Chương 66: Abadoned Cub
Later in the afternoon, Dominic had a meeting with several guests at the hotel. After the discussion concluded, the guests bid him farewell. Caleb stood behind Dominic, offering a polite wave to those departing, who returned the gesture before disappearing into the bustling streets.
A man in his late forties, with neatly combed black hair and thin glasses, approached Dominic. He wore a cream-colored coat with a brooch pinned to the lapel, marking him as someone of importance. This was Henry Dennison, a prominent businessman and stakeholder who had attended the meeting. His steps were deliberate as he extended a hand toward Dominic.
"Ah, Mr. Dennison," Dominic greeted with a nod. "I trust you're prepared for your upcoming trip?"
Henry chuckled, a deep, resonant sound. "Indeed. Thank you for the well wishes, Your Grace. And congratulations are in order for your new title of Grand Duke. You have outdone yourself with this hotel. It's remarkable how it continues to thrive while others falter. Your contributions to the country have truly been invaluable."
Dominic's lips curled into a charming but controlled grin, one that barely reached his eyes. "I appreciate the kind words, Mr. Dennison. Serving the kingdom is both my duty and my privilege."
As they exchanged pleasantries, Henry's gaze drifted toward the hotel entrance, taking in the grandeur of the building. "This hotel, it's an incredible asset to the kingdom. So many businesses have come and gone, but this one... its elegance stands the test of time. I truly hope we can move forward with the proposal we discussed. It's been an honor meeting you in person after all this time."
Dominic nodded politely. "Thank you for making the time, especially on such short notice. I will discuss your proposal with the hotel's board of directors and, of course, my wife, Evangeline."
Henry's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his features before he masked it with a smile. "Your wife, Evangeline, you say? I remember her from some noble events a few years back, as well as her ballet competition win. Quite the talented young woman she was back then. I assume she's grown quite a bit now, having settled into married life?"
Dominic's jaw tightened, though his face remained impassive. Inside, he felt a flash of irritation at the casual way Henry spoke about Evangeline, as though she were some distant memory. The possessive tone grated against his patience. Despite the tension building in his chest, he kept his response measured.
"Yes, Evangeline has grown into her responsibilities," Dominic said coolly. The breeze caught a few strands of his long, dark hair, brushing them against his face. From the corner of his eye, he noticed a few hotel guests admiring him from a distance, their gazes lingering on his tall, composed figure. But his focus remained on Henry, who continued to talk without realizing the change in Dominic's mood.
"Well, it's been quite some time since I last saw her," Henry said, laughing lightly. "When you discuss the proposal with her, do put in a favorable word for us, eh?"
He extended his hand for a handshake, but Dominic remained still, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied the man. Henry's words felt disrespectful, as if he were reducing Evangeline to a mere asset to be bargained with. Dominic's expression grew colder, though he concealed his inner frustration with ease. Instead of taking Henry's hand, Dominic simply regarded him, his gaze steady, making it clear that he wasn't one to indulge in Henry's casual familiarity.
After a tense pause, Henry awkwardly lowered his hand, his jovial smile faltering for a moment. Caleb shifted slightly behind Dominic, sensing the change in atmosphere but remaining silent, his eyes flicking between the two men.
Dominic finally spoke, his voice smooth but distant. "I'll be sure to give the proposal the consideration it deserves, Mr. Dennison."
Henry nodded, though the shift in tone was not lost on him. With an uncomfortable chuckle."Please explain to her how our partnership could benefit the hotel's management in the future," Henry began, his tone confident as he continued, "In the next five years, there will be more automobiles than carriages. I've already contacted the president of Maxem Motors. As automobiles become more popular, the future of our companies looks promising. She may not know much about management, automobiles, or technology," he added with a grin, closing his eyes in excitement. "I've heard rumors about the three-field system—I assume you helped her with that, right? So, if you could just tell her—"
Before Henry could finish, Dominic's patience snapped. His fists clenched tightly, and his gaze hardened as he interrupted, his voice cold and controlled. "Mr. Dennison," Dominic began, his icy tone cutting through the air like a blade, "why do you think my wife wouldn't know about business?"
Henry's eyes flew open in shock. He blinked in confusion, completely taken aback by the sudden shift in Dominic's demeanor. "Uh… pardon?" he stammered, struggling to comprehend the change. Caleb, standing nearby, flinched slightly, sensing the tension rise as Dominic's anger became visible, though he kept his expression eerily calm.
