him. It was she who dragged her injured leg and followed him step by step, walking through the streets and alleys.
His letting go may just be a matter of a glance back, a single thought.
The scarred little Caroline had a look as stubborn as a wolf cub, but she was holding a rose tightly in her hand.
That was the centifolia rose that survived the fire, destined not to belong to Elmi - just like the silver-haired boy was an alien in the slums.
Ten years later, Hurley became Herman, and Caroline seemed to be still Caroline, always following behind him, chasing him, and looking up to him, just like that day.
In fact, they rarely communicated. The last time they had a formal conversation was when Herman suggested that she just be a business assistant like Charles.
This is good for Caroline's career development.
After all, in today's era, it is rare for women to have such opportunities.
But she refused.
At that time, Caroline wanted him to ask more questions, but was also afraid that he would ask more questions.
I forgot what reason he gave her at that time, but Hermann didn't object and let her choose.
She said she wanted to stay in Winston because there were centifolia roses she planted here, and every time she saw them, she felt a sense of belonging.
Hermann simply told Charles to redraft the contract.
It was like returning to the time when she was ten years old and had escaped a disaster. She stood at the corner of fate holding the rose, and met that cold-blooded boy. From then on, her life began to change.
"Caroline."
Suddenly, a familiar voice came from behind me, coming from the intruder.
Caroline pretended not to hear, but Audrey sat down beside her, her toes touching the ground, and gently rocked on the swing.
Caroline frowned at the uninvited guest and glanced at her. "If it's about what Charles said, I will find time to organize the information for you. If you don't have any other questions, please leave and give me some peace and quiet."
"No." Audrey shook her head and stretched out her hands behind her back. "I'm here to give you a gift, Miss Caroline."
On the bow box was written in cursive: To Miss Caroline Depew.
Caroline looked away and said stiffly, "Don't try to please Mrs. Cooper on me. I know you're very clever."
Although she had no idea what "skillful" meant, Audrey took it as a compliment and curved her blue eyes. "Everyone has one, why don't you take one?"
Caroline pursed her lips, lowered her eyes and said nothing.
"Take it apart and take a look, Miss Caroline," Audrey said gently, "perhaps you'll change your mind."
Caroline was stunned for a few seconds, and by the time she reacted, her hands had already untied the bow.
The exposed corner of pink made her look slightly stunned.
Caroline suddenly didn't dare to lift it up.
Another hand tore open the package for her - at that moment, a sea of pink flowers appeared in the picture frame.
"I finished this painting a long time ago, but my painting skills are not very good, so I feel a bit uncomfortable giving it away. I wanted to find a professional painter to do it today, but I couldn't find one." Audrey chuckled. "Lucy suggested that I go in a couple of days, but I thought, if I delay for a few more days, how sad will Miss Caroline be if she doesn't receive her gift?"
Caroline snorted subconsciously: "Ms. Norman, your ability to guess people's hearts needs to be improved. I am not sad at all without your gift."
"Don't be so stubborn. You're obviously looking forward to it. I can see it." Audrey snorted.
"you……"
Caroline wanted to object, but she was the only one in the entertainment room who didn't receive a gift, so she would be lying if she said she wasn't sad.
But if I admit it, it would be too embarrassing.
Caroline glared at Audrey, who in turn looked at her innocently with her blue eyes.
This guy is sometimes smart and sometimes stupid. I really don’t know if he is pretending or it’s real.
Marigolds in the greenhouse can be deceptive!
She stared at the painting angrily and suddenly asked, "Why did you think of painting the Centifolia Rose?"
"Because you often come to see them." Audrey was very proud of her observation skills. "The rose represents love. You must have someone you like!" "W-what?" These words made Caroline's heart skip a beat.
"That's great, Miss Caroline." But Audrey seemed to be just saying it casually, and then said, "I really envy you."
"A pampered young lady from an aristocratic family envies me, a poor girl from the slums?" Caroline sneered.
"Why not?" Audrey looked at her seriously.
There was a gentle light in his blue eyes. Under such a gaze, Caroline quickly lowered her eyes and her fingers at her sides curled up unconsciously.
"I envy you for being able to freely choose your own life." Audrey smiled as she looked at the roses swaying in the wind in the flowerbed.
"Because I have the freedom to like anyone?"
"No." Audrey shook her head. "Liking someone isn't freedom. Not liking someone isn't freedom."
