Revenge Costs Interest [EN]: Chapter 86

2023.10.25.

Vivian glanced between the two dresses and commented,

“I can’t decide. They’re too similar to choose a clear winner.”

“Pardon?”

The faces of those who had been so hopeful clearly showed their disappointment. Well, it was a difficult choice for anyone.

“Young lady, didn’t you have quite a few conversations with Empress Theresa while dancing at the Bellis banquet?”

Leah immediately adopted a serious expression.

“Yes, I did.”

“Well, I think the answer might lie in Her Majesty’s words?”

Leah’s mind suddenly felt clouded.

‘What did Empress Theresa say to me?’ All she could recall were skeptical remarks.

Still, she had to remember.

‘Love has an expiration date, and men will change, so don’t give your whole heart.’

At the time, it stung because it seemed like she was only expressing doubt about my relationship with Terrence. But she said the answer would be in her words.

In an instant, a thought flashed through Leah’s mind.

‘Empress Theresa is a pessimist. About love…….’

If that’s the case, the answer was already obvious. Of course, the problem was that it was just a very personal opinion, so it wasn’t particularly reliable.

“Just do your best.”

Vivian’s advice wasn’t particularly insightful either.

‘What if Rivet is chosen even if I do my best?’

The thought alone was terrible. If my sister became the Crown Princess, I could imagine how Allen would react.

Really, I don’t want to witness that disgusting display.

“This dress is similar to Theresa’s wedding dress. If so, try to recreate it perfectly,” Vivian said meaningfully, looking at the lace dress made by Chanelle.

“Perfectly?”

It was only for a moment, but Vivian’s expression was very ambiguous.

Realistically, it would be advantageous for Leah’s business even if either of them was chosen. It’s just that the aftermath is the problem.

“Empress, could I see a picture of Empress Theresa’s wedding?”

“I don’t have one. I just remember it.”

Vivian described the scene at Theresa’s wedding in vivid detail.

She explained it in such detail that it was as if the wedding scene was being painted before my eyes.

Leah listened to Vivian’s words until the end and then finally made a decision.

‘Let’s leave it to fate.’

Even if Leah doesn’t try her hardest because she doesn’t want Rivet to be chosen, she will be chosen if it is her destiny to become the Crown Princess.

Fate will make even a maid scooping ashes from the fireplace be chosen. But Vivian’s words bothered me.

‘Rather, try to recreate it perfectly?’

I wanted to bet on those words for some reason. Leah decided not to worry anymore.

* * *

Terrence was very pleased with the news that Allen had finally been selected for the Bertan Railroad project. That’s because he had encouraged him from the sidelines to pursue it.

As he had hoped, he was able to secure the rights to import silk and porcelain.

Allen interfered until the end to help Terrence obtain the import rights, and he reported that the consultation with the Bertan imperial family went smoothly.

“McDowell Company will proceed with the railroad project immediately.”

“It will cost an astronomical amount of money.”

“We have decided to import a large amount of porcelain and silk.”

Unlike the agonizing Terrence, the executives were busy reporting the results.

Terrence was actively involved in the meeting at first, but his mind gradually drifted.

The night of love with Grace came to mind, clouding his judgment. Her soft touch and sensual moans, and his own pleasure.

The more he recalled the memories, the more his body heated up.

The desire to share love filled him with the hope that she, who had gone to the Imperial Palace, would return to the Duke’s residence soon.

He had loved Grace before, but now he realized that he had fallen for her even more.

‘I miss you.’

Even though they were only apart for a short while, he missed her. He knew she would be back home in a few hours, but he was impatient.

He had a wild imagination that he wanted to spend all day in bed with her, regardless of the meeting.

“Duke?”

When Terrence continued to be unresponsive, one of the executives called him.

“Huh? What did you say?”

“We were discussing the political situation in Bertan.”

“That’s right. So how is it over there?”

“There are no particular signs yet.”

“Baron Martin Polo said that the imperial power would soon be in danger.”

The executives nodded at Terrence’s words. Bertan is a country with great potential, but it also comes with risks.

“The gap between the rich and the poor in Bertan is widening.”

“That will soon be the cause of a revolution.”

“Besides, there are many people who oppose the railroad project.”

“Why is that?”

“It must be a cultural difference. Many people believe it is unlucky to build a railroad on the land.”

That was none of his concern. Still, once the railroad is built and the train runs, they will be amazed by its convenience.

Of course, the key was whether the railroad would be laid safely.

“President McDowell is very actively involved.”

“Well, let’s keep an eye on it for now.”

From the beginning, Terrence did not start a business in Bertan to make money. His purpose was to ruin Allen.

