CWMBR 147

Chapter 147

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Sponsored by Elisa. Thank you ❤️(3/10)

***

Eris, who had been looking at Bridget with a bored expression, quickly changed the subject.

"By the way, no strange person went to the Grand Theater, right?"

"A strange person?"

A look of puzzlement flashed in Bridget's eyes. Eris sighed as if lamenting her reaction.

"No, everyone knows I'm Bridget's friend. They keep begging me to get them seats."

"Oh... I'm sorry."

"I'm sick of hearing that excuse. I already told them no, knowing they'd refuse anyway. But just in case someone comes to the Grand Theater and mentions my name for no reason, I'm letting you know in advance."

Fundamentally, Bridget acted kindly and affectionately toward everyone, but her standards for building personal friendships were quite strict.

Honestly, no one managed to build a friendship beyond a certain level with her. Especially those with specific motives—without exception. Those specific motives... well, they encompassed the sort of things one might expect from a young, wealthy divorcee.

"I'm sorry for causing you trouble."

"Yeah. Having a friend who doesn't enjoy life makes things incredibly difficult."

"Haha."

While saying that, Eris herself scrutinized the men who tried to approach Bridget with a strict and fastidious gaze.

For some reason, Eris viewed Bridget as if she were a child left by the water's edge, or an immature friend who knew nothing of the world. It seemed to stem from the treatment she received from the Wise family. Bridget appeared to feel stifled, starting with the fact that she hadn't immediately bolted from the chaotic wedding venue.

But contrary to Eris's judgment, Bridget didn't consider herself as naive as Eris thought. She might be foolish, but...

"So, how are you doing these days, Eris? You said the man was too young and it was burdensome—is that really how you feel?"

As she smoothly changed the subject, Eris's expression darkened.

It started last year, hadn't it? A young nobleman had begun actively courting Eris. And recently, unable to withstand his persistent advances any longer, Eris had reluctantly agreed to give him a chance, telling him to show what he was made of. Having witnessed the entire process vividly from the sidelines, Bridget had already anticipated that today's luncheon would center around the steaming-hot tale of this newly budding romance.

"Well... maybe it's just youth, but watching them is lively and pleasant."

Bridget smiled softly, watching Eris subtly begin to revel in boasting about her younger lover.

***

Bridget was popular.

Ironically, her history of marrying Ain Wise only made her seem more attractive to many. Though undisclosed, she had received a substantial alimony settlement that everyone could guess at. She was also the theater owner who successfully reopened the Glynford Grand Theater, and with her striking looks, her outward appearance alone drew attention.

Talking to her only increased that likability. Bridget wasn't arrogant; she was kind to everyone. Yet, she never crossed the line excessively. That line she never allowed anyone to cross seemed to drive some people mad.

Of course, not everyone felt affection for Bridget. There were clearly those who envied her, and they expressed their malice in various ways. Bridget showed no mercy whatsoever to those who displayed unjust hostility toward her. When insulted, she actively defended herself, sometimes filing firm complaints, and if necessary, demanding substantial compensation. She rarely forgave anyone in the process.

Consequently, she needed several lawyers. In that sense, forming a connection with Declan proved immensely helpful to her.

In truth, after Ain left, Bridget believed Declan would also depart Glynford. While the Wise family was indeed an important client for Declan, he clearly had other major clients in society. In fact, after concluding the lawsuit related to Ronan, Declan did leave for the capital for a short while.

But he returned. To be precise, it seemed he moved back and forth depending on the situation, but in reality, he lived as if he had formally established an office in Glynford.

"I'll wait out front."

Bridget nodded to Wayna and entered the building. After years of coming and going, this office had become a very familiar place to her.

Before she even reached the stairs, a commotion sounded from above. Bridget thought of Iliont, who was stationed in that office. Iliont was the person in charge of overseeing the overall renovation and maintenance of the mansion where Bridget now lived. Thanks to that, Bridget often encountered Iliont while dealing with various issues that arose at the mansion.

She hated to admit it, but Ain definitely had an eye for people. Both Declan and Iliont were experts excelling in their respective fields. Enough that she wanted to maintain a connection with them, separate from Ain.

Her steps quickly brought her to the office door. Bridget opened it without hesitation, as usual.

"You've been out having a hot affair!"

Declan's loud shout came the moment she flung open the office door.

Bridget, who had shifted her gaze beyond the door without a second thought, froze. Within the familiar scene, an unfamiliar figure appeared.

Declan, who had been about to continue speaking with a broad smile on his face, turned to look at Bridget and widened his eyes in surprise. Iliont, who had been sitting at his desk in the corner of the office, also looked at Bridget with a startled expression. Bridget passed the two men, who had grown quite friendly, and turned her eyes to the figure standing tall in the center of the office.

Sunlight streaming through the large office window illuminated him completely. His skin was slightly tanned, likely from prolonged sun exposure, and his black hair was wildly disheveled, as if he hadn't a clue how to manage it. His hair, seemingly cut hastily for convenience long after any professional touch, gave him the appearance of a street vagrant at first glance.

And what of his attire? A baggy shirt devoid of any formality and dark-colored pants looked like something you could find dozens of identical copies of just outside.

Despite being transformed beyond recognition, Bridget recognized him instantly. The deep crease between his brows and his tightly pursed, discontented lips remained unchanged.

His transparent, beautiful cobalt eyes stared at Bridget without blinking. She was the first to look away.

"I'm sorry. I didn't realize you had a guest and behaved rudely."

Declan, caught by Bridget's gaze, frantically rolled his eyes and swallowed dryly.

"Ah, Miss Pennington. That..."

But Bridget immediately turned her head away. Declan wasn't the one she had come to see in the first place.

"Mr. Iliont."

Declan and Ain, who had been watching Bridget, simultaneously turned to look at Iliont. Iliont, who had been quietly observing the situation from behind his desk, suddenly looked up. Bridget walked lightly over to Iliont's desk.

"This is to thank you for what I asked of you last time. I baked it this morning, so it should be perfectly cooled for eating now."

Iliont, who had absentmindedly taken the bundle from Bridget's hands, snapped his head around at her words, his face falling into deep thought.

As he met the gaze of someone staring intently at him, Iliont unconsciously swallowed dryly. Within that silent stare, a clear question was visible.

Why did you take that?

Strangely, it felt as if that icy question echoed in his ears. With trembling pupils, Iliont awkwardly lifted the corners of his mouth and first thanked Bridget.

"Ah, yes, thank you."

"I'm sorry for visiting so suddenly. I'll be more careful about coming to the office from now on. Next time, let's meet outside."

"………………Huh?"

Ain's gaze, brimming with confusion, now sank as cold as ice. Iliont almost let a complaint slip toward Bridget without thinking. No, why say something so full of misunderstanding at a moment like this…

"Then please continue your conversation."

Bridget calmly offered her farewell and bowed to Declan as well. She brushed past Ain, who stood before them as if he didn't even exist, not even glancing his way, and exited the office. Until the moment she closed the office door behind her, they remained frozen, unable to utter a word.

***

Bridget saw him again at the Grand Theater.

Frankly, his presence was too intense to miss. News of Ain Wise returning home after suffering heavy losses and a complete failure had already been splashed across newspapers everywhere, making it impossible to ignore the constant murmurs from those who recognized him. Ain crossed the Grand Theater lobby with an expression that suggested he couldn't care less about the whispers.

Bridget honestly wondered if he had come looking for her. Surprisingly, however, he watched the play with dignified composure and left quietly. This happened a couple of times.

If he visited the Grand Theater as a guest, she had no right to bar his entry.

Bridget decided to ignore him.