As she spoke, she laughed to herself, "Oh! This sentence sounds very philosophical. I must remember to write it in the letter."
Perhaps it was the mention of writing letters that made Audrey's eyes warm and her voice lower.
"As you can see, I'm a rare noble lady who's not good at music, cooking, or painting." Audrey blinked, her tone helpless. "A wise woman once taught me to find my life's interests, but I haven't had the opportunity to express them, let alone develop my passion into a career."
Caroline gave him a puzzled look.
Audrey spread her hands and said, "You can't imagine a noble lady performing square roots with her bare hands for the ladies at a ball."
Caroline chuckled, then quickly pursed her lips and coughed twice: "Oh. It's a pity indeed."
"Maybe, a little." Audrey unconsciously stood on tiptoe, swinging on the swing, her skirt fluttering in the air, "But I have other responsibilities in my life."
Caroline: "Marrying Winston to pay off your father's debts?"
"Yes, it does count," Audrey said bluntly. "But I don't regret taking on the responsibility. On the contrary, being able to unite with my family and get out of this desperate situation is very meaningful to me."
Caroline sneered, the perfect example of a sunny family, so positive it was annoying.
"I just regret that I don't have the freedom to choose upward."
Audrey was unaware of anything and just swayed gently on the swing.
The ladies of the Norman family did their best to survive the crisis, and anything else was a luxury.
The breeze blew her hair, and the clear sky was reflected in her blue eyes. When she spoke, there was a smile between her eyebrows, and her two dimples were faintly visible.
"So I say, I envy you, Miss Caroline. You have many precious things." She said to herself, "noble character, outstanding ability, distinct personality, strong will..."
Caroline listened to a string of compliments, which sounded just like the compliments she was tired of hearing every day.
But somehow, the words that came out of her mouth were like sincere raindrops, making the seeds in Caroline's heart begin to sprout.
Caroline didn't want to admit that before this, her hostility towards Audrey was mixed with a hint of envy.
With a wealthy family background, noble birth, beautiful appearance, and likable personality, even though she was so-called down and out, she was able to live a life of luxury after marrying Winston.
She couldn't think of any troubles in such a life?
But when such a person sincerely praised her, Caroline followed the other person's gaze as if looking in the mirror and examined herself for the first time.
It turns out she has so many advantages.
Caroline was slightly startled, her green eyes fixed on Audrey.
Audrey finally finished enumerating Caroline's 108 advantages and suddenly turned around.
The sunlight shining on her golden hair made her look as beautiful as the little angel on a music box, or even more like a beautiful marigold.
"In short, I think it would be a terrible loss for Mr. White to lose a capable assistant like you. On the other hand, if you had kept pace with him from the beginning, you might have achieved what he has now."
Caroline chuckled, "That's a compliment."
"No, it's not a matter of your ability." Audrey imitated Charles' playful wink, "It's this strange place that forces women to always be inferior to others."
"But..." She paused, suppressed a laugh, and said softly, "When necessary, you can use Mr. White as a stepping stone~"
Caroline glanced at Audrey and suddenly felt like laughing. "Ms. Norman, I underestimated you. Is this another teaching from some wise lady?"
"Of course, she said it's called 'uniting all the forces that can be united.'" Audrey said with a smile.
Caroline fell into deep thought.
Audrey didn't disturb her and left with light steps.
The painting on her knees was not particularly exquisite, but Caroline stared at it for a long time—the centifolia rose was framed and engraved in her heart along with the memories.
The next day, a resignation letter appeared on Herman's desk.
He asked what his plans were for the future.
Caroline smiled calmly and shrugged, saying, "I'll borrow your light to start a business."
As always, Herman said nothing more, but simply gave her a check for a large sum of money.
In the past, she would have often felt lost because of this, but now, something broke out from deep within her heart, forcing her to straighten her spine and no longer follow him or look up to him.
Herman White was certainly good, powerful, and admirable.
But it seems more interesting to defeat him than to get him.
Caroline accepted the check with a smile and left the manor humming a song.
The unknown Heslan tune fluttered in the wind, like the centifolia rose she inserted in the brim of her lace hat, leaving freely with the memories of her hometown.
Upstairs, Lucy watched Caroline's back as she walked away, and she couldn't help but feel relieved.
