"Oh, you do not need to worry about me but about yourself. I am already worried about where you will live once your father faces bankruptcy!"
"How rude! Are you cursing my family in front of my eyes, lady Evangeline!?" Her voice was so loud that it garnered the attention of others and Eli and Eve also turned to look when they heard her name!
Eve's eyes widened when she realized that Evan was surrounded by a bunch of haughty girls that were difficult to deal with.
She took hurried steps towards Evan under the gloating and curious faces of other noble ladies but before she could reach Evan, Eli blocked her way!
"Eli!!" Eli shook her head as she stole a glance at Evan which made Eve frown!
"Eli, what if the ruckus increases! It would affect the marriage, the ceremony of tomorrow and her ascension to the post of the duchess later!" Eli's eyes flickered and her grip on the glass tightened!
There was no way she did not know that and was not worried about it! But…!
"Then, she should solve it well! Even though we are not her babysitters! She is going to be the matriarch of the house.
She had to learn how to resolve the issues! If we continued to meddle in her affairs later, she would think that we are challenging her authorities! And even if she did not, she would never grow that way!
So, let her face setbacks and learn from them!" Eve wanted to deny and protest but under the imposing aura of her sister, she did not dare to and could only sigh!
Though she could not move from there, her eyes were continuously looking for Evan who did not turn to look at them even once.
"There is some confusion, lady Charlotte. I am not cursing you or making assumptions! I am just telling facts!
As far as I remember your family is handling the trade with the east that is full of rich farmers and have prospered well after that!
That is why I can see how your father has pampered you!
But recently draughts have covered the east for more than 3 years. My father in law had personally gone there for relief work and saw that agriculture is deeply affected so they have nothing to trade.
That must have affected your father for a long time now, yet the way you are spending!
I am sure this dress costs a month of expenses for your whole family including vassals!
With such extravagance, should it be a matter of surprise that your family would face bankruptcy when they are already struggling for so long?"
"........" Charlotte's face had turned pale as she did not know how to reply.
Though she had heard about the financial problems, her father had said there was nothing to worry about. So she did not interfere much! But the way Evan had presented it! Could it be!
She fumed as she stared at the girl who had a sympathetic expression on her face but her eyes were mocking her! As if telling you are a dumb person and at the same time going to be poor too! So what are you so haughty about?
"Ha! You are just exaggerating!! My father said we will handle it and he had complete trust in my competencies!" this was the last line her father had blutered out when he had gifted her this dress!
She had beamed and twirled while trying the dress after hearing the proud words of her father!
Though she had no idea how she could help, that must be because she was the lucky charm of the family!
Whispers seemed to rise by hearing her words and a few of girls that were taking her side before stood up and left! With a surprised look, she looked around and saw a wary look in the eyes of many!
How! Why?! What went wrong? With bewildered eyes, she looked around, but did not find the reason so she turned back to glare at the girl who was the reason behind all this!
Evan! She was the cause! When she glared at Evan, she saw an amusing smile on her face and pity this time that infuriated her further!
"Lady Charlotte, you were right! You are a beautiful woman and the dress really compliments you. It could mesmerize any man and they can fall in love with you at first sight!
your father has a lot of faith in your looks and therefore he brought you the dress.
It was my mistake to think that the dress was an expense when it is an investment! I apologize!
But then you should use the investment well and go and meet the noble man collected here instead of having tea with me!" a pearl of laughter and chuckles could be heard around when Evan finished her piece of words.
She picked up the cup nonchalantly and took a sip with a sweet smile on her face as if she was worried about the girl and had kind intentions towards her.
While others could be seen whispering and laughing while looking at Charlotte who looked no less than the clown of the party that had infuriated her.
Her nails had already dug deep into her skin and she was glaring at Even with utter hatred in her eyes but she knew if she would speak further, it would only affect her image and dignity of her father now that she had understood the meaning behind her words!
"If you excuse me, my lady!" Still being respectful towards the future duchess, she stood up and left from there with hurried steps when Evan stared at the left of the girl with challenging eyes as if asking who was going to attack next.
She was like a warrior, ready with her weapons on the battlefield! Anyone who dares to come forward should be prepared for the defeat and insults like Charlotte!
They all gulped and then laughed awkwardly as they scattered away from there with different excuses but she just nodded and let them go!
She did not want to waste her energy in these foolish talks anyway!
"Then I shall go and see where my cousin is!" another noble bowed her head and left from there with a pretense of other works while Evan just nodded!
All she wanted was their respect and a distance from all of them until she knew whom to trust and whom to not!
She was lucky that Charlotte was the one who started! She had met her father when they had gone to the ministry and heard about him from leo. If it would have been anyone else whom she did not know, it would have been difficult to come with a defensive attack!
Taking a deep breath, she picked up the cup again to rest.
"The defense was strong! But if you continued to insult everyone then how will you make friends in the society
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