CWMBR 92

Chapter 92

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***

The lights went out at the Glynford Grand Theater.

Bridget sighed as she stood at the window, staring blankly at the back of the last employee leaving the building.

The atmosphere was different from when Ronan had laid off long-serving employees for no apparent reason. The staff knew about the discord between Bridget and Ronan, and tacitly assumed Bridget would part ways with Ain too. They believed there was no future for the Glynford Grand Theater... or more precisely, for Bridget.

Though she told them it was just a temporary break, every single employee said they would quit. Without exception.

While she wasn't upset by their choice, she couldn't help feeling strange. The Theater was now completely empty. No people, no productions.

The one silver lining was that thanks to Gilum’s official request for cooperation from the Glynford Police Department, patrols by officers had been increased around the Grand Theater streets. However, relying solely on police patrols to leave the building vacant could be risky, so it seemed wise to hire private security guards separately to maintain a permanent presence.

They hadn't specifically sought Ronan's whereabouts, but dismissing him as the managing agent was possible without his consent anyway. After reviewing the power of attorney and the Grand Theate’s operational records, Declan had stated there would be no difficulty formally dismissing Ronan. What was certain, though it required proper investigation to confirm, was that there appeared to be evidence of embezzlement. That meant he could be expelled immediately, without the need for a troublesome legal battle. Declan said he would strive to ensure everything was legally finalized as soon as possible.

Once the divorce proceedings were complete, alimony would be paid to Bridget. She had emphasized the unfair treatment she received during the marriage, and the royal family accepted this. So, whether from the royal side or Ain's estate, some compensation would be forthcoming, and that would resolve several immediate, pressing problems.

Even though it could be considered quite hopeful, Bridget felt no joy whatsoever. Thinking of the alimony to be paid to her as the price for her child's life made her feel suffocated instead.

But she had to endure. At least until everything was settled, so she could properly build the child's grave.

***

After news of the Wise couple's annulment lawsuit broke, newspapers buzzed with nothing else for a while. But then, as if by design, coverage abruptly ceased across all publications. Then one day, every newspaper simultaneously splashed the royal family's investigation results across their front pages.

The findings declared that there were no issues with the Wise couple's marriage procedures. Furthermore, anyone spreading unverified rumors related to this matter would be punished for contempt of the royal authority.

As if by mutual agreement, the news appeared on every newspaper's front page and spread instantly throughout Alencia. Most people accepted it as just another scandalous episode involving the couple, destined to blow over. Some pitied Ain, who had no choice but to submit to this marriage. These were the ones who still believed the unverified rumors about Bridget's reputation to be true.

Bridget paid no heed to such judgments. More pressing were the local newspapers in Glynford, which were clamoring as if the Grand Theater were about to collapse at any moment.

They seemed aware that covering Madame Wise's personal life was risky, conveying only a minimal amount of objective facts about it. Instead, they ran stories about the young mistress returning to the Glynford Grand Theater and firing all the staff. It wasn't a firing, but a voluntary resignation, though no one bothered to verify this.

Some claimed the Grand Theater, barely on the road to recovery, had plunged into despair. They waxed lyrical about how splendid the theater had been under Ronan's management over the past few years, highlighting the presence of an exceptional managing agent, and wondered about the whereabouts of the beautiful actress beloved by Glynford.

An article titled 'The Tyranny of the Young Theater Owner Jealous of Donna Green' was also published. It was unclear when they had secured Donna's interview, but it contained her own tearful account of her current situation.

After the interview appeared, Donna's ardent fans began loitering in front of the Grand Theater. They expressed resentment toward Bridget for persecuting their beloved actress, glancing hatefully at the theater entrance before dispersing after being cautioned by police. The atmosphere on the street was tense.

Ultimately, Bridget gave up on coming to the Grand Theater for the time being.

"What on earth is Miss Donna doing? Just standing by watching her fans act like that!"

Jane vented her frustration as she set down a plate piled high with pancakes. Bridget gave her a wry smile. As for what Donna was doing? She could guarantee she was dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief while egging on the reporters and her own followers. She was a master at manipulating journalists' pens.

"If it weren't for Mr. Gilum, oh. I don't even want to think about it."

"I'm glad if I can be of help. Thanks to you, I'm grateful to be sharing Mrs. Ottertz’s table."

"My, what a solid young man! If only I had a daughter!" "

Thanks to the two of them exchanging such warm conversation, the atmosphere at the table wasn't gloomy. Bridget felt a quiet relief that Gilum’s presence was comforting to Jane too. But he was only a temporary companion. After the divorce...

Bridget thought of Ain, who had been angry after she suggested divorce and hadn't been heard from since. It felt like at least a week had passed, yet there was still no response from him.

Declan, whom she'd met a couple of times regarding Ronan's dismissal, didn't bother to relay any news about Ain. Instead, each time they met, he repeatedly urged her, "If you file for divorce, you must appoint me as your legal representative." Declan's expression was utterly serious as he insisted he would never let another lawyer take that position.

Had Declan brought up litigation because Ain had shown a willingness to go that far?

The knife cutting the pancake moved a little slower. If he were to file for divorce, what could be the reason?

A reason to keep the marriage? If forced to find one, perhaps the public image? But the label of 'divorced man' wouldn't harm Ain Wise, so it was a pointless worry. Rather, the label of 'divorcee' would be fatal to Bridget.

Or perhaps he was stubbornly resisting out of resentment over the unilateral divorce request? Because his pride was damaged, or his feelings were hurt. A very petty and childish motive, but surprisingly common. 

Ding-dong!

"Just a moment!"

Jane hurried toward the front door. Bridget half-heard the door opening as she pondered the divorce. At first, she'd been certain it wouldn't go to court, but as the days passed, that certainty gradually wavered.

If it really came to that, she'd have to hire Declan, wouldn't she?

"Oh my. You're the one who came before...?"

"Good day. Is Miss Pennington at home?"

Bridget, lost in thought, snapped back to reality at the voice. Looking up in surprise, she saw Jane standing with the door half-open, talking to the visitor.

"Ah, you were having a meal. I thought I smelled something delicious."

A cheerful laugh came from beyond the front door. As if recognizing the voice, Gilum stopped eating and looked toward the entrance in surprise. Bridget immediately got up and approached the door.

Nodding to Jane to indicate it was fine, Bridget stood at the doorway. The first thing she saw was a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

The rich scent of lilies tickled her nose. Bridget gazed quietly at the lushly blooming lilies before lifting her eyes to meet the visitor's face.

"What brings you here, Mr. Emerson?"

The smartly dressed Finn tipped his hat slightly and smiled warmly.

"I came to discuss something regarding Miss Donna Green. May I come in?"

"Donna?"

As if knowing that any trivial matter would get him turned away at the door, he brought up a topic she couldn't refuse.

Donna was currently a source of worry for Bridget. Given that Donna was inciting her followers, giving bizarre interviews to the press, and putting on a pitiful act, she might have gone to see Finn to try and do something else. That 'something' would likely be an attack on Bridget.

"Well, there are plenty of pancakes."

Jane said cautiously to Bridget, who stood there troubled.

"Wow, I haven't eaten yet."

Finn responded brightly, echoing her words. Bridget, who had been looking uneasily between Finn and the bouquet he held, reluctantly asked.

"Would you like to join us if you're not busy?"

"Thank you."