CWMBR 124

Chapter 124

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Bridget had always found it strange that Finn Emerson approached her.

If it had been about the Grand Theater before, it wasn't about that now, was it? He was far too popular and dissolute to be the sort of man who'd venture out in the rain carrying a bouquet just to win a woman's favor.

Even when he first mentioned her draft work, it felt off. When he brought it up again at the restaurant, suspicion began to grow.

For someone supposedly intent on nurturing talent, he never once mentioned Bridget's actual writing ability or related topics. Instead, Finn's focus remained fixed on that 'specific draft work' the entire time. As if he absolutely had to see it.

Finn quickly prepared the teacup, as if eager to see the paper. Bridget, observing his reaction, quietly flipped over the paper she had placed down. Wayna's gaze swept over it.

"Let's check it right now………………."

"Before that, did you find the draft I gave you before?"

Bridget's question made Finn narrow his brows. His face was filled with deep regret.

"Ah, I'm sorry. It seems the servant put it away somewhere while cleaning. It might have already been sent to the incinerator."

"It wasn't polished writing anyway, so this might be a good chance to rewrite it while getting professional advice."

"I'm not sure what sense it makes to read the latter part without the first part of the manuscript."

Bridget sighed and muttered, then picked up the manuscript as if to put it back in her bag. Seeing this, Finn quickly spoke up.

"I was just thinking it'd be a shame to lose such good material. Since I've already read the first part, I'll help you organize the plot after reading the latter part. It won't take long to read…”

"But are you planning to have this conversation here?"

Wayna's sudden interruption made Finn, who had been about to sit across from Bridget, halt awkwardly.

"I suppose this isn't really the place for me to be."

"Didn't I suggest from the start that you stay somewhere else?"

"Exactly. I didn't anticipate it would be this cramped."

Wayna shook her head and muttered. Finn, watching her with an expression of bewilderment, suppressed his displeasure and said.

"Then you can leave now. Across the building..."

"I'm not from around here, so even if you tell me, I wouldn't know."

Wayna scratched the back of her head, looking flustered.

"I'm sorry, but could you guide me to where the servants stay?"

"You want me to guide you?"

Finn retorted with an annoyed expression. Wayna nodded  with a brazen look. Bridget, who had been quietly observing the two, interjected in a calm voice.

"Wayna hasn't been here long, so she's not familiar with Glynford Street yet. It would be troublesome if she ended up in the wrong place and got lost, so I think it would be best for her to stay with Mr. Emerson's servants. Would that be alright?"

Bridget fiddled with the manuscript she clutched, lowering her gaze.

"I'll take this time to prepare myself mentally. The thought of actually showing you my writing makes me feel so embarrassed..."

Her voice seemed tinged with an unhidden awkwardness. After a moment's hesitation, Finn nodded with his usual affable smile.

"Then I'll be right back. Don't feel too pressured. Have some tea and calm your nerves. Just think of it as a relaxed conversation about art."

"Yes, thank you."

Finn motioned to Wayna. Wayna grumbled that artists' conversations were too difficult and shuffled off slowly.

After the two left, Bridget immediately latched the inner bolt. Clutching her pounding heart, she hurried toward the bedroom. From now on, it was a race against time.

***

"Here it is. It's not too far, so you shouldn't get lost."

Finn, who had dropped Wayna off, turned to leave immediately. But Wayna grabbed him abruptly, forcing him to stop again.

His arm firmly seized, Finn turned to Wayna with an annoyed look.

"No, I noticed earlier there weren't any snacks suitable for tea."

"What did you say?"

"If you're going to use your brain, shouldn't you have some sweet treats ready? How can anyone write anything while drinking only plain tea?"

"Hey, listen."

As if oblivious to Finn’s bewildered reaction, Wayna glanced around.

"The lady loves apple pie. Is there a decent bakery nearby?"

"I'll handle it. Let me go."

Finn brushed Wayna's hand away with an irritated flick. Wayna feigned exaggerated surprise at the reaction.

"Wait, did you just hit me?"

"Hit who?"

"Good heavens, I can't possibly leave you two alone together. You're so violent."

Wayna scowled, hands on her hips. Finn swept a dismissive glance over her as she blocked his path, her expression fierce.

"What exactly are you trying to do?"

"First, apologize like a gentleman."

