Chapter 56
1068 Words
CHAPTER 56
The tea party continued smoothly, and the topic about Lady Beatrice was completely forgotten.
The ladies began to discuss other topics, including the latest fashion, recent events in the empire, and even the name Investor J, who was believed to have taken the business world by storm.
Tatiana, on the other hand, sat quietly while enjoying her tea and pastries. She only speaks when she was asked; otherwise, she simply listens and does not contribute to their conversation. It wasn’t really her plan to stay quiet and be inactive, but Tatiana feared she’ll say something wrong so she chose not to talk instead.
Meanwhile, Lady Frances was unusually quiet as well. She does join the conversation from time to time, however, she focuses more on the lady beside her—Lady Tatiana.
Lady Tatiana was acting really strange. The Tatiana she knew would usually start a conversation. She would never become this silent and look mature while elegantly eating her pastries and drinking her tea. In Lady Frances’ perspective, Tatiana looks and acts very regal.
I really can’t understand. Why is she acting like this?
Even earlier, when the other ladies started gossiping about Lady Beatrice, Lady Frances was worried and agitated. She felt even more so when they asked Tatiana about it. Lady Frances was already expecting Tatiana to say bad things about Lady Beatrice.
However, contrary to what Lady Frances had expected, Tatiana silenced the other ladies in the most natural way possible. Her words were indirect yet straight to the point at the same time that the other ladies simply couldn’t rebut anymore.
Not only that, Tatiana acted calmly when it was obvious that the other ladies deliberately asked her about Lady Beatrice and His Highness’ meeting in order to point out that His Highness was not interested in her. In short, they wanted to humiliate her, and yet Tatiana handled it very maturely.
Did Lady Tatiana really change? If so, isn’t this good?
Tatiana has always been a thorn in Lady Frances' side. Tatiana used to bully her and humiliate her in public even when they were kids. However, Lady Frances, as kind as she was, had no intention of taking revenge on Tatiana.
In the novel, Lady Frances began fighting back against Tatiana because of Lady Beatrice. She wanted to protect her best friend, so from kind and innocent, she became the strong and courageous character that stood beside the main leads until the very end.
That's why, for the time being, she's relieved that Tatiana has begun to change. She is still concerned, however, that Tatiana was merely acting and has a larger plan in mind.
Whatever it is, I have to look into it more...
The tea party continued joyfully as a famous opera singer performed for them. By the end of it, Lady Frances also distributed some gifts, including the tea leaves she promised.
“Thank you all for coming once again. I hope to see you next time. Please be safe when going home.” Lady Frances said, officially ending the party.
Everyone started bidding their goodbyes and the venue was starting to empty. After a while, it was only Tatiana left, still sitting on her chair. She stayed behind on purpose as she planned to talk to Lady Frances alone. But in reality, Tatiana doesn’t really know what to say to Lady Frances.
She doesn’t know how to deal with this kind of situation. Tatiana figured that Lady Frances was angry at her for all the things the original Tatiana had done in the past. So, if she suddenly apologizes, Lady Frances may find it odd, and she’ll also probably make fun of her.
No, that isn’t something I should be concerned about. Everything the original Tatiana had done is now my responsibility. Her mistakes in the past are now mine. So, it is only natural that I have to make amends.
“Lady Tatiana.” Lady Frances called after she came back from seeing off the other ladies.
Tatiana stood up and faced her with a smile on her face. “Lady Frances, the party was delightful. I had a lot of fun,” she said.
Lady Frances was stunned for a while by the sudden compliment, but she composed herself pretty quick. “That’s great to hear, Lady Tatiana. I never thought I’ll get a compliment from you,” she replied while saying the last sentence carefully.
She doesn’t really intend anything from her statement. Lady Frances only wanted to know if Tatiana was scheming something.
Tatiana smiled widely before responding again. “Was this really the first? Hmm... I must be really blind before for not complimenting you. I mean, you have always been beautiful and talented. Not to mention, every party you throw was very much fun!”
Now, Lady Frances couldn’t help but become even more shocked.
What? She’s even complimenting my appearance and my past parties? What’s going on?
“Ah... by the way, Lady Frances,” Tatiana added, grabbing the opportunity of Lady Frances still not being able to speak. “I deliberately stayed behind because I wanted to talk to you alone. I have something to tell you.”
Lady Frances, unknowingly, became nervous.
What is she going to tell? Is this it? Is she finally dropping the bomb as to why she has been acting kind this whole time? Is she going to slap me? Shout at me? What is it!?
Her thoughts became chaotic as she started overthinking what Tatiana was going to say. She couldn’t help but feel very anxious when Tatiana suddenly say it like that.
“W-what is it?” Lady Frances managed to stutter.
Tatiana gave her a small smile. “I... I wanted to apologize to you. For everything that I’ve done in the past.” she said.
At that moment, Lady Frances was completely stupefied.
.
“Your Highness! Your Highness!” Aaron entered the Crown Prince’s office with haste that he didn’t even bother to knock.
Noah glared at him but didn’t utter any word, waiting for Aaron to report himself.
“Your Highness! We have a problem!” Aaron said frantically. He was still trying to catch his breath.
Noah’s eyebrows furrowed.
Problem?
“What is it?” He asked.
Aaron took a deep breath before answering,
“They want to arrest Baron Miller immediately!”
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reyankleyr
- Writer
