Tea Party invitation

Riyue Estate

After Dominic finished a few minor tasks, he strolled into the lodge with Caleb, passing the reception desk. A group of female guests watched him with admiration as he walked by, whispering among themselves. Dominic, however, remained unfazed by the attention, keeping his focus on his destination.

Suddenly, a strawberry-blonde woman at the reception desk caught sight of him. Her eyes narrowed as she recognized his striking hair.

"How did he get that hair color? Who are his parents? Could they be one of us?"* she murmured under her breath, scrutinizing him from head to toe. "No one bears that color unless they come from our lineage. He must be trying to mock us by changing their hair color like ours. People have tried before and paid the price for it."She made a quick payment at the desk before leaving the lodge, determined to report her suspicions.

"Nobody from our family has traveled abroad... Could he be hiding something?"

Unaware of the danger looming, Dominic arrived at his room. The guards stationed outside greeted him with a formal nod, to which he responded with a slight gesture. Inside, the room resembled a grand, luxurious dormitory—four spacious beds with heavy curtains for privacy, drawers beside each bed, and a chandelier of Eardoznian craftsmanship casting a soft glow from the ceiling. The walls were adorned with paintings, and an ornate clock hung beside the closet. Two plush sofas sat around a coffee table, and a single lounge chair with a reading lamp nestled in the corner. Flower pots and vases filled the space, adding a touch of elegance to the room.

Dominic let out a weary sigh as he removed his coat, handing it to Caleb. He dropped his portfolio beside the sofa and collapsed onto the cushions. "What a long day," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. "I need some tea."

Caleb nodded and hung up the coat before dialing the lodge's reception to order tea. After a brief exchange, he returned and sat across from Dominic, passing him some real estate documents.

"I have a mountain of work to finish, and I still need to visit my mother's home," Dominic sighed, flipping through the pages. He retrieved a notebook from his portfolio and a pen, while Caleb fetched an inkpot from the drawer.

As Dominic, left-handed, began jotting down notes, Caleb continued. "I did some digging on your mother's estate in Eardoznia. Turns out the Capulet family holds majority of stakes in the area. We can't afford to cross them."

Dominic raised an eyebrow but continued writing. "Oh, I'm not worried. We won't offend them. My time here is brief. I just want to return what rightfully belongs to them, in honor of my mother. Even if she never showed me love until it was too late... I will always love her."

He paused to take out a small, worn photo of his mother from his pocket and pressed it gently to his lips. Just then, the doorbell rang. Caleb stood up to answer it, greeting the servant with a polite nod as the tea trolley was wheeled in.

As Dominic poured his tea, a subtle sadness flickered in his eyes, though he masked it well with his usual calm demeanor. He didn't let it show, keeping his emotions carefully hidden from Caleb, blissfully unaware of the danger surrounding him—perhaps because of the telltale shade of his hair.

Back in Verdaselles – The Rosebland Family Mansion

Evangeline stepped gracefully through the iron gates of the Rosebland estate, flanked by Richard and Magdalene. She wore a lilac gown that shimmered in the sunlight, paired with sparkling heels. Her hair was styled in an elegant ballerina bun, adorned with a purple hair accessory. As she approached the mansion, her old friend Louise Rosebland rushed to greet her.

Louise, with her golden hair and bright blue eyes, was a vision in a fitted red skirt and jacket with puffed sleeves. "Evangeline! It's been far too long!" she exclaimed, smiling warmly as she greeted Magdalene as well

"Yes, it has," Evangeline replied with a wry smile. "My grandmother has been busy and trying to marry me off. It's been exhausting."

Evangeline asked Richard to stay behind, and he obeyed without question. Magdalene, meanwhile, followed close behind her.

As soon as Magdalene spotted Louise and Evangeline deep in conversation, she excused herself with a polite nod and gracefully made her way toward a group of familiar guests, eager to engage in her own social exchanges.

Louise raised an eyebrow, her expression sympathetic. "Ah, the joys of being a Viceroy's wife. Always duty-bound." They linked arms, walking toward the garden where the tea party was in full swing. "I heard she's pushing you toward a Brusward. Tough break."

Evangeline rolled her eyes. "Worst decision she's ever made. She doesn't care about my feelings. Everything inherited in his name, while I'm left to play the part of the obedient wife."

Louise chuckled. "I understand. But since Dominic took over, the country's been stable, and business owners are finally safe from leeches. Maybe... you could make peace with him?"

"We were only married for the contract. I can't stand the way he gets under my skin," Evangeline scoffed, shooting her friend an exasperated look.

