Ch#76
Ch#76
Ch#76
~Chapter 76~
Harriet began sorting out her thoughts as she surveyed the grand ballroom. There was much she needed to accomplish tonight.
‘First, I have to help Viviana land a solid blow on Adam Hoffner. Then, I should eavesdrop on the latest trends and find out who’s the talk of the social scene these days. It would be great if I could leave a good impression on the right people tonight….’
Like a cautious strategist, she discreetly scanned the guests and gauged their worth.
At that moment, a bright light pierced through the clouds like the sun breaking free, approaching from across the hall.
“Harriet! You came. Lady Viviana, welcome!”
It was Daphne. And she was dazzlingly beautiful, almost too bright to behold.
Harriet blinked, genuinely stunned, unable to find words for a moment.
“Now I finally understand what they mean by ‘blinded by beauty.’ The moment I saw you, Lady, I nearly went blind.” Harriet said in a joking tone.
Daphne let out a soft giggle. “Oh, Harriet. You’re the one who looks like the star of the ball tonight. That style suits you perfectly.”
“With you standing here in that dress, who would even glance at mine?”
Daphne wore a soft lavender dress that shimmered subtly under the lights. Her silver hair and jewel-like purple eyes made her look like a fairy-tale heroine. The dress elegantly revealed her slender shoulders and neckline, creating an air of grace that stirred protective instincts. Diamond hairpins and a necklace sparkled atop her, adding a regal radiance to her for the night.
Though she hadn’t fully regained all the weight she’d lost, she no longer looked fragile. And most importantly, there was no trace of sadness in her smile anymore.
She embodied the refined, confident noble lady of the Loral Family, raised as their precious only child.
“This, I can promise you.” Harriet said warmly. “From tonight onward, no one in high society will dare challenge your position as the most beautiful woman.”
“You flatter me.” Daphne replied, her cheeks slightly flushed. “But honestly… hearing that makes me feel really good.”
Seeing her radiant like this filled Harriet with deep relief. The Daphne standing before her was no longer tormented by heartbreak. She had transformed from a fragile girl into an elegant, self-assured woman. Even if she hadn’t realized it herself yet, Harriet knew Daphne would soon find someone far more worthy of her love.
Harriet was certain of it.
Daphne had to return to greet the guests, so Harriet didn’t hold her back any longer. There was no need to worry anymore. Daphne would handle tonight beautifully.
‘Now, time to focus on Viviana.’
Waving at Daphne’s retreating figure, Harriet scanned the hall for Melody and her group. Melody’s commanding presence usually stood out, but she wasn’t in sight tonight.
“Looks like Lady Melody hasn’t arrived yet.” Harriet murmured. “Shall we grab a drink while we wait?”
But as Harriet tried to gently lead Viviana toward the refreshment table, Viviana suddenly stopped and whispered, “Wait, Harriet. That man over there… he seems to be heading this way to talk to you.”
“Hm? Who?”
Harriet turned to where Viviana pointed and froze.
Across the ballroom stood Cedric. And beside him was a man she’d never seen before.
Cedric’s expression was unreadable, but his gaze was fixed on her. Harriet’s heart plummeted.
Harriet hesitated, unsure what to do. Should she wave? Pretend she hadn’t seen him?
Viviana leaned in again and whispered. “He’s definitely looking at you. He couldn’t still be holding a grudge from that incident at the victory banquet, could he?”
Of course, Viviana knew nothing about the business deal between Harriet and Cedric. As far as she knew, their only connection was that awkward incident at the victory banquet.
‘Just pretend I don’t know him.’ Harriet quickly decided.
But just as she started to turn away, Cedric began walking toward her, the mysterious man in tow.
He strode forward with long, confident steps, closing the distance in an instant.
Surprisingly, it was the man beside Cedric who spoke first.
“Are you Lady Harriet Listerwell? It’s an honor to meet you. I’m Edgar Dawson.”
“Ah—uh—yes! Hello!” Harriet stammered, flustered.
She glanced at Cedric with eyes pleading for an explanation, but he said nothing. Instead, Edgar smiled warmly.
“You were the model for Clarissa Convent soap and herbal pouches, right? Those ads were quite impressive. Forgive me if this is rude—”
“No, not at all! Nice to meet you.” Harriet replied quickly.
