Evil Ellen seemed surprised that she would go so far to keep Blank alive.

At this point, I thought Philip might really doubt his wife’s identity, but I wasn’t too worried once I made up my mind.

Even if he doubted, there was no objective evidence, and he’s going to divorce anyway.

I climbed back into the carriage and leaned on Blank beside me.

With a gentle face, Blank slowly wagged its tail and stayed obediently.

It was soft and warm. Plus, Blank’s heartbeat sounded quite good.

I didn’t think I needed to go to Madame Hedes’ boutique today. Blank is reliable and suitable as a cushion substitute.

It was just right to take a short nap now.

‘Sometimes if I take it with me and lean on it, it will listen better if we get close.’

Comfortably leaning on Blank, I ordered Mild to start, then closed my eyes for a moment.

(This is a time divider.)

Afterwards, the business preparations went smoothly.

Mills led the employees I hired to start making candles. The workshop was sufficient, and the supply route for materials was quickly determined.

And the refugees received the status of citizens. They were no longer refugees and moved into the houses I provided.

A few days later, some of them volunteered for the store’s interior construction, claiming to have an insight into construction.

“You don’t have to pay us! Use us as daily laborers for the building’s interior construction!”

I permitted them, and they took care of my work like their own. Thoroughly and meticulously, even in places that were not easily visible. Some of them seemed to be working day and night.

“We have to repay the lady’s kindness!”

“This isn’t even worth mentioning in the fatigue category!”

“We will do it perfectly so you don’t have to worry!”

That was their answer to my admonition not to overdo it.

(This is a time divider.)

Today, as I looked around the bustling business scene, Mild asked,

“Did you know it would turn out like this, ma’am?”

“Huh?”

“The refugees are not sparing themselves. Like it’s their own business.”

I didn’t know the refugees would work to this extent. But I have to answer coolly.

“It’s all about sincerity, isn’t it? I sincerely help them settle, and they sincerely help my business. That’s how work is supposed to be done.”

Respect was visible in Mild’s eyes.

“Please forgive me for not recognizing your ability until now, ma’am.”

“Huh?”

“Your business strategy is amazing.”

“No, well. It’s not that big a deal.”

Mild’s praise made me shy, and I scratched behind my ear slightly.

Of course, I answered well, but I didn’t expect it to be accepted so impressively.

And Laila’s skills grew rapidly day by day.

She came at least an hour early to practice what I taught her. She trained as much as she wanted after the lesson.

Her proficiency depended on her practice, but overall, her learning pace was fast.

By the time I leave the mansion, I should be able to teach almost all the skills.

Anyway, since Laila’s attitude was so good, I was motivated to teach her more diligently.

“That’s right, Laila. That’s how you do it.”

Laila smiled proudly whenever I praised her.

“Thank you! Mother, I’ll work even harder!”

Every time, a smile was drawn on Philip’s lips as he watched from one side.

I understand his satisfaction a hundred times.

The brighter Laila is, the better Marlboro’s bright future looks.

“That’s it for today.”

“Thank you! Mother!”

As I left the corridor after Laila’s lively greeting,

“Lady.”

Philip stopped me.

“Yes?”

“I, uh! So, what I mean is.”

He looked anxious, tense.

I hadn’t faced Philip except for observing Laila’s lessons. Because I was avoiding him first.

Was it because we had fulfilled our marital duties with the help of alcohol?

Or was it because Ellen’s unique venomous look hadn’t been seen lately?

Sometimes Philip invited me to dine.

Sometimes directly, sometimes through Domingo.

But I always refused, citing fatigue or busyness.
In fact, every time I saw him after our last time in bed, my feelings seemed to grow. It wasn’t surprising, as Philip was so handsome.

But having such feelings for the man I was to divorce was dangerous.

It’s because the original Lady Ellen was obsessed with Philip and it had led to a big fuss.

‘Out of sight, out of mind.’

So I had planned not to get involved with him as much as possible.

But there were times when Philip, with a worried look on his face, directly asked me.

Something like, ‘You said you were busy yesterday; how have you been lately?’ turned into an indirect question.

Maybe he was uncomfortable because I had rejected him several times without realizing I would?

I looked at Philip with distant eyes and opened my mouth.

“Speak.”

Then he cautiously asked.

“Lady, do you dislike me by any chance?”

‘What a surprise.’

I thought it might look that way, but I didn’t expect him to ask outright.

“No.”

The answer was not difficult.

Why would I dislike avoiding getting attached?

Then Philip’s gloomy mood lifted a bit.

“But it seems like you’re avoiding me. It’s a little hard to see your face.”

“I’ve been busy lately.”