Garden of May - Chapter 88
Chapter 88
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“The vendor will visit tomorrow. He conveyed that the schedule is tight, but he can manage if the distribution channels are adjusted.”
“That’s good.”
“I’ve sent word to the Admiralty that I’ll visit tomorrow afternoon. That paperwork is the last of the urgent matters.”
“Excellent. Good work.”
The old man, bowing respectfully despite the curt praise, suddenly spoke as if remembering something. “And, there’s been some information regarding the young lady you inquired about previously.”
“Young lady?”
“Lady Vanessa of Somerset.”
The hand flipping through papers paused. He had almost forgotten the request.
The young Duke, maintaining his upright posture, betrayed no reaction, but Batenberg’s butler knew he was waiting.
“Everything else seems to be in order, but there are some irregularities regarding the inheritance. The heir was abruptly changed about a month before the former Count and Countess of Somerset passed away. The will was executed as a notarial deed, bypassing probate.”
“The solicitor who notarized it?”
“The name is George Heather, but his current whereabouts are unknown. He is registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority, however…”
“….”
“Shall I investigate further?”
“I don’t recall granting you permission to sit.”
The warmth of the butler’s presence hadn’t yet dissipated when the woman gracefully seated herself opposite him. She seemed unconcerned by the loose folds of her robe pooling on the floor.
“I didn’t come to ask for permission.”
“From someone you’ve never even been formally introduced to?”
“Oh, surely you haven’t forgotten me?” A small, white hand flew to cover her mouth in a theatrical gasp. Theodore’s gaze followed the movement, and a not-so-distant memory surfaced. The woman’s features remained hazy, but he vividly recalled her pale, slender neck.
At that old train station, standing beside Edgar, curtseying in recognition…
“I’m Hailey. Hailey G. Morton.”
Theodore stared blankly at the hand extended across the table. Unfazed by the blatant rejection, Hailey withdrew her hand.
Her hair, styled in a flawless updo that accentuated her neck, was striking. The low neckline of her blouse further emphasized the effect.
If this was coached, it was brazen. If it was a calculated provocation, she clearly understood men. Or at least, she wanted to appear that way.
“I’m curious how you gained entry here.” The location was significant. It was Lyndon’s most exclusive members-only club, where those without titles were strictly forbidden.
Hailey Morton glanced around before leaning in conspiratorially. “Are you truly curious?”
He met her gaze silently. Her round eyes crinkled into a smile.
“The person who runs this establishment owes me a small favor.”
“You clearly lack a knack for negotiation. Squandering a debt from one of Lyndon’s most influential figures on something like this.”
“I trust you’ll settle the remainder of the price.”
Theodore let out a dry chuckle at her audacious reply. A lock of dark hair fell across his forehead. He pushed it back impatiently.
“How did you know I was here?”
Surprisingly, the brazen woman looked momentarily flustered. “…I wouldn’t want to lie to you. It’s important for the trust between us.”
“Is there any trust between us?”
“I’m not simply demanding payment. I have a proposition.”
Theodore rubbed his eyes with the fingers he’d used to push back his hair. It was a stupid question. It was undoubtedly Edgar’s doing. His recent, irritatingly thorough inquiries must have been in preparation for this.
A waiter arrived, placing tea and cream before Hailey Morton. She picked up her cup with a knowing smile. “Surely you’ll offer me a cup of tea after I’ve come all this way?”
He signed the bill the waiter presented and stood. “Drink your tea and leave. I’ll overlook this for Edgar’s sake.”
“Without even hearing my proposition?” She tilted her head prettily, blinking. Theodore draped his jacket over his arm and turned to leave. He stopped abruptly at her next words.
“You’re seriously seeing someone, aren’t you? That woman in the South.”
It was a trivial matter, one he would normally dismiss with a sneer.
“If that’s true, you’ll need me soon enough.”
Theodore turned back, annoyance evident in his expression. Hailey Morton, who had been watching him with clear eyes, now wore a secretive smile.
“Just as I need you.”
- Protected: Garden of May Chapter 152 - Jun 16, 2026
- Protected: Garden of May Chapter 151 - Jun 16, 2026
- Protected: Garden of May Chapter 150 - Jun 16, 2026
