“The Dumbleton Tennis Championship. That’s the condition.”

Olivia’s eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected condition.

“…A tennis championship?”

“I’d appreciate it if you participated. Of course, winning would be even better.”

Warm sunlight, like a spring day, filled the carriage. The man, smiling at the corners of his mouth, looked at Olivia. Although she disliked appearing in public.

“…Alright.”

It was better than being aimlessly adrift with Ann.

“Here, all done. Just need your signature here.”

Snapped out of her thoughts by the pen thrust into her view, Olivia took the pen from the employee and filled in her name in the blank space.

Somehow, it would work out.

After withdrawing the necessary cash, Olivia issued new bank guarantees for the remaining amount and stored them in the safe. She tried to suppress her uneasy heart as she and Ann left the bank.

Everything would turn out fine, as it always had.

“Let’s go, Ann.”

“Yes, Miss.”

A spring breeze laden with floral scents gently caressed Olivia’s cheek. It felt like a hopeful promise from the season of rebirth.

Olivia and Ann walked towards Riverside. This noble neighborhood, densely populated with aristocratic townhouses, offered splendid views along the tranquil Bichen River.

“This is truly a historic mansion. Over a hundred years old but so well maintained, look how clean. Moreover, imagine waking up to this view every day. Even His Majesty would be envious. Isn’t it splendid? Speaking of which…”

The real estate agent, introduced by Edgar, was rather verbose.

Olivia and Ann were touring several townhouses to stay temporarily for about three months until the end of the Dumbleton Championship in July.

Staying at the Lancelot Hotel was problematic due to the ongoing scandal with Edgar.

Fortunately, they found a house that suited their tastes just when their legs started to ache.

A red brick house, half-covered in ivy, with a deep navy blue roof that looked heated by the setting sun, and white window frames flushed in the twilight.

Olivia signed the contract on the spot. The interior was clean enough to move in right away without any further work needed.

She paid three hundred francs for three months of rent in one go.

It was said that Earl Blanchett was arrested by the police for forgery of documents the moment he submitted papers at the International Bank’s headquarters. So, he couldn’t trouble her anymore, but since that day, she felt uneasy carrying large amounts of money.

After parting with the agent and returning to the hotel, it was already evening. Fatigued, she crossed the hotel lobby when the elevator doors opened, revealing a familiar face.

It was Madam Loren.

Despite the crowded lobby filled with lounge and club guests, it was impossible not to notice the woman confidently walking through the crowd. The sound of her thin stiletto heels clacking on the marble floor stopped in front of Olivia.

“We meet again, Miss Blanchett.”

Madam Loren nodded slightly, her ostrich feathers swaying above her head.

“Yes, it’s been a while, Madam.”

Olivia responded, glancing over the woman’s shoulder at the elevator she had just exited.

“A lot has changed since then.”

Madam Loren, with widened eyes, took in Olivia’s noticeably altered attire and nodded, muttering to herself.

The discreet short bob hidden under her hat suited her exceptionally well. Her simple attire, usually worn by maids, only enhanced her unique beauty.

The continued rumors of her secret meetings with Duke Lancelot since the Rose Ball had created a not-so-bad outcome.

Olivia Blanchett…
Princess Annblyn was the muse of Eve Loren. She was the perfect model for Madam Loren’s pursuit of high-quality design.

Then, what about Lancelot Loren?

Madam Loren scrutinized Olivia, standing before her once again. It was then she remarked.

“It seems you have a connection with Mr. Lancelot.”

Olivia’s gaze briefly shifted towards the elevator, specifically to Lancelot Hotel’s executive private lift, and then back to Madam Loren. Realizing the implication, she replied with a smile.

“I’m considering forming a connection. For business purposes.”

She was quite perceptive. The woman she had imagined based on overseas rumors was quite different from Olivia. Olivia’s eyes still held suspicion, seeming to need a more friendly explanation.

“I’ve overstepped. The necklace incident caused trouble, not just for Miss Blanchett.”

She had underestimated Princess Annblyn’s lingering feelings for the man she had abandoned for a foreign prince.

“So, I need a new investor.”

Her miscalculation was undeniable. Had she known earlier, she wouldn’t have insisted on Anne Juleber.

“I see.”

Olivia nodded slightly, without much expression.

Relieved, Madam Loren outwardly smiled. It was critical at this point that Olivia did not link her with Edgar. At least not until Lancelot Enterprises had signed the acquisition.

“We might see each other often then. Goodbye.”