CWMBR 135

Chapter 135

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Declan sat across from Bridget in the mansion's garden. While the landscaping was far from complete, the modestly planted greenery offered a soothing sight that calmed both body and mind.

Visiting the newly relocated mansion to report on recent progress, Declan wore an exceptionally cheerful expression. His bright, open countenance alone suggested how smoothly things were proceeding.

"Bringing in Sanne Mond was truly an excellent choice! I've never seen things go so smoothly in my entire life!"

Declan laughed heartily. Bridget chuckled softly as he launched into a tirade about the lazy bureaucrats in the provinces, his face radiating pure satisfaction.

"That's a relief."

"Frankly, the method used to secure Sanne Mond's cooperation was dangerous and reckless, but with results like this, your efforts were well worth it."

Declan was one of those shocked to hear that Bridget had personally walked all the way to Finn Emerson's lodgings. He had said there was no need to dwell on it since it was over, but he also subtly advised against using such methods in the future. Bridget agreed with Declan, so she nodded without objection.

It had indeed been a dangerous and reckless method. After all, if her manuscript hadn't been at Finn's lodgings, everything could have gone wrong.

Lost in thought for a moment, recalling that time, Bridget lifted her teacup and asked.

"Come to think of it, has the investigation into Mr. Emerson begun?"

"Don't even mention it. Because of that, a whole bunch more people came down from the capital. The town is absolutely swarming. I doubt any local has ever seen Glynford this overflowing with people?"

Declan said, chattering away. Bridget blinked quietly, then tilted her head.

"I can't imagine it."

"The papers are all over it. I suppose you haven't seen them?"

At that, Bridget gave a bitter smile.

"I've been avoiding them lately."

"There's never been a more interesting time for the papers, has there?"

"Is it really that interesting?"

"Of course it is!"

Had there been some fascinating exposé about illegal drugs?

Now that Finn Emerson no longer had the protection of his patron, all the shady dealings he'd been involved in would surely come to light. Probably something scandalous and attention-grabbing among his deeds. Given Finn's popularity, his duplicity must have captured everyone's interest.

Bridget, having roughly grasped the situation, nodded as if understanding and asked in a casual tone.

"And the news about the Wise couple's divorce has disappeared?"

"Oh, that. "

Declan's consistently cheerful expression shifted strangely. Despite his usual ease in steering conversation, he hesitated, letting only a soft murmur escape before cautiously asking,

"Well, it's a bit complicated to explain. Did you perhaps not see the articles about the divorce at all?"

"No."

Bridget answered flatly and took a sip of tea. The garden, with its cool breeze, the rich scent of earth wafting through the air, the tea perfectly suited to her taste, the unobtrusive chirping of grasshoppers and the faint, distant song of birds...

Everything was utterly peaceful.

"I don't plan to read any in the future either. I don't think they'd be very helpful to me."

"Ah, I see. Well, if that's how you feel."

Declan awkwardly pulled up the corners of his mouth at Bridget's firm words.

"Well, there's no need to look for it anyway. It's all over now."

"Yes, you're right."

Seeing him act so awkwardly, it seemed the newspaper must have been full of bad news. Bridget shrugged it off and looked away.

Following Bridget's avoidance of the papers, Jane and Wayna also didn't seek them out to read. The newly hired staff managing the enlarged estate were the same. Perhaps because they'd been selected for their discretion and seriousness from the start, they didn't noisily spread external news.

This mansion was being furnished precisely to suit Bridget's taste. From the minor details like interior decorations and furniture, to the major aspects like the staff.

"Honestly, living in this serene mansion, I don't think there's any need to look at the newspaper."

Declan spoke up about the mansion, seemingly trying to change the subject. Indeed, he had been spouting a string of exclamations of admiration since entering the house.

"I was utterly stunned right from the front gate! As far as I recall, this place was clearly an abandoned house! How you've managed to make it so refined and immaculate is nothing short of astonishing."

Bridget chuckled softly at his exaggerated praise.

Mrs. Alden wasn't one to enjoy socializing, and her mansion was situated in a relatively secluded spot. Mrs. Alden's mansion—now Bridget's—had been isolated from the city and left neglected for ten years. Naturally, it must have looked like a ruin to anyone passing by.

"Jane has been through a lot."

"Haha, Mrs. Ottertz wasn't just a master in the kitchen, was she!"