"I don't run this hotel or manage the country alone," Dominic continued, his tone emotionless but edged with barely restrained fury. "The three-field system? That was her idea, not mine." The lie was effortless, as Dominic continued, knowing full well that Evangeline had no hand in the hotel business. But the truth about the three field system which she did wasn't the point—it was the principle. His voice grew colder, his eyes narrowing. "So don't assume my wife is doing nothing just because she doesn't attend these meetings. Everything I sign off for this country and hotel is approved jointly with her. She knows far more about business than you give her credit for. She's simply too occupied with other matters to attend these conferences."
Henry, visibly shaken now, gulped nervously, his confident demeanor completely shattered. His peers, including Frederick, who stood nearby, could only exchange uncomfortable glances as Dominic's words hung heavy in the air.
Dominic's voice remained steady, though the look he gave Henry could freeze a river. "And if she didn't know anything, then tell me, how did she become a successful and popular artist? An artist respected not only for her talent but for her intellect."
Henry stood frozen, his face pale, unable to find the words to answer. He could feel the judgmental stares of his colleagues boring into him. Frederick, feeling the weight of Dominic's cold gaze, shifted uncomfortably, while the other men behind Henry lowered their heads, visibly embarrassed by the situation.
"And another thing," Dominic added, his voice dropping dangerously low. "I find it inappropriate for you to address my wife so casually. She's no longer a child; she's a grown woman—and soon to be your Duchess. Is this how you plan to address your future Duchess? So casually, as if she were still some girl you see in events? Because when you disrespect her, you disrespect me—her husband and your future Duke."
Henry flinched as Dominic's words hit him like a physical blow. He quickly bowed his head in apology, his voice trembling with regret. "Of course not, Your Grace… I had no idea… I didn't mean any offense… Please, forgive me."
Before Dominic could respond, Frederick stepped forward to ease the tension. "Master Dominic, my sincerest apologies for Henry's words. It's understandable how he may have misunderstood the situation. Henry, you addressed her that way because you knew her when she was young. But, let's not dwell on this. Come, Henry, let's discuss other matters—like the new models from Maxem Motors."
Frederick gave Henry a firm pat on the shoulder, urging him to leave. The other men with them bowed their heads apologetically toward Dominic, murmuring their farewells before turning to leave, escorting Henry away, who looked back once more with a mixture of fear and remorse in his eyes.
Dominic watched them go, his sharp gaze never leaving Henry's retreating form. "I'll be in touch, Mr. Dennison," he said coldly, making sure Henry felt the weight of his words.
As Henry glanced back, his face still pale, he couldn't shake the feeling of dread that had settled over him. He turned away quickly, his steps unsteady.
"Caleb," Dominic said, his tone softer but still carrying the sharp edge of his earlier fury, "let's go home."
Caleb nodded immediately. "Yes, Master Dominic," he replied, following closely behind as they left the hotel, the tension lingering in the air long after they were gone.
As the Sarogath's automobile glided down the road, Dominic sat in the backseat, staring out the window with a distant, neutral expression. Caleb sat beside him, stealing occasional glances at Dominic, sensing the heavy silence in the air. The mood in the automobile was thick with unspoken frustration, and Caleb sighed softly to himself. "He's moody today, If he hadn't quit smoking, he'd probably be puffing away by now," Caleb thought, observing his master's tense posture.
Suddenly, Dominic's voice broke the stillness. "Caleb," he said, his tone sharp enough to make Caleb flinch.
"Yes, my Lord?" Caleb responded, startled, his hands instinctively tightening on his lap.
Without turning his gaze from the passing scenery, Dominic began to speak, his voice low and controlled. "Evangeline… she's never been well since she was a child. Despite the training her grandmother gave her, she knows how to manage things, but it was never enough. After her parents and brother died, it was Azielle who ran the hotel. Evangeline was too young, too inexperienced… she never had the chance to run the business or the country on her own." His voice grew quieter as if he was more speaking to himself than to Caleb. "Her art career was the only thing she had, especially after she quit ballet."
Dominic paused, his thoughts drifting back to a different time, and his expression darkened. The weight of those memories pressed on him as he spoke. "The day she got engaged to me, she lost all control."
