Chapter 116
Judging by Felice’s smile, the story about Duchess Vanessa seemed genuine. But as for the rest of the compliments, they weren’t sincere.
Because of that, the staff had each tried their best to support Felice, so she wouldn’t lose confidence in that intimidating environment.
The room fell silent as everyone stared down at their teacups. Even Annie, who had lied that morning, couldn’t bring herself to speak and just gazed into her tea.
At that moment—
“Oh dear, I’m late.”
Claude announced as he strode in, carrying a bouquet of yellow flowers. For a split second, the staff sitting at the table looked as if they might burst into applause for him.
“Miss Felice, thank you for taking such good care of my household.”
He presented her with the bouquet.
Startled, Felice shook her head at Claude’s words.
“No, it’s thanks to you, Claude, that I received so much kindness from everyone here.”
Claude’s expression softened, but then he looked at her more closely.
“But, Miss Felice… Did something happen?”
Felice quickly averted her gaze and shook her head.
“No, nothing at all. Please, have a seat—I’ll bring out your tea.”
She flashed him the same smile she’d given everyone else.
“…Felice.”
Claude gently grabbed her wrist just as she started to walk away. Felice hesitated but then turned back to him with a forced smile.
“Yes? Is something wrong?”
“I’ll be right back with the tea, so—my wrist…”
“Did you see the newspapers?”
Claude asked. Felice’s smile instantly vanished. She looked as if she might burst into tears any moment.
Still, she tried her best to steady her voice and said she was fine.
Her attempt to smile only twisted her face further, caught between the turmoil in her heart and the mask she was trying to maintain. And before she could stop it, a tear rolled down her cheek.
“Please, let go, Claude.”
She pleaded and immediately bowed her head.
He released her wrist, but moved closer as if to comfort her. Felice, however, quickly stepped back, putting more distance between them.
The staff, who had been sitting in uneasy silence, quietly stood up, exchanging nervous glances.
Felice, seeing them rise, realized her face must be a mess. She locked eyes with a few of them—everyone froze in place—while Claude let out a long sigh and pressed his hand to his forehead.
“…You should all go.”
“I’m so sorry, everyone.”
Felice added tearfully. The staff hurriedly waved their hands, insisting everything was fine as they quickly finished their tea.
“It was delicious! And the flowers are beautiful!”
“Yes, the tea was wonderful, Miss. Next time, let us host. Please join us again.”
“Teacher, I loved the tea!”
Even Annie joined in, thanking her with a smile.
Felice, however, shrank back at their kindness. She’d wanted so badly to treat them herself, but in the end, she’d only been on the receiving end of their care again.
She tried her best to smile back.
“No, really, I’m the one who’s grateful.”
With that, the staff quietly left the room, leaving Felice and Claude alone.
Claude let out a deep breath.
“Maybe we should talk in the study.”
“No need. There’s nothing to talk about.”
Felice replied, scrubbing the tears from her cheeks and looking at him listlessly.
“You deliberately told everyone not to say a word about it, didn’t you? Every time I asked, you made sure I wouldn’t catch on… But it’s all right. I understand.”
She smiled, then excused herself, intending to go up to her room.
“Is there nothing else you want to ask me? Really?”
Claude stood there, watching her leave.
Felice paused on the stairs, then shook her head. “Nothing,” she said, and kept walking.
“I had no choice…”
Claude spoke quietly after her.
“Claude.”
Felice called out, stopping halfway up the stairs. Her voice was desperate, almost trembling.
“Please… don’t say anything. Just…”
Felice’s expression was something Claude had never seen before.
“Felice…”
“I’ll just think of it as payment for the dress. Or for my grandfather’s sword. That’s all.”
Felice bowed again, and disappeared up the stairs.
Claude shut his eyes tight.
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