Chapter 278
Count Azelot had said he submitted the guardianship petition, but she had heard nothing about the progress since then, which made her anxious.
She wanted to see the faces of that unlucky pair twisted in frustration as soon as possible.
She was told that it would take a month or two after the petition was submitted before a domestic investigator was dispatched, so she would probably hear from the Count soon.
In any case, she didn’t think Count Azelot would win the lawsuit.
It would be enough if Duke Bayern’s face twisted in misery.
Whether he cherished his nephew dearly, or whether he coveted the inheritance.
She didn’t know which it was, but the moment the trial began he would be stressed by the exhausting litigation process.
‘I just hope Count Azelot proves worth the villa I gave him…’
Rebecca was lightly licking her lower lip and smiling faintly.
“Madam, a letter has arrived from the Conwell County.”
Her personal maid entered the greenhouse carrying a silver tray.
“Really? Let me see.”
At last, the letter she had been waiting for had arrived.
Before Henry gained fame backed by the name of House Bayern, she had also wanted to reserve the gallery.
The reply had taken longer than expected, so she had been anxious. Fortunately, it arrived at just the right time.
Rebecca opened the letter with a bright smile.
But then.
“……”
The curve of her lips slowly faded like sand falling through an hourglass.
The corner of the letter crumpled slightly.
“Duchess, has the exhibition date finally been decided?”
She forced strength into the corners of her trembling lips.
It was an innocent question, but anger surged inside her so strongly that she wanted to tear that face to pieces.
But hiding her true feelings was something she had done as naturally as breathing since she was a true-blooded noblewoman.
“…Unfortunately, not yet. Count Conwell says he must consider the weather and check the schedule so it does not overlap with major events.”
The noblewomen nodded with admiration.
“As expected, Count Conwell truly is attentive. I heard he was captivated by Emil’s paintings.”
“Exactly. A gallery only needs to take the money and that’s it. I’m curious how extraordinary the paintings must be.”
“Duchess, could you perhaps show us just a little… Emil’s paintings first?”
The noblewomen’s eyes shone with anticipation.
“…I would also like to show them to you first, but if we consider the meaning of charity, shouldn’t fairness be maintained?”
Leaving the noblewomen’s sighs behind, Rebecca ended the gathering.
After all the guests had left.
CRASH…!
Rebecca threw the teacup.
“…How dare he!”
Just because that mere Count was called an influential figure in the art world, she had shown him respect.
Looking at the date written on the painting, it appears to be from two years ago. The style and technique have simply become more refined.
However, according to an expert’s opinion, the work appears to have been painted with the left hand.
I would like to confirm Emil’s early works painted with his right hand. Would that be possible?
‘So that’s why there had been no reply until now…’
To think he had secretly appraised the painting.
He injured his right hand and then tried painting again with his left.
Just because of that one sentence, he had the painting appraised?
She had already hinted to acquaintances that she would soon reserve the Conwell Gallery.
But since the letter didn’t mention a date, it seemed he had no intention of granting the reservation until he confirmed the early works.
Rebecca anxiously bit down on her lip.
‘What should I do…’
If it became known that Emil had been left-handed since birth?
If that prevented the exhibition from being held?
Being left-handed alone already had enough value, but Count Conwell might still find fault with it.
“…No, that can’t happen.”
What if she couldn’t reserve the gallery?
Not only would she be humiliated in front of those who were expecting Emil’s exhibition, the plan to elevate her reputation would collapse.
She bit down on her fingernails.
She was sick of being humiliated.
‘Count Conwell must never obtain Emil’s early works.’
A man obsessed with art like him might try to track down Emil’s early works on his own.
“In that case, they must be made impossible to find…”
Only when even the smallest trace of the paintings he drew in the past disappeared would she feel safe.
Rebecca spoke to her personal maid in a hushed tone.
“I want to hire someone covertly. Someone who will do anything as long as they are paid…”
A red flame of murderous intent flickered across her emerald eyes.
Erica
When will Nina give her a good blow already? I thought her grandpa was the REAL final villain, so can’t they squish her already?! I hate this woman