Flashback – 1810
Evangeline, then just 18, stood before Dominic, frustration evident in her every word as she nagged and lashed out at him during their engagement. Her fiery temperament clashed with Dominic's calm, almost cold silence as he stood there, simply staring at her, not saying a word, not giving her the satisfaction of a response. The tension between them had been palpable.
In the present, Dominic's lips curled into a faint, bitter smile as he recalled the moment. "She thought I was there to kill her and take her family's properties… like I would ever stoop to something so pathetic," he said with a trace of sarcasm, his gaze hardening. "Her brother… he was kind to me, even though I was judged as a Brusward. But Evangeline? She never considered cooperating with me. Not once. The name Brusward only brought her resentment."
Flashback – 1810
Dominic's memory shifted to another scene—Evangeline rummaging through the family's house office, determined to find anything incriminating about him. She was frantic, desperate to uncover something that would give her the upper hand and allow her to break off the engagement. Little did she know, Dominic stood in the shadows near the small library in the office, watching her closely. He didn't move, didn't say anything, just observed her futile efforts.
"She searched everywhere," Dominic continued, his tone growing more detached. "She looked for anything suspicious, something she could use to throw me out. But the truth is, she never stood a chance. There was nothing to hide. No secrets, no scandals… just her own fears."
His voice trailed off as another memory surfaced.
Flashback – After the engagement party
Dominic remembered watching Evangeline during her coming-of-age ceremony and the engagement party that followed. She was beautiful but isolated, standing apart from the guests. He had begun taking on responsibilities, running the country even before their wedding, but Evangeline had remained alone. Nobody wanted to approach her, and there was a reason for that—people knew. They sensed the distance between her and the world around her.
"In the end," Dominic continued, his voice cool and detached, "no one wanted to speak to her. They could sense it. Instinct, I suppose." He leaned back in the seat, his gaze turning inward as the flashbacks faded, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. The image of Evangeline, struggling to find control and relevance in a world that constantly eluded her, lingered in his mind.
Caleb, listening intently, didn't dare interrupt. He could see how deep Dominic's thoughts ran, how much weight these memories carried. Finally, Caleb spoke, his voice cautious. "And now, my Lord? How do you think she felt that day?"
Dominic didn't answer immediately. He simply kept his gaze fixed out the window, watching the landscape roll by, but in his mind, Evangeline's face remained, clouded with uncertainty and frustration. "I don't know," he said quietly after a long pause. "But I have a feeling it's not much different from then."
Dominic and Evangeline stood side by side at the conference meeting, but the dynamic between them was painfully clear. As the meeting concluded, several people approached Dominic, showering him with attention while Evangeline was entirely overlooked. They greeted him warmly, discussing business, but Evangeline might as well have been invisible. She lowered her head in quiet sadness, her fingers fidgeting nervously as she blinked back the tears threatening to escape. The crowd seemed oblivious to her existence, focusing entirely on Dominic.
Dominic, watching the scene unfold with a neutral expression, silently narrated the painful reality. "They know who holds the power and who doesn't," he began, his voice cold and detached. "They can sense strength, and they can sense weakness. Without me standing beside her, they wouldn't even consider speaking to her about business. They act as if she's merely an accessory… someone to be ignored."
He cast a glance at Evangeline, who continued to stand there, her head lowered, the isolation clearly weighing on her. "Whenever they do acknowledge her, it's never about her abilities or what she can offer. It's always the same—asking about her grandmother's health, as if that's the only thing they associate her with." His gaze hardened as he recalled how often Evangeline's talents and aspirations were dismissed. "Even her art career—something she worked so hard to achieve—is nothing in their eyes. They don't see it as worth mentioning."
Flashback
Dominic's mind drifted to the garden party at the Serenity Palace where the same cycle played out. He had stood from a distance, watching as people gathered around Evangeline, presenting her with extravagant gifts—dresses, jewelry, trinkets meant to dazzle, but nothing of substance. The crowd's polite smiles masked their disinterest as they engaged her in shallow conversation, never once asking about her ambitions or listening to her speak of her art. Every time she tried to steer the conversation toward something more meaningful, more reflective of her own interests, they would promptly change the subject.
"They spoil her with gifts and pretty words," Dominic narrated, his tone growing darker. "But the moment she tries to talk about her art or her ideas, they make an excuse to leave." His eyes narrowed at the memory, recalling how Evangeline had stood there, trying to muster the courage to speak, only to have her words fall on deaf ears.