Louise smiled mischievously. "Well, they say even the coldest marriages can spark something. Dominic's not all bad. I'm engaged myself, and trust me—men are difficult to understand."

Evangeline sighed, picking at a dessert as they approached the tea party. "At least your fiancé isn't from a criminal family. My life is an absolute mess."

"Well, now that you're here, you're always welcome," Louise said warmly, her eyes narrowing as she noticed Richard. "Who's he, Evangeline? He's quite good-looking," she asked with curiosity.

"That's my bodyguard, Richard. He came to accompany me today," Evangeline replied, reaching for a teapot and delicately pouring herself a cup of tea.

"Ooh, far too handsome for just a bodyguard. You're lucky," Louise teased, flashing a mischievous grin.

Evangeline chuckled softly. "Oh, please. He's only here to protect me from Dominic."

Louise raised an eyebrow and burst into laughter. "Protect you? From a Brusward? You've got to be joking!" she said, knowing full well the influence and power Dominic's family wielded.

From across the party, a veiled woman, Eliza, smirked as she observed Evangeline. "So, this is Dominic's wife... Interesting. Even more beautiful than I'd heard," she whispered to herself, twirling a fork between her fingers.

Evangeline took a slow sip of her tea, her voice lowering. "There are people more powerful than the Bruswards. They don't even come close."

As Evangeline spoke, she felt the weight of someone's gaze on her. Across the room, Eliza watched her intently, a faint smile playing on her lips before she turned away.

Louise caught Evangeline's distracted look. "Is something wrong?" she asked, following her friend's gaze.

"It's nothing," Evangeline murmured, shaking her head. "Just lost in thought. So, tell me—who's the lucky man?"

Louise's face lit up. "He's a lieutenant! Our wedding is in three months." She showed off her engagement ring with a proud smile.

"Congratulations," Evangeline said warmly. "I'll be sure to attend. It's the least I can do."

As the women saw two familiar figures approaching the venue, they greeted Louise warmly. Louise smiled and graciously returned their greetings.

"Thank you, everyone," Louise began, her voice carrying over the crowd. "Today, my dear friend Evangeline is here with us—our Viceroy's wife."

At the mention of Evangeline's name, several of the ladies exchanged whispers, their eyes flickering with curiosity. Some murmured about the rumors surrounding her marriage, while others, who admired her artwork, stepped forward to greet her with genuine warmth.

Eliza, meanwhile, had made her way over to Richard. "Well, well, well," she drawled, clapping her hands mockingly. "Seems like your mistress is having quite the day, leaving you behind."

Richard eyed her warily. "Who are you?"

"Let's have a chat," Eliza purred, leading him to a secluded corner. Before he could react, she pinned him against the wall, her hand tracing his chest. "I know all about you... and your 'affair' with Evangeline,Let me introduce myself. My name is Eliza Venison, daughter of the Venison family—the ones running your lover's gallery," she said with a sly smile as Richard forcefully yanked her hand off his chest.

"What do you want?" Richard asked, his voice hard and demanding.

"Ah! Playing hard to get, are we?" Eliza teased, her tone dripping with amusement. "But you don't seem to resist when it comes to grooming Evangeline in bed, do you? I'm no different from her, you know. In fact, I like you." She reached up to touch his chin, but Richard gritted his teeth, his patience wearing thin.

In one swift movement, he grabbed her wrist, pinning her against the wall. "I asked you, what do you want? And how do you know about Evangeline?" His voice was low, threatening, as he glared down at her.

Eliza replied, "You were an accomplice of Victor and Edward, weren't you?"

Richard clenched his fists after releasing her. "I've left that life behind. You can tell them I don't care. Whatever I do with Evangeline is none of your concern." He turned away, his jaw clenched

Eliza smirked, her voice turning cold. "Oh, nothing much. Just a night with you. Or should I say, Henry?" She paused, letting the name hang in the air like a threat. "Don't think I'm unaware of your past with Edward and Victor. One wrong move, and I could ruin your life with the snap of my fingers."

Her words made Richard freeze mid-step. Slowly, he turned back, a bitter scoff escaping his lips. "You think I'm afraid? Go ahead, tell them. I'm done with that world." His eyes narrowed dangerously. "And stay away from Evangeline. Or else."

Eliza's smile widened as she watched him walk away. "Be careful, Richard," she called after him. "You never know when your past might come knocking… and you won't like the price."

Richard didn't respond, disappearing into the distance, while Eliza's gaze darkened. "Despicable," she muttered under her breath. "But mark my words, I'll ruin you yet."