Even now, that goal has not changed. Then Terrence thought of Grace again.

Just imagining it made it feel like her scent was lingering at the tip of his nose. He instinctively tilted his ear toward the window.

He was hoping that she would come back right away, hoping to hear the sound of the carriage she had taken.

“The silk sent as a sample from Bertan will arrive tomorrow.”

“Is that so?”

Grace would be very happy if he gave it to her as a gift. Terrence smiled contentedly, associating everything with her.

“If the silk is good, import it in large quantities.”

After importing it, Grace will take care of it. It doesn’t matter whether she makes clothes to sell or makes curtains.

It’s because he wants to see her happy.

Just in time, the sound of a carriage was heard. Terrence jumped up from his seat and walked to the window to check.

‘She’s back.’

When he saw her getting out of the carriage, his heart pounded like a drum on the battlefield.

“Let’s end the meeting here today.”

“Yes? I understand.”

Terrence immediately headed to the lobby to greet her. The joy of waiting for and meeting a loved one was so sweet.

“Are you here?”

“Terrence.”

As expected, she smiled brightly and called his name.

Terrence didn’t care whether people were watching or not. He hurriedly took Leah’s hand and headed upstairs.

“Why? Is something wrong?”

It was Leah who was embarrassed. It was strange that Terrence suddenly came down to the lobby and took her hand and led her away.

Even though Leah asked why, Terrence just walked blindly.

Bang! As soon as the bedroom door closed, Terrence pushed Grace against the wall and kissed her urgently.

Leah, who had been embarrassed, was soon intoxicated by his desire and wrapped her arms around his neck.

Even though she hadn’t seen Terrence for a few hours, he kept lingering in her mind. The thought of going to him after work made her heart swell.

“I want to make love.”

Terrence whispered in a hungry voice after the kiss, and before Leah could answer, the two were already lying in bed.

“Am I savage?”

After pleasuring Leah to his heart’s content, Terrence belatedly looked down at her and asked. He was asking if his passionate behavior was unpleasant.

“I like it savage. Do it rough.”

Leah’s subdued voice subtly stimulated his instincts.

“I’m gone now. There’s only a beast left.”

He tilted his lips crookedly and loosened his tie and unbuttoned his shirt.

Leah swallowed dryly at the sight.

Terrence fixed Leah with his firmly erected thighs.

Leah blankly watched the sight of Terrence taking off his clothes one by one.

Already, goosebumps had risen all over her body, causing chills. Soon, when his sturdy upper body was revealed, her hands caressed him as if indulging.

“I like beasts.”

A red tongue peeked out from between her lips, which were plump from the kiss, and seduced him.

* * *

Chanelle had her ear pressed against Terrence’s bedroom door.

“Tch! I hate my sister and uncle.”

Chanelle was jealous of the increasingly close relationship between the two these days. They disappear secretly every chance they get.

As soon as she was grumbling, Pauline grabbed Chanelle’s nape without fail.

“Don’t be rude!”

“Grace and uncle are making a baby. I have to listen carefully.”

“That’s a bad thing, Chanelle.”

“It’s not a bad thing. You two only play and don’t include me.”

Pauline sighed at Chanelle’s stubbornness.

It seemed like the time had come to educate Chanelle about adults. I have to tell you the good news that just came in.

“Chanelle, Luke is back.”

“Really?”

Chanelle’s eyes widened, and she ran down the stairs as if she had never been spying on someone else’s room.

Pauline shook her head and chased after Chanelle.

“Luke oppa [Oppa is a Korean term used by females to refer to older brothers or close male friends],” she shouted after seeing Luke standing in the lobby before she even reached the bottom of the stairs.

“Chanelle.”

Luke was not using crutches, but he still had a splint on his leg.

He looked at Chanelle, who was calling him with a tearful voice and running down the stairs.

Just in time, Louis was greeting Luke and going up the stairs.

“Luke oppa! Ah……!”

It was the moment when Chanelle lost her footing and fell forward while running down in a daze.

The moment Chanelle’s scream echoed, Louis caught her body.

Chanelle was startled.

Clearly, her feet had slipped off the stairs and she was falling, but strong arms and a chest easily caught her.

Before she knew it, Chanelle was in Louis’ arms.

“Huh? Louis Ballerina.”

“Are you okay, young lady?”

Louis was more surprised than Chanelle, and asked in an excited voice. On the other hand, Chanelle just blinked her widened eyes and looked at Louis.

Time seemed to have stopped only around the two of them. Meanwhile, Luke was caught up in a strange feeling for some reason.

‘That’s a relief.’

He was glad Chanelle wasn’t hurt, but he felt strange for some reason.