Flashback – Garden Party
Evangeline had been surrounded by admirers, a pile of gifts at her feet. She smiled politely, attempting to speak about her latest work—a series of paintings that had been well-received in the art community. But as soon as she began, the smiles around her faded. One of the guests, a duchess, interrupted her mid-sentence, offering a hasty apology before excusing herself. Soon after, the others followed suit, leaving Evangeline standing there, a lonely figure among the roses.
Dominic, watching from afar. He refrained, knowing it would only draw more attention to the imbalance of power between them. Instead, he turned and walked away, unable to bear witnessing her isolation any longer.
Present
As Dominic recounted the memories to Caleb, his tone remained flat, but the weight of his words was palpable. "They treat her like a delicate flower, something to admire but not to be taken seriously. And it's all because she refused to be coronated as Crown Princess. They'd rather talk to her about dresses and jewels than hear what she has to say."
Caleb listened quietly, not daring to interrupt as he absorbed Dominic's bitterness. He had seen glimpses of this dynamic himself but never realized how deeply it cut Dominic to see his wife so sidelined.
"She could run the country, Caleb," Dominic continued, his gaze hardening as he stared out the window. "But they'll never see it. To them, she'll always be that little girl who's good for nothing more than entertaining guests and looking pretty." His words trailed off, leaving only the sound of the car's engine and the dull hum of the road beneath them as the silence between them grew heavy once again.
Dominic sat quietly, his gaze fixed on the scenery outside as Caleb's words lingered in the air. "That's kind of true," Caleb thought, watching Dominic's impassive face. "Most people ask about Evangeline's wellbeing and nothing else, but for Dominic, they're willing to talk endlessly, not caring how much time passes. They just want a word with him." Caleb sighed, his frustration apparent.
Breaking the silence, Caleb spoke aloud, his voice low but firm. "Master Dominic… everyone knows the truth. They know that this marriage was arranged so Azielle could bring you into the family and have you run the country. Her health is deteriorating, the country's finances were failing, and they needed you."
Dominic nodded in agreement, his expression unchanging. "And they deemed Evangeline unworthy to be the Viceroy of Verdaselles, unfit to manage the hotel, one of the Sarogath family's most prized assets. They reduced her from being the lady once promised to become the Viceroy to something insignificant. Unimportant. Incapable—just because she's a woman." Dominic's voice remained steady, but there was an edge to his tone. "That's why I was offended when It became worse with Dennison, who knew her since she was little. But I stayed silent to her isolations because saving the country was more important than Evangeline's reputation. I did nothing when she was treated that way."
Caleb clenched his fists, his anger barely contained as Dominic continued.
"The first time she saw me," Dominic said, his tone softening as if lost in thought, "she hated me. The day Azielle introduced us, announcing our engagement. Evangeline immediately asked for a bodyguard… Richard." He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly, recalling the moment Magdalene informed him of Evangeline's move.
Flashback
Magdalene had approached him cautiously, her tone hesitant as she revealed Evangeline's request for protection. "She brought in Richard as her bodyguard," Magdalene had whispered, her eyes scanning Dominic's face for a reaction. "She doesn't trust you, Dominic… she's afraid."
Dominic hadn't shown it then, but the sting of Evangeline's distrust lingered. He had watched from the shadows as she distanced herself from him, as though he were a threat.
Present
"After that," Dominic continued, his voice colder, "when she was treated like some abandoned street kitten, she gave up on herself. I let her run wild after our marriage, neglecting her, thinking it would give her the time she needed with her bodyguard. They had their affair, and everyone abandoned her—talking behind her back, judging her every move. My brother Edward didn't help matters, making things worse." Dominic's eyes darkened at the mention of his brother. "Evangeline grew more depressed. She lost all motivation. Her health was deteriorating more than the health problem she had due to the trauma of her parents death, and on top of it, after our wedding night… she was drunk."
Caleb's eyes flicked to Dominic, catching the subtle tension in his voice as he recounted the events.
"She spent that night with Richard," Dominic said flatly, his tone devoid of emotion. "He took my words seriously and wouldn't dare to impregnate her. I wasn't bothered by her not spending the night with me. She would rather commit suicide than have my child. I understood that."
