SMR | Chapter 35

~Chapter 35~

Bella’s friends wrapped their arms around her shoulders to comfort her.

“Don’t worry too much, Bella. If Harriet ever tries to hurt you, we’ll protect you.”

“Of course! And now that Lord Chesselow is around, he’ll definitely protect you too. By the way, when are you planning to have the engagement ceremony?”

The mood, which had been heavy with talk of Harriet, quickly lightened as the topic shifted to Bella’s engagement. Even if it wasn’t their own story, a romance with a handsome man was always exciting.

Bella also smiled sweetly, a very different look from earlier, her cheeks slightly flushed.

“James wants to have it as soon as possible, but it’s been hard to settle on a date. It seems the Chesselow family is still being cautious because of the Laurels.”

“Why would they care about them? They already broke off the engagement with that side.”

“It’s not exactly about the Laurels themselves. It’s more about other families who are close to them. But James is doing his best, so I think we’ll probably hold it within the year.”

Hearing that James was making such an effort despite the social pressure just to be with Bella drew out admiring gasps full of envy.

And in the eyes of her friends, who wished nothing but happiness for Bella’s love life, Daphne Laurel naturally became the villain.

“I heard Daphne Laurel still hasn’t left her house. It’s been almost six months since the engagement was broken off. What is she even doing?”

“Right? She probably thinks she’s some tragic heroine or something.”

“She’s pretending to be innocent to get sympathy. Bella, don’t let it bother you. We’re just worried you might feel bad for her for no reason.”

Bella gave a faint, weary smile in response to their concern—concern based on a completely wrong assumption. Her friends looked at her with pity, but in truth, Bella was feeling better than ever.

‘So Daphne’s still staying home? That’s a lucky break I didn’t expect.’

If Bella was the golden rose of Genoa, Daphne could be called the white rose. That’s how often the two were compared for their beauty. But since Daphne had stayed in hiding for six months, all the male attention had shifted to Bella.

In fact, despite rumors that she was engaged to James, Bella was now receiving even more love letters. That alone proved how much attention she was getting.

So someone like Harriet couldn’t possibly ruin her mood.

‘Still, when I do see her next, I should remind her of her place. She’s gotten all full of herself just because the Countess of Phelon agreed to be her guardian…’

Bella was curious how Harriet even managed to get Trisha as a guardian, but she didn’t dwell on it. If it turned out to be something she wanted, Bella would just take that from her too.

When summer arrived and the social season began, nobles would often visit relatives to greet them.

Nobles from the countryside would stay at their relatives’ houses in Genoa, or even those living in Genoa would visit for a day or two just to make their greetings.

Even the Countess of Phelon, who rarely had guests, had one important visitor during the summer. While they wouldn’t stay overnight, their visit was something to be taken seriously.

“Welcome, Baron Marshall, and Lady Marshall.”

“It’s been a while, Andre. Have you been well?”

Lady Lauren, the wife of Baron Marshall, entered, closing her parasol and greeting Andre as she walked toward the entrance. Her husband, Baron Marshall, and their children followed behind her, trailing closely like obedient followers.

There was a reason for this. Although Lauren was a half-sister to the late Count of Phelon, she was his only sibling, and it was thanks to her that her family, who were provincial nobles, had a respectable townhouse in Genoa.

“How’s the Countess?”

“She’s in the reception room. I’ll show you the way.”

“Please do. Jayden, lead the way. As the next head of the Phelon family, it’s proper for you to greet her first.”

Lauren affectionately glanced at her eldest son, Jayden, and led the way.

Andre knew that if Lauren’s recent words reached Trisha’s ears, it would surely result in a scolding. Trisha was always very aware of her significant position as the head of the Phelon family and the one with the power to designate an heir. Jayden, on the other hand, was merely the candidate to be the next head.

Of course, Lauren, with her years of experience, knew Trisha’s temperament and avoided speaking of the headship in her presence.

‘But the lady wouldn’t be unaware of that.’