“To not make a stranger who approaches so familiarly feel awkward—you’re truly kind. It lives up to your reputation as an angel. If you don’t mind—may I ask who this beautiful lady beside you is?”
As he turned to Viviana, she curtsied politely and introduced herself.
“I’m Viviana Dellus. Actually, we met once before at a Sheldon family gathering. Though it was just a boring business dinner between our fathers.”
“Ah! If we’d met at a more exciting event, I surely wouldn’t have forgotten such a beautiful name.” Edgar said smoothly.
Viviana’s cheeks flushed at the compliment. Harriet narrowed her eyes. Was he flirting? She hoped he wasn’t the type to toy with women’s hearts. She didn’t want Viviana hurt again.
But Viviana seemed unfazed, her expression calm.
“I’ll take that as a compliment, Lord Dawson. And the gentleman beside you?”
“Oh, my mistake.” Edgar said with exaggerated flair. “I got so dazzled by these brilliant ladies that I forgot about this gruff friend of mine. Go on—introduce yourself!”
Harriet blinked in surprise. She’d never seen anyone talk to Cedric like that.
Even more shocking was that Cedric didn’t retort. He simply stepped forward.
“Good evening, ladies. I’m Cedric Kailas. Lady Harriet and I are acquainted… though I’m not sure if you remember.”
“O-of course.” Harriet quickly replied, startled by his serious gaze.
He didn’t look away. He just stared at her steadily, calmly, as if trying to read her thoughts.
Flustered, Harriet turned back to Edgar.
“You two didn’t come to the party alone, did you? Your partners must be nearby somewhere?”
It was a polite way of saying, “Go back to your partners now.”
But Edgar grinned.
“Lady Harriet, do you think a man like me would come without an attractive partner? But look—we’ve got just one stiff companion for this splendid party. I invited my friend, but he insisted on tagging along or he wouldn’t come.”
“Edgar.” Cedric cut in warningly. “Your voice is too loud.”
“Don’t underestimate my indignation! Do you know how it feels to come to a grand party like this alone with another man, Cedric? A man, I say!”
Harriet sighed. She already regretted starting a conversation with Edgar. He was the type who drained your energy.
‘He’s handsome, sure. But if only he’d shut up….’
She flashed a playful smile. “Well, it doesn’t have to be a date to be fun. Why not ask the hostess for a dance later?”
Edgar’s face lit up.
“What a brilliant idea! Perfect timing, too—that pesky fly just left Lady Daphne’s side. As you know, flies sometimes land on flowers without permission. But for a lady like her, butterflies or bees suit better. Don’t you agree?”
“Um… yes.”
“Excellent! Then, would you both grant me the honor of a dance later?”
Harriet and Viviana, at a loss for words, nodded.
Just then, Melody entered the hall.
Harriet seized the opportunity.
“Ah, look—someone I know just arrived. I’d love to chat more later. Don’t forget to come ask for that dance.”
“Of course! Have a wonderful evening.” Edgar bowed theatrically.
Harriet hurriedly led Viviana away.
Once they were far enough that the two men couldn’t hear, Edgar chuckled and turned to Cedric.
“You were right. She’s the first woman I’ve seen who isn’t interested in you.”
Cedric didn’t respond.
“I mean, women usually fawn over you. But that lady? She looked like she wanted to bolt.”
Cedric sighed. “Did you really approach her just to confirm that?”
“Of course I’m curious! Everyone says any nobleman catching the eye of that scandal-maker would fall head over heels. But talking to her, she didn’t seem excited at all. If anything, she looked annoyed.”
“That’s because you were annoying her.”
“Me?” Edgar glanced at Harriet’s retreating figure with a smile. “But you’re right. I shouldn’t believe the rumors anymore. She’s nothing like I expected. And honestly… it’s impressive.”
He shrugged.
“Whether she’s a scandal-maker or not doesn’t matter to me. But the moment I saw you couldn’t take your eyes off her—I knew she was important.”
Cedric didn’t answer. His gaze lingered on Harriet, who was smiling softly with Melody and Viviana.
Edgar crossed his arms.
“Out of all the women in the empire, it had to be Harriet Listerwell, Cedric. Your taste is… unique.”