She glanced at Audrey who was reading a book and couldn't help but sigh that naive ladies always have good luck. They didn't know when the crisis was coming, nor did they know when the crisis was over. Their rival packed up and left.
While thinking about this, I was tidying up the closet and suddenly found that the safe at the innermost part had shown signs of being opened.
Lucy was shocked and immediately checked, only to find that the check for a large amount was missing?!
That was 100,000 Ceylon rupees! It was the betrothal gift from Hermann, and later given to Audrey by the Normans as a dowry! It's no exaggeration to say that the noble lady relied on this money for the rest of her life!
Because the amount was too large, there was no extra spending at Winston, and even if there was, it was covered by the pocket money Audrey begged for, so the money was kept in the bottom of the box and strictly guarded by Lucy.
She continued to flip through the pages with shaking hands, and was half relieved to see that the money Isabel had sent was still there.
"Miss, did you touch the check inside?"
Audrey turned around, hesitant and afraid to speak like a child caught making a mistake.
"I...Lucy, you have to promise me first that you won't be angry."
Lucy's heart sank.
Audrey looked out the window and said, "I gave it to Miss Caroline as my investment."
Lucy rolled her eyes and nearly fainted: "Is there a contract?!"
"No……"
"Have you confirmed what the project is?"
"No……"
Lucy took a deep breath. "Does Miss Caroline know about this?"
Audrey secretly looked out the window and saw Caroline holding a box in her right hand. Inside was the painting she had given her. "I don't know yet, but I think I'll know soon."
Lucy was really about to faint now!
There was no contract, no project, and even the parties involved didn't know about it, yet they just gave away 100,000 yuan like that?! Normally, they wouldn't spend it themselves, so how could they be so generous to an outsider?!
Audrey quickly supported Lucy: "Don't worry, Lucy, Miss Caroline is not a bad person. I believe my investment will pay off!"
Seeing the carriage about to depart outside, Lucy thought, "The money has already been given, and there's no way she can take it back." What else could she say?
I can only pray that Caroline is a good person.
Lucy sighed and looked at Audrey helplessly. "Although I don't particularly appreciate Miss Caroline's personality, I do believe in her professional abilities. I hope she can use your money to develop a new business and help you make more money."
Audrey breathed a sigh of relief and hugged Lucy: "Thank you for not blaming me! Dear Lucy."
"But I will write to tell the other Miss Norman everything," Lucy announced cruelly. "Next time you must never use large sums of money without authorization."
Audrey said timidly, "Okay, but please say more good things about Miss Caroline in your letter."
Lucy took another deep breath and couldn't help but want to remind her that Caroline was a potential rival! !
When she was about to speak, she saw Audrey immersed in reading again, not even noticing that her golden curls were standing up.
After a long while, Lucy held her forehead helplessly.
Forget it, according to the law of conservation, people with a big heart have good luck.
Lucy closed the door quietly.
Inside the door, Audrey looked up from her book and ran barefoot to the window.
The roses she used as bookmarks were drying on the windowsill. When the breeze blew, the pink petals fluttered into the air.
In the carriage, Caroline opened the box containing the painting, and a check and a letter fell out.
She opened it and saw the familiar string of zeros in the amount!
The letter then read: "Miss Caroline, I hope this money can help you do what you want to do. Always be determined and always optimistic!"
The letter was unsigned, but Caroline knew who it was from.
Her tears soaked the paper, and with blurred vision, she looked towards the open window on the second floor of the castle.
In the pink flower shower, she met those aquamarine eyes. The warm summer sun shone on her body, like the gaze of a blonde girl.
Caroline put the check away carefully, stroked the letter paper, and thought to herself - I won't let you down.
She wiped away her tears and waved over there.
On the second-floor window sill, Audrey blew her a kiss in return.
It seemed as if nothing needed to be said, and yet everything had been said.
Girls often think they can hide their love very well, but bystanders can see it clearly from the corners of their eyes and eyebrows.
But Audrey couldn't be so self-righteous as to remind the other person, even if her original intention was for the other person's good, because that was the self-esteem that a girl was trying hard to maintain.
Hazy emotions are like the mist on Mount Morpheus. When the sky clears, the mist will dissipate. That is also the best appearance of love when it dissipates.
In the pink flower rain, she watched Caroline's carriage go away with gentle eyes.
Audrey thought that Lucy might not understand that the Centifolia rose, which had traveled across the ocean, should not be confined to the manor.
