“The Marchioness—no, Lady Anais—showing up at this banquet must mean she’s completely done with the Marquis of Graham, right?”
“That’s what I think too. Everyone here knows how much the Marquis of Graham hates Duke Constantine.”
“Seems like whatever happened at the hotel the other day was nothing major.”
“Maybe she still had some loose ends to tie up.”
“I heard all the men dabbling in business are after her now.”
“Even the ones with real businesses are eyeing her, but cautiously.”
“Because of the Marquis of Graham, they couldn’t make a move before. But if Graham Bank has switched sides to Constantine, they don’t need to tiptoe anymore.”
“You could say Constantine just cleared the path to Graham Bank.”
“That’s not all. Matchmakers are probably going wild right now. Just look—those bees swarming around Lady Anais!”
Just as they said, the banquet hall was full of men hovering around Anais, watching for the right moment.
The desperation to claim Anais—who hadn’t danced her first dance yet—was downright unsightly.
There were all kinds:
Men who wouldn’t inherit a title because they were second sons,
men whose families were broke,
those who had squandered their inheritance,
divorcees, widowers, even those with illegitimate children.
Among the noblewomen fluttering their fans, Gwendoline also witnessed it all.
“So that’s why Baldwin invited her here—money. I heard his deal with Germania fell through. Must be desperate now.”
Gwendoline’s eyes narrowed.
She felt pity for Anais, yet found her terribly irritating.
She’d heard the rumors: Baldwin spending more time with Anais lately.
How he’d come to her rescue at a previous banquet when she was in a bind.
And worst of all—how dazzling Anais looked despite being a divorcee.
“She always stirred up drama at the academy too.”
Gwendoline clicked her tongue.
“We were talking about Lady Anais.”
“What about her?”
“We were making a bet. Honestly, we’re better than the guys currently chasing after her, don’t you think?”
These men had noble status, decent wealth, and a calm confidence in themselves.
What’s more, they were all young, unmarried, and filled with ambition—ideal marriage prospects in their own eyes.
“So?”
“We figured she’d like one of us. Thought we might as well do something to please our parents.”
“Exactly.”
“They’re calling her the gold coin of the financial world right now. Aren’t you curious who’s going to snatch up that blind fortune?”
Gwendoline’s eyes gleamed with wicked amusement.
Men’s pride always flared up when a wager was involved.
And a pitiful woman like that—surely she’d fall easily for the right man’s charm.
Gwendoline decided to throw a spark into this group of fluttering moths.
“I’m curious too. If I were a man, I’d have boldly approached her already. But it seems there’s no brave man among you.”
“That’s a bit harsh.”
The gentlemen’s eyebrows twitched. Gwendoline shrugged playfully.
“Why not give it a try? Lady Anais is beautiful, after all. Beautiful and rich—even if divorced. Who wouldn’t want her? Like you said, this might be the greatest act of filial piety you could do.”
Tilting her head, Gwendoline added:
“Ah, there should be a prize for something like this, right?”
“A prize?”
Gwendoline smiled slyly at the men.
“I’m curious too—which gallant young man will rescue that pitiful divorcée. If any of you actually marry Lady Anais, I’ll give you a grand gift. Something worth getting excited about.”
She lifted the corners of her lips seductively.
Gwendoline herself had a well-known beauty among the socialites, more than enough to capture the attention of these “gentlemen.”
And her offer lit a spark of interest in the otherwise bored men.
“So, who’s going to score the first date tonight? I’m genuinely curious.”
Swallowing hard under Gwendoline’s provocation, the men all turned their eyes toward Anais—at the exact same time.
Anais’s Perspective
I had expected to hold productive conversations here.
But I quickly realized I was mistaken.
“Please dance the first dance with me, Lady Anais. I’m clearly better than that guy.”
“No, milady! I have a title. I may be a viscount, but I’m the better choice!”
Each of them started waving at me, desperate to make their case.
It was then I remembered what Mr. Genus had said—that my name was now circulating in the marriage market.
“I won’t be dancing. I’m tired.”
“Then how about taking a walk with me for some fresh air?”
They were different from the men who used to visit the bank and ogle me with vile expressions.
But their intentions were the same—they saw me only as a woman.
I was starting to feel the full weight of my situation.
I had clawed my way up from the bottom, from the Graham estate… but I was still at the bottom.
Fury welled up inside me like wildfire. I bit my lip.
More and more men seemed to surround me. I braced myself, feet firmly planted.
“I’m fine. I’d prefer to spend time alone.”
“Lady Anais, let me tell you—I own vast farmlands. Plus, my father runs a successful business…”
“Do you believe you won’t need financial dealings with Graham Bank in the future?”
Anais let out a small sigh and gritted her teeth.
“Lady Anais, we’re offering you kindness right now!”
“And what kind of kindness is it if the recipient doesn’t feel it as such? I’m a very petty person.”
Even the densest man had to understand that. I sighed and added:
“I’m tired. I’d like to rest alone. If you have a sincere proposal, please present it with proper decorum. You may contact Graham Bank.”
Their expressions soured, but they got the message and backed off.
A sigh escaped me.
They all acted refined, but deep down, their thoughts were no different.
To them, I wasn’t a business partner—I was a wallet overflowing with money.
Whoever picked it up first thought they could spend what was inside.
Anais, exhausted, wrapped her arms around herself and escaped to a chair near the wall.
A bitter smile crept across her face—despite arriving with confidence, she now felt like a fugitive.
There were no friends here.
Only people who had come to tear pieces off me.
What had I even been expecting?
The Constantine Spring Banquet—held just once a year—was in full bloom.
As its host, Baldwin Constantine didn’t have a moment to rest.
But not every encounter was pleasant.
“When is the Dowager Duchess arriving? Still traveling, is she?”
This from a man who had previously made insulting comments about Baldwin’s physical condition.
“Your Grace, may I speak with you briefly? I have a new river cruise venture…”
This from someone who spread baseless rumors that Baldwin had lost his ability to father children—just to attract attention.
People who had longed to speak with Baldwin now bombarded him.
This is why a banquet is never just a banquet.
And because these people were all tied to various business interests, it wasn’t like he could simply not invite them.
It was their brazen attitude that amazed him.
[Step back.]
Only when Baldwin frowned did they finally begin to quiet down.
[If this continues, you won’t be receiving invitations to next year’s spring banquet.]
There was genuine coldness in Baldwin’s rejection.
Earlier, he had spotted Anais among the crowd—shining more brightly than anyone.
He glanced around again and clicked his tongue.
He had invited Anais tonight to show her that there were paths beyond Graham.
But instead of being surrounded by admirers, Anais now sat alone at a table near the wall—her face carrying a cool expression.
Baldwin’s eyes narrowed.
