Guidelines for the Perfect Goodbye - Chapter 289

A connection had been established between Ceclia’s father and Dan. Since he hadn’t exactly shown Dan his full support or trust, it might have seemed like an insignificant change at first glance.

But the very act of Adam Lasphilla seeking advice from a stranger was highly unusual in itself.

Adam did not trust people easily. Yet, once he did give his trust, he made that person feel exceptionally valued. His trust was fickle and could turn at any moment, but in those moments, it was genuine.

If Adam, who is so sensitive to money, comes across information with 100% accuracy, it would only be a matter of time before Dan becomes someone he treats as special.

If, through constant, small and large profits, he gradually entrusts Dan with increasing amounts of funds, what would happen? And then, after a series of successes, if he experiences a single, irreparable failure?

Even if he comes to distrust Dan at that point, it would already be too late.

“Diana, your father might end up holding far more money than what he’s lost.”

Diana bluntly warned Cecilia not to become conceited or let her guard down, but she couldn’t quite hide the smile at the corners of her mouth.

Her revenge had only just begun to reveal itself to an audience. Even though she tried not to get carried away, it was only natural to feel a flutter of excitement right after such a turning point.

Still, she pressed her fist to her lips to suppress her laughter.

“What you’re planning seems to be going quite smoothly, too.”

She showed Cecilia a copy of the letter she had sent to Caroline.

At first, the letters had gone back and forth under Caroline’s initial, ‘C’, but gradually, they turned into letters with both C and K mixed together.

The target of the information request became increasingly blatant. From Caroline to Christian.

“Doesn’t it feel burdensome to be managing the Young Duke’s assets?”

“Not at all. Though, honestly, it’s unpleasant to be handling a scoundrel’s assets.”

Cecilia let out a snort at Diana’s cold judgment, but soon wiped away her smile and grew serious.

“I’ll make sure nothing affects you. After all, the other side won’t want their identity exposed, either.”

“If it looks dangerous, I can handle it on my end. Don’t treat me like a child in need of looking after. I’m your partner, after all.”

Treat me as an equal—was that it?

Diana had always had a strong sense of pride. Regardless of her gypsy blood, whenever the noble-born Cecilia so much as appeared to look down on her—even if it was usually a misunderstanding—her eyes would flare with indignation.

But in her words now, there was no trace of that usual stubbornness. Cecilia caught a glimpse of care beneath Diana’s cold expression.

‘Partner, huh…’

Would there ever come a day when Diana and she could call each other friends? Casey Heens used the word ‘friend’ so easily with Cecilia.

But even now, the relationship still felt distant and ambiguous—not quite trust, not quite affection.

Still, truly, once everything was over… then… if both their revenges were complete and they were left to contemplate their next destinations together—

Perhaps then, with some peace of mind, they could face each other. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so awkward to call each other friends.

“Cecilia.”

Diana’s gaze sharpened.

“You’ve been strange lately.”

“…What do you mean?”

“You’ve grown dull.”

“Who, me?”

Cecilia pointed at her own chest, laughing. But Diana didn’t join in.

“I used to think you carried as much vengeance as I do. Even more so, toward even more people.”

“You saw right.”

“Hm, I’m not so sure anymore.”

“How was I before?”

“You looked like someone mad with revenge.”

“…I still am.”

“Now, you’re more like… how should I put it…”

Diana pondered, choosing her words carefully.

“You seem like someone who just wants to live well.”

“……?”

“To take revenge is to express all your resentment toward your enemy. Someone who devotes their whole life to revenge doesn’t need to think about what comes after. That goes for you… and for me, too.”

Her voice grew thick and heavy.

“I wouldn’t mind dying in the process. If I could die with that bastard Adam.”

She glanced at Cecilia for a reaction. After all, Adam was Cecilia’s biological father.

Cecilia’s expression remained indifferent. She was lost in other thoughts.

“…You’re right.”

“Then, I was right about you?”

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