She is free and strong, and wants to go further.
-
After Caroline left, it was not difficult to find a new housekeeper, but the difficulty was that Audrey had to deal with social activities in Kent County alone.
The Blossoms' dance was scheduled for next Wednesday, and Audrey started getting anxious two days in advance. Even Pappy the puppy couldn't make her laugh.
Greta asked a few questions worriedly, but fell silent after hearing the whole story.
Nowadays, families with a certain status always have to integrate into the local social circle, otherwise they will be considered out of place.
Greta didn't understand aristocratic etiquette, and even if she received emergency training, she would look shy when she went out, so she had been living in Elmi to avoid socializing. If her son hadn't gotten married this time, she wouldn't have come.
"Honey, I'm sorry I can't help." Greta held Daisy the kitten and fed it, smiling apologetically at Audrey.
Audrey shook her head, checked the condition of the stray cats and dogs one by one, and shrugged, "Don't say that, Mrs. Cooper. You know, I'm very lucky to have a companion who is as afraid of social activities as I am."
That being said, Audrey was about to become Mrs. White, so no matter how reluctant she was, she had to go along with the appointment.
At dinner that day, Audrey couldn't eat, which came as no surprise to Herman.
The silver-haired gentleman slowly took off his gloves and wiped his hands with a wet towel while looking up at her: "Ms. Isabel, is a banquet enough to stump you?"
Audrey absentmindedly stirred the salty soup on her plate.
If she were the real Miss Isabel, she wouldn't be stumped by such a small situation!
But she is Miss Audrey!
Audrey is most afraid of TT
Her dark grey pupils took in her listless look, and Herman seemed to be disgusted by her expression.
He said calmly, "Let me remind you that you represent the White Family."
"Huh? What's wrong?" Audrey looked at him blankly. "Won't they ask me to perform a talent show in public?"
Herman looked at her expressionlessly: "So you're afraid of this?"
Audrey frowned and looked at him seriously. "It's terrible. Don't take it lightly. I will embarrass you, Mr. White."
For several seconds, Hermann was shocked by the ignorance of his fiancée.
He did not intend to explain to her that as a rising nouveau riche, no one would dare ask his wife to demonstrate her talents at any party in Kent.
By the way, aren’t noble ladies good at playing the piano and painting?
Herman glanced at Audrey again.
What on earth did he marry?
As a fellow traveler, Greta understood Audrey very well. She held her hand and looked at Herman. "Yes, Hurley, don't take it lightly. Some people enjoy the banquet, and some people resist it. Please help Miss Norman think of a solution."
"Yeah!" Audrey shook Mrs. Cooper's hand back, and both ladies looked at Herman pleadingly.
It was as if he was accusing him of being unkind.
Herman: “…”
"Mrs. Moore will come to visit tomorrow." He put down his napkin and walked out. Seeing that Audrey didn't understand, he said, "She will attend the party with you."
Audrey: "Mrs. Moore?"
Not bothering to pay attention to the two women's doubts, and even less bothering to explain that he had already greeted Moore, Hermann walked out of the restaurant.
-
The next morning, Mrs. Moore arrived in a carriage.
Audrey politely asked her to sit down and asked the servant to bring drinks. "What would Mrs. Moore like?"
Mrs. Moore was a woman in her thirties with a kind smile on her face, even a little flattering and reserved.
"Black tea, thank you for the treat."
Audrey smiled and said, "You're welcome. I'll be counting on you for next week's banquet."
"Oh, Mrs. White, it's our honor to serve you and Mr. White." Mrs. Moore waved her hands hurriedly, and her anxious movement almost knocked over the dessert stand that the maid brought.
"No, don't worry, just take your time." Audrey asked the maid to pick up the fallen desserts and comforted Mrs. Moore, whose face was flushed.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Mrs. Moore apologized repeatedly, her voice trembling.
Audrey could see that she was nervous, but the more she cared for her, the more uneasy she seemed to become.
Audrey had no choice but to hold Pappy and play with her for a while, pretending that she didn't care about what happened just now.
Mrs. Moore glanced at Audrey's face and breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that she was not unhappy.
Before leaving, Mr. Moore repeatedly warned his wife to do the job well and to please Mrs. White.
As a rising new tycoon, Herman White had amassed vast assets overseas, monopolizing shipping routes from Ceylon to Hesland and Elmer. He controlled the lifeline of virtually every merchant seeking foreign trade. More had long sought to capitalize on this golden opportunity, but had been unable to find the means.
