TRCR 27

Rebecca let out a heavy sigh.
“Fine. But you leave the moment three hours are up.”
“Deal.”
“Good timing, actually. I was getting curious about the trade company.”
“Oh, the company’s set up. I hired the manager you wanted. And just in case, I didn’t tell them who you are.”
“Thanks. You thought it through.”
Yulian grinned at her praise, a bit excited.
“Where should the company building go?”
“The market near Liberta Sanctuary. That’d be perfect.”
“The market? That area’s mostly rundown buildings.”
“It’s fine. I’ve got other business around there.”
“Alright. I’ll arrange it tomorrow.”
He said it like it was as easy as eating.
Rebecca recalled how hard she’d worked in her past life for a tiny house, only possible because Margaret gave her a deal.
Bitterness filled her mouth.
She realized just how powerful her chosen ally was.
Sighing softly, she said,
“Contacting you is tricky. Letters are fine, but if I need to step in, it’s tough.”
“You can’t go out at all…?”
“Mostly. Especially now, pretending to be injured.”
Only then did Yulian notice her condition.
Seeing the bandages wrapped tightly around her leg, he tensed.
“You’re hurt? How bad? Why didn’t you say? What happened, who did—?”
“Shh. Don’t get worked up. I told you, it’s an act. Though I did fall down stairs. On purpose.”
“Why go that far? Why?”
“Would you understand if I said it’s to be free?”
She gave a cryptic smile, propping her chin.
“A broken doll gets left alone until it heals. To be played with again later. While the master ignores it, it can move freely.”
Her low whisper stirred Yulian’s chest.
His eyes, hiding anger, asked,
“What do I need to do?”
“Huh?”
“To get you divorced in a month.”
“A month? That’s tough. I need to build wealth through the company first. And Devil’s Claw takes time to grow.”
“Two months, then.”
“Can’t promise.”
“Doesn’t matter. I want you divorced. Forgot? Luck’s on my side.”
His confidence made Rebecca laugh.
She teased,
“Really? Then make Zeppelin so busy he can’t stay in the estate. That’d let me move freely.”
She meant it as a joke, but Yulian fell silent, muttering to himself.
She stared, puzzled.
His demeanor was odd.
This was just a contract.
She trusted he’d fulfill it, but why so much passion?
Once done, they’d never see each other again. Yet he seemed genuinely invested.
He’s kind.
He must pity her.
Why else would he look at her with such sad eyes?
She appreciated his compassion.
Her gaze met his golden eyes, glowing in the moonlight, like the moon and sun together.
Unthinkingly, she reached out and stroked his dark hair.
He flinched but let her continue.
“Thanks for caring, Yulian.”
Her soft voice made his eyes widen.
A sharp pang hit his chest.
Instinctively, he grabbed her hand.
Her eyes wavered.
His gaze intensified, his lips trembling with sweet breaths.
Night, moonlight, a bedroom, a man and a woman.
This vibe’s dangerous.
Flustered, Rebecca realized she’d forgotten he was a young, vigorous man.
This was practically seduction.
She yanked her hand back.
“Sorry. My fault entirely.”
Yulian stared at his rejected hand.
She hurried on,
“This won’t happen again. It’d break the contract.”
Promising not to touch him, then acting like this before divorce papers were signed—it was shameful.
Why does he have such pretty eyes?
She laughed at her weakness for looks.
The word “contract” snapped Yulian back.
His golden eyes darkened.
In a stiff tone, he said,
“Right. We’re contractual. Let’s wrap this up quick.”
He stood abruptly, swaying slightly.
“Talk’s done. I’ll go.”
“Wait, it’s not time—”
Before she could finish, he vanished.
In his place…
Meow?
Leo froze mid-grooming, one paw raised.
Realizing the situation, he narrowed his eyes, annoyed.
“Three hours already…?”
Confused, Rebecca picked him up.
His tail puffed up, but he didn’t resist.
“Your master—or partner—is so weird.”
Setting Leo by the window, she recalled Yulian before he left.
His ears were red.
She understood why he fled.
Guilt crept in.
More innocent than he looks. Still a kid.
Counting her past life, she was twice his age.
Her conscience pricked, but her smile lingered.
Leaning on the window, she watched Leo’s graceful exit from the estate.
* * *
“Haa… haa…”
Back in his room, Yulian panted. Consecutive teleports left him dizzy.
Collapsing onto the bed, he covered his face with his arm. Cold sweat drenched him.
He tore off his shirt.
Despite resisting, the moment replayed endlessly.
“Thanks for caring, Yulian.”
He pictured his dazed face in her blue eyes.
Did he always look like that around her?
Yet he couldn’t look away. And he didn’t know why, driving him mad.
“Ugh.”
That chest pain struck again.
Itchy, stabbing, unlike anything before.
Fear gripped him.
Most Johannes dukes died of heart failure.
When their holy power ran out, their hearts stopped.
Chest pain was a precursor.
No way.
He shot up. On the bedside table was medicine Croa left daily.
He’d always scoffed at it, but today was different.
Swallowing it with cold water, he gripped the table, eyes wide.
“I can’t die. Not yet.”
* * *
“Puppet CEO? The duke wants me to be a puppet CEO?”
Tanisha Chenister slammed the desk.
Croa quickly grabbed his coffee cup.
“Why so mad? Not a puppet, a trade company head. The duke’s made weirder requests.”
“Why’d I put up with his nonsense? He promised me a company in my name!”
“It is in your name. Registered and all.”
“What’s the point if I’m a pawn for some mystery jerk?”
“Watch it. Say that to the duke, and you’re done.”
“Why’re you always on his side? Who’s family here, me or him?”
“Obviously…”
“Obviously?”
“You. The duke as family? Ridiculous.”
“Go die!”
Tanisha hurled objects at Croa.
He dodged expertly, used to it.
“Think of it as a business advisor role. It’s a big deal, so the duke picked you.”
“Why’d I slave away for years? I’m already pissed you became butler just for being born earlier. Now this crap?”
“Watch that mouth! Who’d marry you?”
“Why pity me? I’m a catch—looks, skills, money. You’re the one who’s never dated.”
“…Let’s not go there. My bad.”
Stung, Croa drooped.
“Fine! Who’s this person?”
“Who?”
“The real boss of my company. I need to meet them.”
“Stay put. Just do the job.”
“What, a wanted criminal? Why so secretive? I’ll meet them to decide if I’ll serve or quit.”
“Quit? Tanisha, a Chenister defying the duke’s orders?”
“You think I wanted to be a Chenister? I’ll ditch this mess if I have to. I’ll live like an emperor as a commoner.”
“You’d say that to our parents?”
“Spill it, or I’ll tell everyone you botched Leo’s grooming.”
Croa gasped, covering his mouth.