Ackerman shouted. However, Edward, unfazed, said, “Of course. As you often say, I come from a messed-up background.”

“What…!”

“Let’s overlook the other things for now. Just tell me, who is that bold lady?”

Then, Robert Fromhart, who was observing the situation, spoke, “We just heard about what happened at the party. The one who spoke to you was Ernst’s younger daughter.”

“Ernst?”

Edward repeated.

“Yes. Theodore there would know her well.”

At his words, Edward’s gaze briefly shifted to Gilford, who shook his head.

“If you’re satisfied, please make way. We won’t take issue with your rudeness.”

“……Enjoy the party.”

Edward irritably dropped the curtain.

Gilford, noticing Edward’s mood, began to speak, “I’ll go and talk about what happened.”

“Forget it. The important thing is Louisa was humiliated.”
Edward glared fiercely at Gilford and said, “It seems the young lady thoughtlessly ran her mouth, thinking she knows me. I’ll let it pass as a child’s mistake, but only this once. Understand?”

“Yes, Mr. Allen.”

Gilford lowered his head. Edward, realizing he was unfairly taking out his anger on the innocent Gilford, eventually cursed.

“Damn it.”

Breathing heavily, he couldn’t control his temper and kicked the wall hard.

Thud.

Deep down, he knew the problem stemmed from him, which made him even more furious.

Edward took a deep breath and straightened up.

It was late, too late, but he still had to go find his wife.

‘Is Louisa okay?’

His mind was a whirlwind of concern for his wife and self-loathing that seemed to consume him.

‘Every time, listening to such nonsense, and then suffering in silence, pretending everything’s fine in front of me.’

‘Please, Louisa.’

He moved with an anxious stride.

With every step, his heart felt like it was shattering.

As he was about to descend the stairs from the mezzanine, he saw a woman coming out of the party hall on the first floor.

A woman in a dress, once brilliantly white but now stained with wine as red as blood, looking very much like his wife.

Their eyes met, and her expression twisted.

“……Ed.”

Several times, and until a few hours ago, that was the voice of the most precious person to him.

Swallowing back tears, Edward said, “Louisa.”

The spilled liquid was, unfortunately, a bright red wine.

“Oh no, what a mess.”

Someone sighed. Everyone around was focused on one spot.

Louisa bit her lip tightly.

She didn’t see who did it, so she couldn’t tell if it was intentional or an accident.

Certainly, someone among all these people saw it and knew the truth, but no one was willing to speak up for her.

‘What should I do… What now…’

For a moment, Louisa contemplated her options.

Normally, she would have just left without a second thought, pride or no pride. But she couldn’t do that today.

Her husband hadn’t arrived yet.

She looked around desperately and made eye contact with Anthony.

The prince’s stern face seemed to reprimand her for not heeding his advice. He silently gestured towards the hall’s exit.

The message was clear: leave before you’re ridiculed further.

Louisa felt defeated.

‘Is there really no other way?’

Given the situation, and with Anthony’s suggestion being the third already, staying any longer could also lead to problems regarding her conduct towards royalty.

Resigned, she decided to leave.

As Louisa turned towards the exit, she overheard conversations from somewhere.

“She’s finally leaving.”

“She’s probably relieved her husband isn’t here.”

“Ugh, I always felt uncomfortable seeing her. Good that she’s leaving quickly.”

Hearing those words, Louisa let out a bitter laugh.
Indeed, they always found me uncomfortable.

Those who needed the name ‘Allen’ more than anyone else, yet also despised it the most.

It was obvious how they would treat Louisa Allen, scorned even by Edward Allen, a man of indirect but immense power.

A noble yet not a noble, an Allen yet not an Allen.

That was the treatment she received.

‘Maybe next time, I should politely excuse myself and rest at home for Prince Anthony’s party…’

His Highness would surely understand.

She stood at the exit of the hall.

As the servants opened the door, a rush of cold air swept in.

A few steps outside, the door closed behind her, silencing even the noise of the party hall.

How many steps had she taken down the quiet corridor when she heard someone descending the stairs?

Louisa looked up to see who was in front of her.

There, staring at her with a stern face, was her husband.