DTBBW Chapter 49

Chapter 49

“It seems Blanche, Lady Edmond, set up the meeting between Lady Edmond and Marquis Eden? Their friendship must be quite strong to introduce a man she was once engaged to.”

“Is this about pride? If it were for that precious gemstone, she might have handed over not just a suitor but an engaged man.”

“It’s said that the garnet is priceless.”

At the mention of the garnet, Stefan’s steps came to a halt. The words that followed clenched his fists in fury.

“It seems Lady Edmond was quite desperate. To go so far as offering such an expensive gemstone to secure a man.”

“The one who gave the garnet wasn’t Lady Edmond herself, but her sister-in-law, the Duchess.”

“Why? Why would the Duchess do that?”

“Perhaps to rid herself of her sister-in-law at the earliest opportunity.”

Stefan quickly approached Belle, who whispered softly,
“Your Excellency, I’ll look into it further, so please continue moving.”

“Alright, I trust you with it.”

Meanwhile, Ailen was the center of attention at the gathering, receiving the admiration of noble ladies.

“Why didn’t you wear the ring today?”

“It’s too precious to wear in crowded places.”

“Still, you could’ve worn it just to show it off.”

“If you really want to see it, feel free to visit the Count’s residence anytime. I’ll gladly show it to you there.”

Her calm smile made someone voice the real question.

“Is it true that the garnet ring was given by the Duchess of Edmond?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Then, was introducing Marquis Eden to Susan arranged by the Duchess?”

The question, with its altered tone, caused Ailen’s face to flicker slightly.

“A scheme? Please refrain from using such base language.”

“Then why did the Duchess give the garnet ring to Ailen?”

“…Because we are friends.”

“There’s no way a sister-in-law would give such an extravagant gift to her sister-in-law’s friend.”

When someone countered with a definitive statement, Ailen regained her composed demeanor.

“I’m not just Susan’s friend, but Rachel’s—no, the Duchess’ friend as well.”

“Wha—?!”

Everyone present was startled into silence, unable to say a word. Ailen chuckled softly.

“Why are you all so surprised? What’s strange about being the Duchess’ friend?”

“But it’s widely rumored that the three of you don’t get along.”

“Who keeps spreading such baseless gossip?”

“After the last wedding reception, people saw Susan and Ailen treating the Duchess with hostility.”

“That’s nothing but a misunderstanding. We’ve since cleared all misunderstandings and gotten very close. Haven’t you heard that we even went to a tailor together to get dresses made?”

“Ah…”

Hearing this, some noble ladies confirmed they had witnessed or heard about the bond between Susan, Ailen, and Rachel. Ailen was now recognized as a close friend to both Susan and Rachel.

Belle quietly watched the scene unfold, then quickly moved to gather more information. With most nobles invited to Susan’s wedding, Count Blanche’s estate must be empty.

Belle later reported to Stefan that Rachel had indeed gifted the garnet ring to Ailen and that he had seen it firsthand in Ailen’s room. Stefan silently nodded, his mind deep in thought.

Alone in his study, Stefan sank into silence. Outside, the festivities continued, but inside his study, only a quiet stillness enveloped him.

“Lady Edmond, I haven’t seen you wear the garnet ring lately. Did you only plan to wear it at night?”

Perhaps the familiarity of Rachel’s violet eyes made Stefan’s words carry a touch of subtle amusement.

Yet, his disappointment grew upon hearing her response.

“I’m sorry, Your Grace. I lost the garnet ring.”

“….”

“If it holds any special meaning for you, perhaps I could—”

“Have you even made an effort to find it?”

“Pardon?”

“I asked if you’ve tried looking for it.”

“Of course, Your Grace. I’ve turned my room upside down looking for it.”

“…It seems the ring has grown legs.”

With those words, Stefan distanced himself from Rachel. He had no desire to hear her lies any further.

Her carefree demeanor, even after admitting to losing the garnet ring, only reinforced his irritation. It was clear she knew where the ring was, even if it no longer rested in her possession.

“Son, never trust a woman. Words from a woman’s mouth should never be believed.”

Stefan recalled his father’s words, letting out a deep sigh as he pressed his temples, feeling a pounding headache. He thought he had barely overcome the fear Rachel’s violet eyes once evoked, but now he had to face her lies—it was the worst outcome.

He fiddled with a keepsake from his father, a pocket watch that never left his hand, claiming to check the time. It was his father’s keepsake.

‘Perhaps disregarding Father’s words for a moment was the mistake?’

Clack.

The pocket watch opened to reveal the time, and the hands raced toward midnight. By morning, his sister, Susan, would leave the Ducal residence.

Stefan tightly gripped the pocket watch and moved to the window. Outside, Susan and Elliott were walking away, filled with the excitement of their wedding night. The image was vividly clear in his mind.

A bitter smile crossed his face.

‘If this night goes through, there’s no turning back. Someone will remain blissfully unaware.’

The golden pocket watch, bathed in moonlight, gleamed brightly in his grasp. It reminded him of someone’s eyes—Rachel’s eyes.

‘An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Since the Duchess removed a hindrance, I’ll plant a new obstacle.’

At dawn the next day, Susan and Elliott swiftly emptied the Ducal residence. After seeing them off, Stefan headed straight for the Finn residence. Although it was early, he needed to meet both twins urgently.

“Your Grace, what brings you to my home?”

“Where’s Belle? He hasn’t left, has he?”

“Your Excellency, I’m here.”

“Both of you, come here and sit.”

Sitting face to face with the identical twins, Stefan smiled widely, showing his teeth. It was impossible to distinguish between them in their identical pajamas and disheveled hair.

“Your Grace, you didn’t sleep at all last night?”

“So it seems my mind is a little off.”

If not for Belle’s genuine concern and Finn’s mocking tone, there would be no way to tell them apart.

“Tonight, bring Hazel Lewin to the Ducal residence.”

“What are you saying?”

Both twins widened their identical black eyes in shock.

“For the Duchess of Edmond, I intend to present a new toy.”

“A new sister-in-law? Are you suggesting we create another one?”

At Belle’s concerned words, Stefan chuckled lightly, prompting a more cynical response from Finn.

“Your Grace’s plan is dangerously flawed.”

“Flawed?”

“No one will see Hazel Lewin as a new sister-in-law.”

“What do you mean?”

“Hazel was betrothed to you and called off. Bringing her to the Ducal residence would lead people to gossip about an affair.”

“An affair?”

“People who love gossip will call her your mistress.”

Stefan finally understood Finn’s panic. Racing to corner Rachel, he ended up being checkmated. His moves were the worst of all—the worst possible blunder.

Stefan suppressed a laugh. He adjusted his plan.
“Bring Hazel lewin to the accessory store.”

Four piercing eyes stared intently at him, waiting for a more thorough explanation. Then, Stefan delivered a more offhanded reply.

“I’ll bring Hazel Lewin directly to the Ducal residence.”

“Your Excellency!”

“Your Grace!”

Despite different titles, the identical glare from the twins was identical, causing Stefan to burst into laughter.

Enraged, the twins quickly began to speak.

“Your Grace, there are no alternatives to Hazel? Find someone else. I’ll find another way.”

“What do you expect from Hazel? She will never be your obedient wife.”

Stefan raised his hand to silence them.

“I know. Hazel is a step below Rita.”

“But why—?”

“Exactly. She’s neither lacking nor overflowing. Just like Susan.”