CWMBR 68

Chapter 68

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*Present

Ain let out a hollow laugh at Bridget's explanation.

"Your uncle doesn't seem to have the kind of sentimentality that would pity a country bumpkin."

"What do you mean?"

"Exactly what I said."

Honestly, Bridget agreed to some extent. That's why she couldn't help but be surprised when Ronan first brought Donna along. Not an established professional actress in her prime, but a beautiful amateur with little experience.

When Donna arrived at the Glynford Grand Theatre and immediately began monopolizing all the leading roles, the actors who had been working there previously protested loudly. Some of those who had primarily played leading roles even moved to newly established theatres or other professional troupes.

Despite this, Ronan stubbornly pushed for Donna's leading roles. Ultimately, the productions starring Donna garnered overwhelming affection and financial support from local dignitaries, so it couldn't be called a completely wrong decision. Once successful, the next steps were easier. Ronan grew more confident, dismissing others' opinions outright. Those who clashed with Ronan sought out Bridget for solutions, but by then, Bridget had handed over the theater's operations entirely to Ronan.

No, even if she hadn't, she likely wouldn't have intervened. She simply stood by and watched it all unfold. Perhaps being shunned now was karma for that time. Since she herself refused to listen to others, who would remain by her side?

"If you want to save the Grand Theater, start by stripping that man of his authority."

She felt the soggy ground gradually hardening beneath her feet. Bridget, having emerged from the riverbank, brushed mud from her shoes and replied indifferently.

"I'm consulting with a lawyer."

"If necessary."

"I'll handle it."

After confirming the location of the shared carriage stop, Bridget glanced at Ain.

"I have business to attend to. I'll be going now."

***

Pafeld Cathedral was a massive religious complex frequented by most citizens living within Glynford.

In front of it stood a magnificent, large clock tower, its height and size befitting the cathedral's grandeur. It also served as the primary meeting place for Glynford citizens. So, meeting anyone here wasn't unusual.

But even so, meeting this man here didn't feel like a coincidence.

"Hahaha, Madam. How do you do?"

Bridget stared dryly at Declan, who tipped his hat and greeted her warmly. She had just been sitting at an outdoor table in the small teahouse in front of the clock tower. She had been there to calm her nerves with a quiet cup of tea when Declan abruptly sat down across from her.

Unable to ignore someone who was so blatantly acknowledging her, Bridget reluctantly opened her lips.

"Mr. Rogers."

"Good heavens! I never imagined I'd encounter you in such a place. Meeting in a spot this crowded must mean it's fate we were meant to cross paths..."

"You must have business with me."

Declan shut his mouth, looking flustered. He seemed embarrassed, touching his lips and chin before adopting a deliberately serious expression.

"Ah, I imagine you must be terribly embarrassed. I certainly am. I find myself in a most awkward and perplexing situation. This is why one must choose friends wisely... No, wait. While it's true one might mistakenly choose the wrong friend once in a lifetime, once I learned his true nature, I should have severed ties with this scoundrel long ago. Well, still, no one can deny I'm one of this country's foremost legal experts. That much is true. He acknowledges it too, which is why he's come to me like this..."

"So you're not here for the annulment lawsuit."

Bridget's face grew cold and impassive. Declan, who had been rambling on at length, quickly revealed his true purpose upon seeing the change in her expression.

"I heard you're having some trouble regarding the appointment of an agent to manage the Glynford Grand Theater."

"Didn't you hear me tell him I'd handle it myself?"

“Ha ha ha! As you well know, madam, that fellow lets half of what people say go in one ear and out the other. Naturally, the same applies when relaying messages.”

Bridget, who had been quietly listening to Declan's cheerful reply, answered in a calm voice.

"Then I'll tell him again now. I'll handle it myself."

"Madam, that... I've looked into it, and Mr. Ronan Pennington seems to be entangled with some rather influential figures in this region. If you were to proceed with conventional, ordinary methods, I anticipate you would find yourself in a rather awkward position on multiple fronts."

"So?"

Declan lifted his chin and declared confidently.

"Which is why you'll need a capable and outstanding legal representative like me."

Who didn't know Declan Rogers' excellence? Bridget wasn't stupid. It meant she knew full well how influential and socially prominent his clients all were.

She couldn't afford his exorbitant fees, nor was she a person of such high public standing that hiring him would seem natural.

"I can't afford to hire Mr. Rogers."

"You needn't worry about that."

"I don't want Ain's help either."

"Oh, I'm sure you wouldn't. Yes, that's perfectly understandable."

Declan nodded repeatedly, agreeing wholeheartedly.

"Well, you see. This matter is at a very reasonable price, even from your perspective... I mean, we can proceed within the budget you originally intended to spend."

If he’d just offered to do it for free, she wouldn’t have felt the need to listen further. But since he was literally saying to hire him, it only made her more puzzled.

Bridget tilted her head, narrowing her eyes.

"And why exactly are you offering me this favor?"

Immediately after asking the question, Bridget added a guess in a skeptical tone.

"Do you need something to help sway the lawsuit in your favor?"

Declan thought it was a perfectly reasonable question. Yet, upon hearing her words, he opened his eyes wide as if hearing something he'd never imagined and replied.

"Lawsuit? Ah, the marriage annulment lawsuit. Ha ha, that's precisely the last thing you need to worry about. The lawsuit and this matter are completely unrelated."

"Then I understand even less. Shouldn't you prioritize Ain's request?"

Declan was currently Ain Wise's legal representative. And Ain Wise had even summoned a royal investigator to have his marriage to his wife annulled. So, wouldn't it be most ideal to avoid any professional entanglement with Bridget, who was bound to be at odds with Ain?

At Bridget's question, Declan suddenly wore an expression of profound emotion. Indeed, he was genuinely moved to the core.

"Ha, right? Any sane person would think that, wouldn't they? Good heavens, you truly are perfectly sane, my lady! Compared to that, that bastard... No matter how I look at it, his latest request is nothing but a malicious attempt to tarnish my flawless career. It's the most despicable request I've ever received in my life..."

Seeing Bridget's expression grow increasingly strange, Declan belatedly snapped back to his senses and cleared his throat.

"Hmm, hmm. I got a bit carried away. Anyway."

Declan calmed his excitement and returned to his dignified demeanor.

"This might be hard for you to accept... but... I'd like to build a friendship with you, madam."

"Huh?"

A truly hard-to-accept reason had popped out.

Bridget stared at Declan suspiciously. Whether he was aware of the intense doubt she now felt or not, Declan continued seriously, even smiling.

"My rational judgment led me to conclude that it would be better to build a friendship with you while I can."

"Why did you come to such an irrational conclusion?"

"Surprisingly, it's not irrational at all. It's an accurate calculation based on the information gathered so far."

Surprisingly, it was indeed irrational. Bridget looked at Declan with eyes that clearly showed she found it utterly unconvincing.

Declan wasn't unaware of why she was so wary. Frankly, anyone would find it strange. But Declan firmly believed his judgment was correct nonetheless. That's why he spoke with conviction.

"Madam, no matter how close I am to Ain, when it comes to my professional field, I am not swayed by anyone's coercion or personal connections. This is a statement made solely of my own volition."

Of course, he could be swayed by exceptionally large retainer fees. But seeing no need to add such unnecessary truth, Declan sought to earn trust with his reliable smile, one that worked everywhere.