The day before yesterday morning, Moore was called to Hermann's office. On the way there, he was still wondering how he had offended the tycoon. But then he found out he wanted to see his wife!
This was a perfect opportunity to show his loyalty! Of course, Moore wouldn't let it go.
At this moment, Mrs. Moore recalled her husband's excited and nervous eyes and calmed down a little.
"Mrs. White, if you don't mind, I'll introduce you to the society of Kent."
"I'm all ears." Audrey thought to herself that Mrs. Moore didn't look like a good socialite.
"I heard you come from a noble family in Losen County. I'm sure you should know before you come here that our Kent County is different from the south. To the north is a concentrated industrial area, where a large number of merchants and speculators from the Principality of Ceylon gather."
Audrey smiled and said, "Of course, who doesn't know the 'Ceylon Capital of Wealth'?"
Moore also laughed, revealing an expression of pride: "My whole family moved here from the South. Back then, we were so poor that we couldn't even afford black bread. Now, my husband is one of the factory owners."
After this reminder, Audrey finally remembered the name "Moir".
"Oh! Your husband founded the famous Northern Textile Factory! I heard it's quite large."
"We took advantage of the favorable conditions and established ourselves early," Mrs. Moore said with a modest smile. "From what I know about Kent, you don't have to worry too much about most of the society balls. If you can attend a lady's party, they will celebrate with champagne for three days."
"If any of these people have offended you, you may tell me." Mrs. Moore's face gradually lost its uneasiness, revealing a hint of pride. "I am quite influential in Kent."
No matter how dumb Audrey was, she understood that the merchants in Kent needed Hermann. And these merchants were all headed by More, so Mrs. More was qualified to be invited to Winston and act as her guide.
She is not socially anxious, she just tries to please the people she should please. She is also a very majestic lady in normal times.
"Besides outsiders like us, there are still some established merchants in Kent, represented by the Blossom family." Mrs. Moore paused, a sneer in her eyes. "They have in-laws with many nobles and once held a monopoly on the center of wealth. Now that times have changed, they remain stubborn and refuse to let us in."
Audrey was a little uneasy: "So, the Blossoms' ball is an attempt to win us over?"
Mrs. Moore seemed surprised that Audrey would ask such an obvious question, but she didn't dare to neglect it and explained carefully, "No, it's not about winning us over, it's about inviting us to join their game."
As we all know, the so-called upper class circles also need fresh blood.
This threshold must be high enough to reflect the status of the old money family; but it cannot completely exclude all newcomers.
Because once the new rich work together and spontaneously form new circles, the class games of the old money will become meaningless.
Audrey gradually came to her senses and was no longer afraid of the party. They agreed to meet at the party next week, and Mrs. Moore stood up to say goodbye.
-
On the day of the party, Lucy helped Audrey dress up early.
When she slowly walked downstairs in a light green dress, Hermann was already waiting downstairs.
His dark grey eyes glanced at his fiancée, his gaze fixed on her golden hair that was tied up in a bun - on the day they first met, Audrey was also wearing this little hair crown, with sparkling white pearls.
When Audrey raised her eyes, Herman looked away without leaving a trace.
He stretched out his arm to signal, but Audrey didn't respond.
She stared at Herman's outfit today, "You used the headband I gave you!"
Herman averted his eyes and held out his arm again. "Ms. Norman, if you spend more than two hours getting dressed and then spend that time asking stupid questions, we'll be the star attraction."
"Oh!" Audrey was most afraid of being high-profile, so she quickly held Herman's arm.
When I touched my arm with my hand wearing a long-sleeved silk glove, I didn't feel any muscle stiffness for a moment.
The servant opened the car door, Hermann helped his fiancée up, and got in from the other side.
As the carriage was moving, the silver-haired man heard the lady next to him humming a song.
"It seems that Mrs. Moore has given you great confidence."
"No." Audrey pursed her lips and smiled, looking straight at him with her blue eyes. "You know why I'm happy!"
Herman scoffed. "Ms. Norman, please don't let your imagination run wild. The headband was just something Robin, the butler, picked up. It's a pity I don't have eyes on the back of my head, otherwise I would have taken it off immediately."
After the words were spoken, the carriage fell into silence.
Are you angry?