Andre kept his thoughts hidden and led the Marshall family to the reception room.

The faint sound of a cough that had been heard earlier disappeared the moment the guests entered the room.

“Aunt! How have you been? I’ve missed you.”

Jayden, with his eyes shining like his mother’s, greeted Trisha warmly. His wife, Ann, did the same.

“It must really be summer now, seeing that you’ve come.”

“We always look forward to summer. We wanted to see you, Aunt. How’s your health these days?”

“I’m doing great. You’ve all been praying for me to stay healthy, haven’t you?”

“Did you know? Hahaha!”

“I know everything. You’re the only ones who worry about me.”

Trisha smiled as she patted Jayden’s back, but she knew better than anyone that the Marshall family’s evening prayers were essentially wishing for her death.

‘Do you really think I don’t know that you believe if I die, the family title will pass to you?’

In fact, if the law hadn’t been changed, and if her husband, Oster, hadn’t made Trisha the head of the family, the title of Count Phelon would have truly passed to Jayden. When Oster died and his will was read, Lauren caused quite a scene.

“This will is invalid! My sister-in-law must have tricked my brother into signing it when he wasn’t thinking straight! I’ll sue!”

However, the court sided with Trisha.

The doctor Lauren brought as a witness testified that Oster remained rational until his last breath and that it was Trisha, not Lauren, who had expressed concern about making her the head of the family in the will.

Even after that, Lauren behaved as if the Phelon estate was her own for quite some time.

She would nitpick about the types of flowers planted in the garden and even rush in to interfere when Trisha planned to change the indoor decor.

“Well, once my sister-in-law dies, our Jayden will inherit the title and the estate, so it’s better to prepare everything in his taste beforehand.”

It was 10 years ago when Trisha finally had enough and kicked Lauren out harshly.

“Why do you think Jayden is the only heir? I can choose anyone else as the heir.”

“Hohoho! The Phelon family has no other branches, unless I’m missing something?”

“There’s no need to go that far. I can just adopt someone.”

Lauren, who had argued fiercely against this, only realized it wasn’t a joke when she met Trisha’s cold gaze.

Since then, Lauren never openly opposed Trisha again. In fact, she became excessively sweet and agreeable, which became a problem in itself.

Today, just like every other time, Lauren and the Marshall family were trying their best to please Trisha with their overly sweet smiles.

Just as they finished their tea and were about to take out the invitations to their upcoming party, Harriet returned from an outing.

“I’m back, Aunt… Ah! I didn’t realize you had guests. I’ll come back later.”

Harriet, who had been out, came to greet Trisha but was surprised to see the visitors.

“No, come in. It’s better to greet them now that you’ve met.”

Trisha gestured for Harriet to enter and stood her next to her before introducing her to the Marshalls.

“This is my granddaughter Harriet. Recently, I became her guardian, and she’s staying here with us now.”

Lauren’s eyes widened in surprise at the sudden announcement, but Trisha paid no attention.

“Say hello, Harriet. This is my sister-in-law, Lady Lauren Marshall, and her husband, Baron Marshall. Over there are their eldest son Jayden and his wife Anne, and this is their eldest daughter Eloise and second son Dion.”

Trisha’s way of introducing them was far from polite. Harriet quickly figured out the nature of their relationships but still greeted them respectfully.

“I’m Harriet Listerwell. I’m indebted to my aunt, and it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

But there was no response. Lauren stood there with her mouth slightly open, alternating between staring at Harriet and Trisha, before finally speaking.

“Guardian?”

Recently returned from her estate to the capital, Lauren had not heard any rumors about Harriet or Trisha.

“Yes, guardian. This girl’s parents died early, and until now, her uncle John had been her guardian. But a few months ago, I became her new guardian. She’s staying here as a guest.”

This caused Lauren to react sharply after a long time.

“Why would you make such an important decision without consulting anyone?”

“Consult? Why should I consult you if I’m becoming the guardian of my niece? Do you still think my money belongs to your son?”