Gold Coin and Freesia

“What were you thinking when you wrote this contract?”
Regardless of how others viewed Cordelia and Edwin, Scott did not hesitate to criticize Edwin for bringing such an unfair contract. While Cordelia would also have to fulfill a wish if Edwin failed to meet his terms, Edwin only had one condition, putting him at a significant disadvantage. One misstep, and he could be caught in a trap.

“Are you listening to me?”
Edwin did not answer. Scott, realizing Edwin was ignoring him, fumed with anger.
“Edwin!”
Damn it! The unspoken curse was almost audible.
“The weather is nice.”
Edwin, eyes closed, basked in the sunlight, looking like a contented cat.
“You advised me not to mention my ex-wife in the first place.”
“I didn’t tell you to bring an entirely one-sided contract.”
Scott’s criticism was lengthy. Edwin opened his eyes slowly, fixing his gaze on Scott. His silent, intense stare often left people, men and women alike, blushing and stammering. Compliments about his gem-like eyes were common.

“Your charms don’t work on me.”
But Scott, who had worked with Edwin for a long time, was immune. He knew how Edwin’s face and words were used in various situations.
“That’s a pity.”
Edwin slumped back into his chair, looking like a lazy lion.
“Did you fall in love with Princess Cordelia at first sight?”
“Not at all.”
Edwin dismissed the idea of being so enamored with Cordelia that he would give everything away.
“Good. If my boss had lost his mind over a woman, I would’ve quit.”
“I have no choice but to do my best to get married and receive the title to inherit the company.”
“Do your best?”
“I’ve already signed, and it’s unchangeable. Don’t waste your energy.”
“Fine, it’s none of my business if you lose your wealth or have children.”
Scott’s sarcastic remark didn’t anger Edwin.
Children felt like a distant, vague concept, and Scott’s anger over trivial matters was incomprehensible to him.
“Why did you include the clause about pregnancy and childbirth?”
Scott shouted, seemingly more irritated the more he thought about it.
“Once I take over Tride, it won’t matter. I want to ensure the traitors don’t get what they want most.”
“Give me the branch’s report.”
Edwin answered honestly and held out his hand. Scott seemed to have more to say but sighed in resignation.
“Why has production dropped?”
“There was a collapse due to recent heavy rains, making workers hesitant to mine deep areas.”
Though operations continued, workers valued their lives over money, making the situation difficult.
“Any fatalities?”
“One man in his thirties.”
Workers would likely return once the incident faded from memory. Edwin tapped his fingers on the table, deep in thought.
“What’s his family situation?”
“He has a ten-year-old daughter. His wife died long ago.”
“Stop mining until the ground stabilizes. And that girl…”
Edwin hesitated unusually, prompting Scott to narrow his eyes.
“Are you planning to bring her to the mansion…?”
Scott cautiously voiced a nonsensical suspicion, causing Edwin to toss his pen aside.
“Do you want to get shot?”
“Of course not. I must have been out of my mind.”
Scott calmly apologized, recognizing the absurdity of his assumption.
“Announce that we’ll sponsor her since she’s lost her father.”
Edwin placed the paper he had been holding on the table.
Edwin sought the reputation of a responsible businessman who supports the orphaned. Such rumors often paid off unexpectedly, making the sponsorship cost minor in comparison.
Edwin Tride, never one to take a loss. Scott, understanding Edwin’s intentions, turned away with a knowing look.
“One more thing.”
Scott stopped at the door as Edwin’s voice called out.
“I need a favor.”
***
Aaron rarely initiated conversations, making this meeting with Mrs. Lian all the more unusual. With a cold expression, she faced Aaron.
“I need a favor.”
Aaron bluntly got to the point, not having touched his tea. Mrs. Lian frowned at his rudeness.
“Tea time, huh?”
Seeing Edwin in Aaron’s silent, reclined posture annoyed her. She detested Edwin even more, knowing he’d age into a spitting image of his father.
“Edwin and the princess will stay in the annex after their marriage.”
“Are you crazy? Buy a mansion for them!”
Mrs. Lian scoffed and angrily retorted.
“Edwin will receive a title, and we are commoners. The servants will be confused about how to treat their masters.”
“What’s there to be confused about? Edwin is my son. And Barton’s practically a viscount through his marriage to the Liberty family.”
To Aaron, everything was simple. Even as a duke, Edwin would still be his esteemed son.
“Barton’s situation became ridiculous! We barely tied with the Liberty family, and now you’re tying Edwin with the royal family?”
Mrs. Lian’s world wasn’t as simple. She wanted Barton to inherit Tride and own the mansion, but Aaron and Edwin consistently thwarted her ambitions.
“Did I take away Barton’s chance to be the successor? No.”
“You want to make Barton look foolish by favoring Edwin!”
“That’s enough.”
Aaron warned her. However, the fury in Mrs. Lian’s eyes didn’t wane.
“You’re always like this. No matter what happens to us…”
“Look at yourself, Lian Tride.”
Aaron coldly countered, leaving Mrs. Lian speechless and trembling with anger.
Aaron, seemingly done with the conversation, pushed back his chair and stood up. His indifferent gaze lingered on her shaking hands.
“Prepare a bedroom for Edwin and Princess Cordelia.”
“…Fine.”
Aaron turned away, leaving Mrs. Lian behind, focused only on his retreating form, never reflecting on herself.
Biting her lip until it bled, Mrs. Lian rang the call bell.
“Mother.”
It was Hailey who entered through the door.
“I was about to call you. Have a seat.”
Mrs. Lian gestured to the chair Aaron had vacated. Hailey quietly took a seat opposite her.
“Edwin and the princess will stay here after their wedding.”
“What?”
Hailey asked, stunned. Mrs. Lian understood her confusion but didn’t bother explaining.
“Prepare their bedroom. You know Edwin better, so make it suitable.”
Mrs. Lian spoke with a hint of sarcasm, her anger clear. Hailey quietly nodded in agreement.
“How’s Barton doing? And the business?”
Mrs. Lian’s anger subsided, realizing her rage wasn’t Hailey’s fault.
“He’s trying to discover new talent. He seems to have found someone promising.”
Hailey answered softly.
“When will he stop searching and show results?”
Mrs. Lian rubbed her forehead in frustration. It was clear where Aaron’s cold evaluation of Barton came from.
“I’ll get you some headache medicine.”
Unable to watch any longer, Hailey got up like a dutiful daughter-in-law. She intended to fetch medicine for Mrs. Lian’s frequent headaches.
On her way down the stairs, Hailey paused halfway. The servants on the first floor looked up at her in surprise.
“Oh. If Barton hadn’t married, marrying the princess would have been his chance. You made Barton miss his opportunity.”
Hailey pictured Edwin, who stood to gain the most from this marriage.
Damn Edwin Tride, who was no help at all.
Hailey gritted her teeth but then calmed herself. By the time she opened her eyes, she was back to being the demure, obedient young mistress.