Hermann's left hand unconsciously stroked the silver cane and he glanced to the right inadvertently.
Audrey was seen looking out the window with her chin in her hand, and she didn't look unhappy.
"Mr. White." She turned her head suddenly.
Hermann immediately looked away.
Audrey was completely oblivious and continued to herself, "I'm not imagining anything I shouldn't be thinking. I just think that your willingness to use my gift proves that you recognize me. Isn't that a good thing? Why are you so resistant? You were obviously very happy when you received the gift that day."
Herman said expressionlessly, "Don't make any unwarranted interpretations of me."
Audrey was afraid of his majestic look and retreated into the corner, muttering softly, "I'm just happy!"
Herman: “…”
Audrey snorted again, "We're husband and wife, why should we be so cold to each other for the rest of our lives? Even if there's no love, we can still be friends. If a friend gave you a gift, would you throw it away?"
Hermann said nothing.
"Of course not! So why did you throw mine?" Audrey muttered with her back to him.
"Ms. Norman, not everyone needs friends." Herman raised his eyes, impatience flashing in his eyes. "I don't have any friends, and I don't need to accept gifts. Even if I misuse your gift, it doesn't mean anything."
Audrey was about to get angry, but her expression changed as she listened.
"You have no friends in your life?" His aqua blue eyes were full of sympathy.
Herman frowned: "?"
Audrey sighed, sat up straight, and the condemnation in her eyes disappeared.
"Then I forgive you."
"forgive?"
Herman took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
This guy was imagining something and looked at him with the eyes of a poor guy who lacked love.
With his fingers tightly gripping his cane, the silver-haired gentleman was ready to shatter her fantasy with sharp words, just like when they first met.
This time she didn't fall asleep and would probably cry, but that didn't matter.
Anyway, they are just a couple in name only, and it would be best if they don't have any relationship at all, let alone any ridiculous friends.
Especially... after that day, some of the emotions that were disturbing me were just the right time to completely discard them.
Thinking of this, Herman slowly opened his eyes.
Just as he was about to speak, the driver called out, "Sir, Madam, we're at Blossom Manor."
The car door opened and Audrey got out first, her beautiful light green skirt drawing a circular arc in the air.
Herman's gaze stayed on her until her aqua-blue eyes looked at him: "Herman, aren't you getting out of the car yet?"
Staring into those eyes, he was silent for a moment.
Forget it, I’ll save the harsh words for next time.
-
The Brusen family estate is crowded with guests.
Many of the invited newcomers were stepping into this quaint banquet hall for the first time.
The crowd, led by the Moores, did not show any flattery in their expressions, but just quietly looked at the decoration of the Lao Qian family, which was different from their own.
Old Brusen came this time with great force, trying his best to show off his strength in front of them.
From the small details like the dinner plate arrangement and the buttons on the waiters' uniforms to the large things like the murals on the walls and the antiques on display, everything exudes a low-key luxury.
On the other side, the wealthy families were also looking at them subtly.
Although the two groups were very close, they were clearly separated.
Suddenly, the waiter at the door announced in a low voice: "Mr. White - Mrs. White has arrived."
For a moment, everyone looked over.
Some of the self-righteous old money families had never dealt with Herman. This slum rich man from Elmer had now become a new and powerful leader in Kent. Although they kept silent, they also wanted to meet this legendary figure.
Especially, I heard that he married a baron's daughter this year and became a brother-in-law to the Duke of Spencer!
Therefore, the gazes towards the newcomers were very complicated, with curiosity, disdain, envy, and scrutiny.
The situation on the Moores' side was much simpler, and all emerging businessmen wanted to lean on White for shade.
If Hermann's rise had not shaken Brusen's position, this welcome party would not have happened.
The door slowly opened, and a couple walked into the hall hand in hand, with a green skirt clinging to their tuxedo.
Mr. and Mrs. Moore were the first to come forward.
"Mr. White, Mrs. White."
Richard Blossom, a gray-haired but vigorous old gentleman, also walked up to Hermann warmly.
"Long time no see, my young friend." Old Brousson held his pipe in his mouth. "Oh! This is your fiancée, Miss Norman from Lowson County. Nice to meet you!"
"Mr. Brousson, nice to meet you." Audrey nodded and glanced at Herman involuntarily, tightening her arm around his.
Noticing something strange around him, Herman said, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Brousson. Let's leave this to the ladies and talk somewhere else."