Jane should have heard that remark.

Bridget smiled and glanced toward the mansion. Having roughly finished unpacking after the move, Jane was now busy training the newly hired servants. Having cared for Bridget for so long, she was undoubtedly the best person to teach the new staff how to conduct themselves in this household. She even wondered if she should call her a butler rather than a housekeeper now.

"But do you intend to stay in the mansion like this forever?"

"Of course not. It's time to start going out again. There's much to prepare for the Grand Theater’s reopening."

Bridget replied with a voice still tinged with laughter, then suddenly tightened the corners of her mouth.

"To have Uncle arrested, it will take a little more time, won't it?"

Hadn't they said he was under surveillance by debt collectors? If they were loitering near his hideout, the debt must be substantial. Leaving things as they were probably wouldn't end well. But if Ronan was involved in her parents' accident, Bridget wanted him to pay the price. His troubles with debt collectors weren't her concern; that was misfortune he'd brought upon himself.

"The reinvestigation is proceeding smoothly. We should have a conclusion soon. I'll have him in court before the year is out."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. I'm just doing my job."

Bridget lowered her gaze at Declan's refreshingly straightforward words. Fiddling with her teacup, she spoke in a calm tone.

 "It's not just about this matter. Mr. Rogers' kindness has been a great comfort to me."

"Oh..."

Declan seemed slightly touched by her heartfelt gratitude. His usual cheerful expression softened into a more serious look as he spoke.

"Madam... no. Miss Pennington. There are small local social gatherings in Glynford too. You should definitely attend one."

"Social gatherings?"

"Yes. It would be helpful for managing the Grand Theater, and even if that weren't the case... you might meet someone special there."

Bridget gave an awkward smile. She wasn't naive enough to miss that this wasn't simply about making good friends. He couldn't bring himself to tell his friend's ex-wife outright to find another man, so he phrased it this way instead.

But Bridget had no particular desire for a new relationship. It stemmed from a fundamental skepticism about romantic connections.

Even if it wasn't for that, there was that scandal that rocked the entire country. Even if the royal investigators' announcement clarified the facts, it wouldn't be easy to undo the rumors that had already spread. And then there was the divorce from Ain. People would have gossiped endlessly about the details of that too.

Who would show her any favor now?

Unaware of Bridget's deeply pessimistic conclusion, Declan offered his advice.

"But you shouldn't go alone."

"Huh?"

"You absolutely must take an escort. It's practically inviting all sorts of strange characters to pounce. Given how gentle-natured you are, Miss Pennington, you might not be able to shake them off easily."

Faced with his utterly serious and grave expression, Bridget ultimately couldn't muster any real objection and nodded.

"Thanks for the advice. I'll keep it in mind."

Even as she replied thus, she genuinely believed Declan’s concern was excessive.

***

……………Declan’s concern was not excessive.

A few days later, stepping outside the mansion for the first time in ages, Bridget learned the truth. Declan’s warning had been an understatement.

“Ha ha, Miss Pennington. Might I call you by your first name?”

"No."

Bridget turned away, her refusal sharp enough to seem cold. Yet despite her frosty attitude, the man seemed unfazed, maintaining his smile as he crept closer.

How on earth did this happen?

Bridget narrowed her eyes slightly, looking around for somewhere to escape. Then, in that corner, she locked eyes with someone radiating a gloomy aura who was staring this way. Without realizing it, Bridget wiped away even the perfunctory smile she’d been wearing. At the change in her expression, the shadows around Ain’s eyes, leaning against the wall, deepened. Bridget rolled her eyes impatiently, whether he cared or not. Finally, she spotted the very person responsible for putting her in this situation.

Madam Hera, the party hostess, had seemed busy attending to the influx of guests. But upon meeting Bridget's gaze, she approached with a deliberately triumphant smile. Seeing that utterly self-satisfied expression, Bridget couldn't help but sigh.

Seriously, how did things get this bad?

"Already making friends? The party just started, yet you're so sociable. If I'd known sooner, I would have invited you more often."

Madam Hera's clear voice carried a glance that pretended not to look this way. Unable to disrupt someone else's party, Bridget reluctantly forced a smile. If she wasn't mistaken, Ain was staring at her with an almost obsessive intensity.

This whole situation stemmed from an invitation Bridget had received a few days prior.

………………She shouldn't have opened that invitation.