Wayna thrust out the very hand he had just slapped away.

"What kind of woman is this………………”

While he was momentarily pinned down by this unexpected altercation, servants attending to Finn seemed to notice the commotion and began appearing one by one. Finn gave them a nod, and several burly servants immediately rushed forward. Seeing the arrival of these rough-looking servants, Wayna's eyes widened.

"Trying to intimidate me with force? You're a truly despicable person, aren't you?"

"Intimidation? It was you who started this nonsense in the first place. I wonder how Miss Pennington ever ended up with such a woman by her side."

Finn, who had been muttering with a hollow laugh, suddenly froze.

The Bridget Finn knew was a cautious, thoughtful woman. She wasn't the sort to just pick anyone and keep them close. How much more so for a bodyguard brought in from outside? Would she hire someone rude and ill-mannered?

Finn’s expression shifted subtly as he spun around abruptly. Wayna tried to grab him again, but the servants swarmed forward, preventing her from stopping him. The burly servants wisely grabbed Wayna instead and held her back. Wayna hurled a vicious remark, seemingly to provoke the retreating Finn, but Finn cleanly ignored her voice and headed straight back to the lodgings.

It wasn't a particularly long distance to begin with. Finn returned to the lodgings in one swift motion and grabbed the doorknob.

Click.

Finn’s expression hardened fiercely upon confirming the door was locked. He mentally scanned his belongings inside the room. Naturally, nothing dangerous or illegal enough to land him in prison was present.

However, even if he kept important items stored in other secret locations, this was his primary living quarters, so numerous personal possessions remained. Displeasure settled on Finn's face. He immediately pulled out his room key, but it wasn't the doorknob that was locked—it was the latch above it. The door still wouldn't open.

No one was visible through the slightly open crack. There was no way she could have gone out while the latch was secured from the inside. Bridget had to be in here. Probably deep inside. Maybe even in Finn's bedroom.

Finn’s face twisted in anger, and he was about to shout when—

“Finn Emerson."

The voice came from behind him. Finn slowly turned, still gripping the doorknob. Ain stood in the hallway, his expression cold.

"I don't particularly want to face someone with such a filthy taste for married women."

"Lord Wise."

"If the person inside is my wife, that changes things."

Finn irritably swept his bangs back. He couldn't understand why the situation had become so annoyingly complicated, since what he intended to do wouldn't take long or be difficult.

"I'm sorry, but I think there's been a misunderstanding."

"I don't know how you charmed my wife into locking the door and refusing to come out, but back off."

Ah, so it was Aine Wise who had made her bolt the door?

Finn frowned. He knew full well the icy chill between the Wise couple. As far as he knew, after the whole annulment fiasco, Bridget had maintained a cold attitude toward Ain, who was constantly chasing after her, trying to persuade her of something.

It made perfect sense that the latch was set because Ain had barged into the lodgings at the most inconvenient moment while Finn was briefly away.

"Today's meeting is merely a wholesome occasion to show  the Lady's work."

"And you expect me to believe that after luring someone into a hotel room?"

Ain's accusation made Finn frown. He had initially intended to handle this himself, but since Bridget had requested it, he felt he couldn't refuse and had come in person. Perhaps the problem was that Finn, accustomed to bringing women back to his lodgings, had agreed without batting an eye.

Finn pressed his fingers to his forehead, a look of exasperation on his face. Just as he was about to counter Ain's words, a sound came from beyond the door. The sound of a latch being released could be heard from inside, and then the door swung wide open. The person who opened it was Bridget.

Ain spoke in a cold tone.

"So you only open the door once Finn Emerson arrives?"

Bridget glanced between Finn and Ain before quickly lowering her gaze.

"Because you are an uninvited guest. I cannot admit anyone without the room owner's permission."

"Ha. And now?"

"The owner has returned."

Bridget answered calmly, turning to face Finn.

"I was too hasty in disturbing Mr. Emerson. Today just isn't the day. I'll apologize separately later."

"Bridget, what were you trying to do with this guy?"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Emerson. I really should just go now."

"Bridget."

Because Ain was persistently trying to talk to Bridget, Finn couldn't bring himself to call her back. It was obvious to anyone watching that Bridget wanted to escape from Ain as quickly as possible.

"Yes, well………………."

In the end, Finn could only give a reluctant nod.