"That couldn't be better." Richard nodded, took off his hat and nodded to Audrey. "Excuse me, Miss Norman. Lisa, please treat our distinguished guests well and don't neglect them."
"Yes, Grandpa."
A young lady came over from a distance. She was about the same age as Audrey. She was the lady from the Blossom family who married into the Earl's Mansion and Richard's granddaughter.
Lisa quickly looked Audrey over, smiled and nodded, "Ms. Norman, please follow me."
Herman saw Audrey looking back every few steps and raised her chin towards the Moores.
Mrs. Moore immediately followed and took Audrey's other hand, "Mrs. White, let's go together."
Seeing an acquaintance, Audrey felt relieved and readily agreed, "Okay."
Hermann, who was walking towards the office with Richard, looked away and met the old man's smiling eyes.
"Oh, Mr. White, I was young once too, and I understand the desire of a bachelor who is about to get married to take care of a lady. What's more, Miss Norman is the bond between you and the Duke's Mansion, so she is very important." Richard said with a double entendre, and there was a deep meaning in his eyes.
Herman chuckled, his eyes calm and collected. "Yes, Mr. Blossom, I've already bought tickets for 'high society' somewhere else. I'm too late for your party."
His tone was full of sarcasm when he spoke of high society.
Richard smiled, smoking his pipe, and said, "Relationships that can be bought with money cannot be your support."
Herman: "Only those who haven't smashed enough would say that."
Richard's face darkened. "Young man, don't be stubborn. Our rules have been in place since the founding of the Principality of Ceylon. I, an old man, sincerely want to win you over. If you miss this opportunity, there won't be a next time."
"Really? Of course the rules won't change; they'll just repeat themselves like history." Herman advanced slowly, tapping the ground with his cane. "The Brousson family has only been around for a hundred years, right up to this generation. Can't you see that times have changed, Richard?"
He paused and chuckled, "Why do you think you are always the one making the rules?"
The atmosphere suddenly became stagnant.
Richard put down his pipe and wiped it carefully. The smile on his old face was gone. "Is there nothing to discuss?"
"No." Herman said calmly, "If there really was nothing to discuss, I wouldn't have come at all."
"What are your conditions?"
Herman slowly took out his pocket watch and said, "Get the city council to approve my land purchase application, and I'll give you 10% of the railway equity dividends every year."
"Ten percent?" Richard sneered. "Young sir, this joke is not funny. A deal without sincerity is a humiliation."
Hermann suddenly laughed.
"Richard, I have countless ways to get the parliament to agree. Do you think I'm discussing this with you?" He paused, his dark gray eyes gleaming deeply. "I'm giving you this opportunity. If you do it well, it will be the Brusen family's token of allegiance to enter the new game."
"A pledge of allegiance? Herman White, you better know what you're talking about."
This was the first time in old Brousson's seventy years of life that he had been treated like this.
"I understand very well that the person who didn't see the situation clearly..." Herman looked at him, "is you, Richard Blossom."
The old man and the young man looked at each other. Their restraint prevented them from cursing, but their faces were frozen.
"Well, Mr. White, unfortunately, the door to Brusen Games is closed to you." Richard smiled and extended his hand.
Hermann touched his hand without even removing his gloves and turned away.
Richard's voice came from behind: "Young gentleman is always impulsive, I hope you won't regret it."
"Old people are always reluctant to admit that their days are numbered," Hermann said without turning around. "Same advice, returning it to you."
-
The men's dispute was not revealed on the surface.
In front of everyone, Herman and Richard acted as if nothing had happened.
Audrey didn't expect Herman to come down so soon. She ran to his side with a smile and said, "You're back? Miss Lisa just invited me to join their handicraft charity auction. My mother also participated in it when we were at home. Do you think I can go?"
Auction?
This has always been a landmark event in the wives' social circle, and only families recognized by them are eligible to attend.
Just as he and Bruson had a falling out, the lady at his house invited his wife to participate in the event?
Herman's eyes moved slightly and he glanced at Mrs. Moore.
Mrs. Moore shook her head subtly, suggesting that the visitor had ill intentions.
The old money forces have obviously not accepted the new money groups yet. The direction of the wives' circle changes with the situation, and there is fear that there is a fraud.
Herman was about to speak when he met Audrey's hopeful eyes, and the words on his lips inexplicably turned into: "Do you really want to go?"
