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What did I just hear?
“At this point, aren’t you just waiting to break up with His Highness?”
It felt like something hit her head. A wave of heat rushed to the back of her head. Dana was speechless and could only stare as Noah crumpled the love letter and threw it on the floor.
“You’re using that body so carelessly just because it isn’t really yours, aren’t you?”
“Because Windsor is not your family, you’re recklessly tarnishing its name.”
What on earth is going on right now? Dana couldn’t understand a single word coming out of Noah’s mouth. But there was one thing she did understand. That right now, she was being terribly insulted.
“On what basis do you have to say such things?”
“Why? Did you think nobody would find out what you’ve been up to?” Noah looked at the newspaper and sneered. “Everyone knows. That you’re dragging the Windsor family’s name through the mud.”
“So you’re saying I’m crazy about men? Me?” Dana felt her emotions flare up, so she swallowed hard. “And what do you mean by saying I’m using this body carelessly because it isn’t mine?”
“Your secretary.”
“Lethe? What about him?”
“He’s your lover, right?”
“I knew it. I figured as much ever since you brought that handsome man as your secretary.”
“On what basis are you saying this?”
“Sister Allice told me everything.”
Ah… Allice.Dana sighed heavily.Right, Allice.When she thought about it, Allice did mention something like that a while ago. Something about that she shouldn’t do that with her secretary…I already told her it was a misunderstanding.But Allice’s been spreading it around as if it were true?
“That’s just Allice’s misunderstanding.”
“Don’t make me laugh. Sister Allice said she saw you two being indecent in a room.”
Allice said that? Indecent, in a room, with Lethe? And she told Noah in such a blunt way?Rage boiled up from within her, because of Allice and Noah.
“We just talked a bit at a slightly close distance.”
“Oh, is that what you tell everyone?”
“I’m only telling the truth, Noah Windsor.”
“Really? I wouldn’t know. All I’ve ever heard from you are lies.”
“After all, you’re a liar. You enjoy deceiving me, don’t you?” Noah’s eyes glittered as if consumed by flames. The look in his eyes was as if he was facing a mortal enemy…
Dana instantly lost all energy.Whether he believes it or not, what does it matter? Why am I even trying to explain myself right now?Thinking that, she felt empty inside.Right, what does it matter what that kid thinks? It really doesn’t matter at all.
“And Justin Lancaster is my classmate. When did you ever lead my friend on?” Noah pointed at the love letter and snarled. “I guarantee, if Justin knew you were a promiscuous woman with a lover, he’d never sent you that letter!”
Promiscuous woman.
“Noah. Your words…” Dana smiled sweetly at the glaring Noah. “Do you even know what that means?”
“You keep calling me promiscuous, but do you actually know what that means?”
At those words, Noah clenched his fists tightly. “Are you… mocking me? Do you think I’m still a child?”
“Yes. That’s how it looks to me.”
“I know everything I need to know! Don’t treat me like an idiot!”
“If you really knew, you wouldn’t use that word so carelessly. Noah, promiscuous…” She grabbed Noah’s shoulder as he tried to step back. “That word means…” She then whispered in his ear. That very dirty word and its meaning.
Sure enough, Noah’s face turned bright red in an instant. He shook off Dana’s hand and staggered backward.
“A-Are you crazy?! Hoooow could you say such filthy things!”
“You’re the one saying I did those filthy things,” Dana spoke indifferently and shrugged. “The only reason I haven’t slapped you is because I thought you probably didn’t know what that word means. Because, Noah, you’re still…” She then looked Noah up and down before smiling brightly. “A child, aren’t you?”
“A-A child? Me?”
“Yes. Anyone who turns beet red at just hearing a word like that is still a child.”
Now, Noah was blushing all the way down his neck, and his lips were trembling.
Dana continued, unbothered. “And Noah. I…” She bent down to pick up the newspaper. “Never thought of the Windsor family as someone else’s family.” At least, not until recently.
I really thought of this place as my home. I thought of you as my family. No, I wanted to become part of your family. Thinking back on it now, I feel a little sorry. It must have disgusted you… Swallowing all those words, Dana smiled. “If you’re done here, please leave.”
Shortly after, Lethe came in. He sighed and immediately applied ointment to Dana’s cheek. She’s gotten a thin scratch, probably from the newspaper Noah threw.
“I’m sorry, Milady. Because of me…”
“What are you talking about?”
“Milady is suffering from unnecessary rumors because of me… I have no excuse.”
Dana chuckled. “What are you saying? Don’t say things like that with such a straight face.”
Lethe looked quietly at Dana’s face and spoke. “Milady.”
“Shall I make a burn mark on my face?”
“Maybe then the rumors will disappear.”
“Don’t say such stupid things.”
“You were born with a handsome face. Why would you ruin it?”
“Don’t ever say that again.”
Dana wanted to comfort him by stroking his face.No, wait.Her hand, which had raised toward his shoulder, paused.Lethe is an adult now. How old is he this year? Is it twenty?Anyway, he’s an adult now. So she shouldn’t treat him like a boy as she did when they first met.
Instead of his face, Dana put her hand on his shoulder and said, “Don’t worry about what people say behind your back.”
“I don’t care. But Milady…” He paused, then took a deep breath. “I hate hearing people talk a sh*t about you, Milady.”
He must have been angry. After all, it’s so uncharacteristic of him to use harsh words. And yet, strangely enough, Dana was touched by his profanity.
Lethe really cares about me.Lethe is really her person. Not Danae Windsor’s person, but her own, whom she discovered chose for herself.
What would happen to Lethe if she got the holy relic and returned to her world?…What do I mean by what would happen? Of course he’ll do well. He’s not a kid… Thinking he couldn’t live without me would just be arrogance. And an insult to Lethe too.
Lethe is smart. He’ll live his life well. He’s truly capable, and there’s nothing he couldn’t do, as far as she knew.
I should leave him a generous severance pay when I go.
Dana smiled reassuringly. “It’s okay, so let’s stop talking about it.” Then she sprang to her feet. “Today’s going to be a busy day, Lethe. Get ready.”
The branch manager beamed with pride. It was because the front page of the newspaper was covered with news about Liten Bank. In specific, articles about Danae Windsor becoming a customer of Liten Bank!
Thank goodness the bank had plenty of gold coins that day.
Was it thanks to that article? The bank was bustling from early morning. Customers who usually went elsewhere, even those who mainly used Windsor Bank, were showing up!
That’s when it happened.
“Branch Manager!” A bank staff member came running. “Danae Windsor, that lady is here again!”
“Oh! Is that so? She’s here early in the morning!”
Here comes the pushover!
“Hurry, take her to the VIP room. No, actually, I’ll go myself. Tell her to wait in the lobby!”
If we want to advertise to other customers, it’s better to handle her at the public counter!
The branch manager ran out, excited. And then,
“Good to see you again.”
“Yes! Welcome, Milady! What can I help you with today?”
“The same as yesterday.”
Huh?The branch manager stiffened.What did she just say?
At Dana’s signal, men in black suits entered the bank again.
Those are the same guys from yesterday!
Thud, thud, thud.Several black bags were placed on the desk.
“It’s 100 billion Fran.” Dana smiled brightly. “Please exchange it for gold coins now.”