Dominic turned his head toward Caleb, his expression still unreadable. "Now the country's in good condition, the hotel's improving under my management, but how people see Evangeline hasn't changed. Except for those who admire her art, she remains invisible to the rest." He paused, his voice softening, "When we traveled to Eardoznia, thanks to you informing me about Evangeline being a transfer student due to her father's influence, I wouldn't have known."
He leaned back, recalling the long days of his trip, how he managed to slip away to investigate further.
Flashback
Dominic waited until Evangeline left her room, watching her from a hidden spot in the hallway. Once the coast was clear, he emerged from his hiding place and entered her bedroom. His mind replayed Caleb's words—Evangeline had studied at the Eardoznia Guiding Weapons Academy. He moved quickly, his eyes scanning her belongings. There, neatly placed on a shelf, were her study textbooks, the certificate from the academy, and various documents.
Dominic thumbed through the materials, reading them carefully. His expression remained neutral, but the knowledge of her hidden past stirred something within him.
Present
"I saw her certificate, her textbooks, and her documents," Dominic said, his voice calm but firm. "She had a life she didn't share with anyone including me . And yet, they still treated her like she was nothing."
Caleb listened intently, sensing the weight behind Dominic's words. Though Dominic's demeanor remained composed, Caleb could feel the undercurrent of frustration and resignation that simmered beneath the surface.
Dominic sighed heavily, rubbing his forehead with his gloved fingers. The weight of the situation was pressing on him. "Caleb," he began, his voice steady but laced with determination, "we must ensure that nobody looks down on her again. Evangeline's reputation is our reputation. It affects me more because I'm her husband. Now, with our coronation approaching as Duke and Duchess and as married couples we share one life." He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly, the burden of responsibility settling on his shoulders. "Even though she looks like an abandoned cub right now, you never know what kind of beast she'll become when she fully grows into her own. If we train her well, she'll be able to handle both business and politics with ease."
Dominic's hand moved thoughtfully, tapping his gloved fingers on the document in his hand. "And if that growth ever threatens my presence in her life, I don't mind. When everyone else ignores her, you and I, Caleb—out of respect for our friendship with Zard, even though he's no longer with us—we must always listen to her. Understand her. She's your master and ruler too, Caleb. Do you understand?"
Caleb bowed his head, his voice respectful. "Of course, Master Dominic. I've always considered Evangeline my master and ruler since you two were married. You do not need to worry." His loyalty was clear, but there was an underlying tension. The automobile engine rumbled beneath them as they sat inside, its low hum filling the brief silence between them.
Dominic leaned back in his seat, his gaze drifting to the passing scenery through the automobile window. "Then that's good..." he murmured. "We have somewhere to go before we head home." His tone darkened slightly, a scoff escaping his lips as his thoughts shifted. Leaning his head on his hand, elbow propped against the window's edge, he smiled sinisterly. "I wonder how she's doing now… reading those books," he thought, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of amusement and calculation. "I hope she doesn't fail the conditions of the contract."
The automobile sped up, the roar of the engine growing louder as the driver pushed the vehicle faster along the road. Dominic's thoughts remained fixated on Evangeline, the image of her struggling to meet the terms of their agreement playing in his mind.
Flashback
Dominic's mind wandered back to those early days, moments during their engagement. He remembered how she was treated—ignored, dismissed, and belittled by those around her. He had watched from the sidelines as people turned their backs on her, treating her as though she were nothing more than a decorative piece in his life.
He recalled one particular evening at a social gathering. Evangeline had been standing near a group of nobles, her hands nervously clutching the folds of her gown. She had attempted to speak, to engage in the conversation, but they brushed her aside, turning the topic to trivial matters as if she hadn't spoken at all. Dominic had watched from a distance, his eyes narrowing as he saw the hurt flash across her face. She had lowered her head, pretending to admire the floor, hiding the tears that threatened to spill.
He had done nothing then. But now, the memory lingered, a reminder of how far she had fallen in the eyes of society. They didn't see her potential, but he did. He saw the strength buried beneath her quiet demeanor, the fire that could ignite once she was given the right tools to succeed.
Present
Dominic straightened in his seat, shaking off the memory. "We have a lot of work to do," he muttered, almost to himself, as the automobile roared down the road. His expression returned to its neutral, calculating mask, but beneath it, thoughts of Evangeline's future—and his role in shaping it—continued to simmer.
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