Yet Valerie could not help but feel uncomfortable.She knew she wouldn't dare meet the woman's gaze now, the weight of her presence too overwhelming.
"What is your name?" Ivanka asked, seated opposite Valerie on the balcony.
"I'm Valerie Austin, Lady Kosler," Valerie replied softly.
"Oh… I've never seen Lady Austin before, except for Bianca," Ivanka said quietly.
Valerie lifted her head. "You know my sister?" she asked.
"Yes, she-"
"Lady, I've got it," Ivanka interjected.
Valerie noticed Bianca entering through the door, startled when she saw Valerie. Bianca carried a small towel and handed it to Ivanka, who received it calmly.
"Why are you here?" Bianca asked sharply, clearly displeased.
"I should be the one asking that," Valerie replied coolly.
Bianca sighed. "I work as Lady Kosler's attendant," she said matter-of-factly.
"What?" Valerie didn't expect that. She averted her gaze, processing the information.
"Too formal to call her an attendant. Lady Bianca is my assistant," Ivanka explained to Valerie.
Valerie looked at Bianca.
"I have several businesses, and Lady Austin is one of the assistants managing them," Ivanka clarified, her eyes still watching Bianca intently.
"I apologize, Lady. I didn't know my sister worked for you. I will take my leave," Valerie said politely.
Bianca sighed and watched as Valerie left.
"It seems your younger sister isn't very happy hearing that you work for me," Ivanka remarked.
"Let it be, Lady. She doesn't know much, she's been spoiled since childhood, so she doesn't understand our family's financial situation," Bianca replied.
"Is that so? Didn't your father sell her until he got a mine?" Ivanka asked, raising an eyebrow.
"You know a lot," Bianca said, slightly surprised.
"Should that be hidden?" Ivanka asked calmly.
"No, Lady. I just wanted to earn money on my own without relying on my family," Bianca said.
"That's good. But I hope you explain it to your family. I don't want any future problems," Ivanka replied.
Bianca bowed respectfully. The woman was undeniably beautiful, yet anyone could sense she was not someone easily confronted.
"Stop working, Bianca!" Count almost shouted, his voice filled with anger and concern when he heard that his daughter was working for Ivanka Kosler. The intensity in his tone revealed his fear, any misstep could bring trouble to the family.
"Father, why are you trying to control me now?" Bianca retorted sharply, her eyes blazing with defiance. "Just because she has become… the Duke's mistress, doesn't mean I should abandon my work! I have my own responsibilities!" Her voice trembled, not from fear, but from frustration and anger.
"But you don't understand, Bianca! This could lead to serious problems later!" Count shouted again, his face flushed. His worry was obvious; he didn't want the family to be entangled in complications with the Marquess Kosler family.
Valerie watched silently from the corner of the room, her heart in turmoil. She knew that if something went wrong, everyone could face serious consequences. Bianca was too stubborn to back down, while Count was too afraid to let her continue. It felt like an endless battle.
"We already have an agreement with the Duke, Bianca," Sonia, Bianca's mother, interjected, her voice calm but firm, emphasizing the family's obligations. "It's better if you obey your father now than regret it later."
"I will not!" Bianca's voice rang out loudly, trembling with the intensity of her emotions. "I've been working since before she became… the Duke's mistress! I will not stop just because others want me to submit!"
The room fell silent. Everyone stared at Bianca, astonished by her courage and determination qualities rarely seen. There was fear, awe, and an undercurrent of anxiety all mixed together.
"If I suddenly stop," Bianca continued, her voice slightly shaky, "won't that only draw Ivanka Kosler's attention? Father… you don't know what she's capable of. Every move we make could be noticed and judged."
Count exhaled deeply, bowing his head, while Sonia gazed at Bianca with a mixture of frustration and admiration.
"But Bianca… do you really feel safe if she finds out about the mine and everything else? Everyone knows the mine is connected to the Duke. Aren't you afraid this could cause trouble for you and the family?" Count's tone was calmer now, but laced with worry.
Bianca paused, looking down at the floor, her heart racing. She knew her father was right, risks were inevitable. But at the same time, she felt a quiet pride in herself for standing up, for refusing to bow, and most importantly, for doing what she believed was right. She would not submit. She would not be controlled. And she would continue to act with her own principles.
"If anything goes wrong, it won't be me that the Duke blames, it'll be you. Just think about whether you want to face his wrath," Valerie warned firmly.
"You sure have a way of talking, don't you?" Bianca snapped, her frustration clear.
"Bianca, what everyone is saying is true. Surely you want to live in peace too, don't you?" Jester interjected calmly.
But Bianca wasn't convinced. Deep down, she was furious. Everything Valerie had received made her feel as though the girl didn't deserve it, and part of her wanted Valerie to face the consequences. Yet there was nothing she could do especially with the Duke standing behind Valerie.
"The Duke wouldn't have let this happen if I hadn't caused problems, right?" Bianca said bitterly, her voice sharp.
"Honestly, I don't understand what's going through your mind. Isn't it enough to just sit and enjoy all of this?" Sonia reminded her, her tone laced with gentle reproach.
"I don't want to be like you, Mother," Bianca shot back defiantly.
"Best to let her think, Father," Jester muttered, shrugging slightly.
"Do as you please. If anything happens, I won't save you from the Duke's wrath," Count said coldly, then turned and walked away.
Everyone's eyes shifted to Bianca, who stood frozen for a moment. Valerie rose gracefully, fixing her gaze on her.
"You really have no control over yourself," Valerie said calmly, then began to step away.
"You're acting so arrogant just because you've become the Duke's… mistress!" Bianca yelled, her voice echoing in the room.
Valerie paused and looked back at her.
"I'm only protecting you and this family. Beyond that, it's none of my concern. Once I move out, I have nothing to do with any of you,"