Lady Felice’s Secret Class - Chapter 96

“Lady Felice will have to leave early today—she won’t be staying for the whole afternoon.”

“Is that so?”

Julian’s question, however, was directed at Felice.

“Yes… I’m afraid I won’t be able to stay until the end.”

Felice quickly nodded with Claude and offered an apologetic smile.

“No worries. In that case, Lady Felice, might I—”

Julian’s questions were cut short as Count Legrand approached, speaking directly to him.

“So you did decide to attend the patrons’ gathering today, Julian.”

Although there was a smile on the Count’s lips, there was no warmth in his eyes.

“Good afternoon, my lord.”

Julian greeted Count Legrand, his expression as composed as ever.

“And ah, Baron Racliffe, you’re here as well.”

The Count turned to Claude with a look of mild displeasure.

Knowing Claude’s true identity as a prince, Felice felt a flash of shock at the count’s haughty manner. Yet Claude only responded with a pleasant smile.

“I heard you’d be attending, Count Legrand, so I decided to join as well.”

Claude said smoothly so Felice turned her head and stared at him.

“Although there’s been some unpleasantness lately, I believe it’s all the more important to talk things over. I hope today can be the first step toward resolving any misunderstandings between us.”

Claude tried to comfort the Count. Felice gulped at the sight of Claude she had never seen before.

She realized that, even as a prince, Claude had lived his life far from the palace and court. For the first time, she understood why the Queen was so eager for his status as a prince to be officially declared.

“Hm… yes, you’re right. Communication is key. You must have learned that from your business experience, Baron. I suppose I, too, must think of myself as a victim in this situation… I just happened to get caught in the middle.”

It was clear the Count knew he’d sold a forgery. Felice pressed her lips together, eyeing him with suspicion.

She recalled that Julian’s previous patron had been none other than this very Count. The true masterpiece was probably locked away in one of his vaults. She doubted Julian was unaware of it.

“In any case, I’ll let you know as soon as we get the appraisal results.”

“Please don’t trouble yourself. I’m sorry to have caused you any worry at all. I’m sure someone must have been envious of you, Count.”

Claude replied with a soft smile.

“In any case, I won’t be accepting any payment for the painting. I hope that provides some small consolation, Count.”

At that, the Count’s face brightened immediately.

Julian stood at the center of it all, watching silently with an unreadable expression. Felice glanced up at Claude, suddenly remembering why he’d brought her here: to help with evaluating the paintings and to support him in the discussions with the Count.

Still, there had been no need for Claude to bring her here at all, which made her wonder if it was all just a fortunate coincidence. After all, a scandal involving a fallen noblewoman like Felice would hardly benefit Claude.

What nobleman would want a scandal with a ruined Baron’s daughter?

Felice shook off her suspicions as mere speculation.

She listened as Claude and Count Legrand spoke briefly about their latest business ventures, smiling politely, while Julian lingered nearby—unusually attentive, waiting for their conversation to end.

Just as Count Legrand turned to Julian to ask him something, Julian spoke up first—but his eyes were on Claude, not the count.

“Baron Racliffe, have you ever considered becoming my sponsor?”

It was such an unexpected question.

Claude’s eyebrows shot up in surprise.