"Not really..." Audrey smiled shyly. "Well, a little bit. All the funds raised from the auction will be used for charity, which is very meaningful!"
She paused, then added seriously, "Of course, the premise is that it doesn't cause you any trouble. If you have other considerations, I can choose not to go."
Although he said he would not go, there was still some grievance in his blue eyes.
Don't try to hide anything with this face...
Herman turned his eyes away and said, "You can go."
Audrey's eyes lit up, and she hugged his arm, confirming again and again: "Really?! Mr. White?"
Hermann subconsciously pulled his hand away.
But thinking that he was about to leave, he had no choice but to hold out his arm. When Audrey took it again, he walked out.
"Is it true? You just looked at Mrs. Moore. Are you worried? Don't lie to me." She kept asking.
Hermann scoffed.
Being sensitive when you shouldn't be sensitive.
"If you ask again, you can't go."
Audrey immediately covered her mouth.
Only when she sat in the carriage could she help but smile.
Herman glared at her. "Lisa Blossom is very clever. You're so clever that she can fool you. Are you happy now?"
Audrey shook her head, her eyes still bright as she stared at Hermann.
"No," she said in the dark carriage, "I just think you're so kind to me, so I'm very happy."
Hermann was stunned.
The light was dim at night, and only the pearls on her hair crown shone brightly, just like her soft and pure eyes at that moment.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the car window.
Hermann turned his head away.
It was the Moores who said good-bye to them.
Before leaving, Mrs. Moore hesitated to speak, but whispered to Herman, "Are you sure you want Miss Norman to go? I'm afraid it will be embarrassing then."
"It's just a charity event. She can go if she wants." Herman said calmly, "Let Brusen see who will be embarrassed in the end."
Mr. and Mrs. Moore looked at each other and understood what was going on.
It seems that White has already started a war with Brusen. It remains to be seen whether the outcome will be that the old money is reshuffled or the upstarts are defeated.
The door closed and the carriage started off.
Audrey asked casually, "What did Mrs. Moore say to you?"
Herman didn't even blink: "She said Lisa would join forces with the other wives to bully you."
Audrey muttered, "What a lie! We're all doing charity work, why are they bullying me? They wouldn't do that."
Herman stared at her slightly fleshy profile and suddenly wanted to pinch her and ask her why her brain was sometimes blurry and sometimes unclear.
"Well, I won't," Herman said calmly, not waiting for her to be happy. "That's just not allowing you to enter or exit through the main gate. I'll deliberately leave you sitting on the bench for two days, making your carefully crafted handicraft unsellable, and publicly displaying the donation list to humiliate you...that's all. Nothing serious."
"..." Audrey turned her head away, ignoring him. "Don't scare me. When I was home, I often went there with my mom, my aunt, and my sister... my younger sister. The little ornaments we made were so beautiful. If we couldn't sell all of them, we'd give them to the children in the village. No matter how much money we made, we were very happy. That night, the whole family would gather together for a big meal to celebrate our good deed. I..."
As he spoke, his voice became lower.
The chattering noise beside his ears stopped, and Hermann looked up.
I saw Audrey leaning against the car window, the moon reflected in her blue eyes, and she looked a little depressed.
Herman suddenly understood why she wanted to go to the charity auction so much. For her, this was not a proof of joining the old money circle, but just because she missed home.
"Go ahead, I lied to you, no one will bully you."
Audrey heard Herman sigh softly.
Her emotions came and went quickly, and she forgot about her sadness for a moment.
He leaned forward and stared into those gray eyes again, smiling: "You are so kind, Hermann."
It was easier for her to call herself Hermann now. The pronunciation was girlish and cute, with the ending tone rising, and even the name had a sunny flavor.
Hermann watched her silently.
Then I thought to myself, forget it, I’ll save the harsh words for next time.
-----------------------
Author's note: Three-in-one big fat chapter! Are you satisfied with what you see, sweetheart? (Dog head holding a rose) [Dog head holding a rose]
I wish all ladies to be forever strong and forever free.
Don’t worry, the Rich Businessman’s Strategy Queen Audrey won’t lose a penny!!!
Hermann: Rich Businessman
Caroline: Rich Businessman II
Give my sister and brother-in-law some sweets~
Herman: Forget it, I'll save the harsh words for next time.
Next time, next time, and next time~
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