To the Man Destined to Kill Me - Chapter 83

“There is nothing special scheduled for this morning or afternoon. However, at 6 p.m. today, you have a dinner meeting with the senators of Wifland. An economics expert is also on the list, so it seems you’ll discuss the currency agreement between Wifland and Natalia.”

“When other countries hesitated to form an agreement with Natalia, they moved quickly to strengthen relations.”

Even though Natalia was stabilizing and growing rapidly, because of its long history of civil wars, neighboring countries were still reluctant to invest in it.

But Wifland was different. Even if their dependence on Natalia grew, Wifland was strong enough not to falter.

Knowing this, Noah visited Wifland as a special envoy, aiming to use Wifland and build a smooth relationship.

“What’s next?”

“Today’s schedule ends with the dinner. Ah, and some news has come in.”

Noah tilted his chin slightly while flipping through the newspaper. At that, Peter started reporting the information gathered overnight.

“None of it seems particularly important.”

“I’ll decide if it’s important or not.”

“Yes. First, it’s about Isaac Brown, the son of Susan White. It seems he’s become quite a troublemaker. He hangs out with bad friends and gets into all kinds of trouble — drinking, skipping school, and even stealing and selling household items.”

Peter continued with the next report.

“And Scott White has a son.”

For the first time, Noah’s eyes moved away from the newspaper. As he raised his eyebrows, Peter quickly continued.

“The mother is unknown.”

“I haven’t heard that Scott White got married.”

“They say the child is illegitimate.”

“Illegitimate? That family would never allow that.”

The White family had distanced themselves from scandals precisely because of an illegitimate child in the past.

“But since they are not raising him like an illegitimate child, there doesn’t seem to be a problem. With money, power, and fame, the child probably won’t face much discrimination.”

“Tell me more.”

“They’re planning to pass everything down to the child. Publicly, Scott is very affectionate toward him. He even quit his beloved drinking and smoking to focus on the boy.”

“Scott White did?”

“Yes. Because of that, even though the child is illegitimate, Wifland’s social circles can’t ignore him. After all, he’s the one who will inherit Cravitz.”

“What about the child’s mother?”

“There’s no record. One day, Scott just returned with the boy. The child was registered in Kanta, a city near the capital.”

“So the mother might be from that region.”

“He wasn’t known to be seeing anyone at the time… It’s assumed the child is from a one-night stand. That’s also the rumor in Wifland society.”

“A rumor isn’t a fact. Gather more information about the child and the mother. Check the marriage records from that area.”

Peter’s face stiffened slightly at the thought of more work. Ignoring his secretary’s reaction, Noah asked,

“What else?”

“It’s about the grave you mentioned earlier.”

Peter bit his lower lip before finally speaking.

“Well… Miss Scarlett White’s death has not been officially reported.”

Noah blinked, thinking he heard wrong, and asked again,

“Say that again?”

“Her death has not been registered. Officially, she’s still alive.”

“But…”

“Yes. She has already passed away. According to Wifland’s administrative law, deaths must be reported within one year, but no order has been issued. That’s why we’re digging deeper.”

“What about her grave?”

“We’re looking for it, but no likely location has been found. We’re gathering information, but it’s hard to dig around without catching the eyes of the White family and Cravitz.”

Noah couldn’t hide his disturbed expression and let out a deep sigh, rubbing his face.

Peter, sensing the heavy atmosphere, brought up another topic he had saved for a moment like this.

“And about John White. Six years ago, he left the White mansion.”

“He left? But John White is the owner of that mansion.”

“Aaron White bought it. For a staggering 6 million Berrks!”

Peter could hardly imagine such an enormous sum.

Ignoring Peter’s wide-eyed look, Noah asked,

“Why did he leave? Was it because of a fallout between brothers?”

“Yes. As you guessed, for six years they’ve barely acknowledged each other. It’s said their relationship soured because of… His Majesty’s existence. It’s a family matter, so details are hard to find, but apparently they had a major fight over their parents’ will.”

Noah lightly tapped his fingers on the table.

When news spread that the illegitimate son of the White family was actually the last emperor’s child of Natalia, Wifland fell into chaos.

The White family, at the center of the storm, quickly turned the scandal into a symbol of unity between Natalia and Wifland.

But in reality, all that remained between them was hatred and a desire to kill each other.

“The problem with the youngest sister seems to be the biggest… The family’s employees also hesitate to talk because she’s considered ‘dead.’”

“No wonder. Good work. You can go.”

“Will you have something to eat?”

“No. I’m not hungry.”

“Then please rest well.”

Peter bowed and left, giving Noah space to organize his thoughts.

At that time, Scarlett was out at the market with Wilhelm.

“So you’ve finally decided to come outside?”

“Teddy has started school, so it’s about time.”

“You’re not scared anymore about people knowing you’re alive?”

“No. I’m fine now.”

She had to remain ‘dead’ to the world. She had been afraid that even in Natalia, news of Scarlett White’s death might spread.

Of course, she hadn’t planned to fake her death from the beginning.

But once the world believed Scarlett White was dead, there was no real need to correct it.

Noah had to live his own life, and they had to completely separate.

It had already been six years.

Over those six years, Scarlett had calmed her rough emotions and matured a lot. She was no longer fierce or temperamental like before.

Now, she was close to being ‘normal.’

“Still, who would’ve thought? Scarlett White’s hobby is making clothes.”

“Technically, it’s designing. The tailor makes the clothes.”

“Isn’t that the same thing?”

“No, it’s different.”

“What are you buying today? Rhino horn and a bag?”

At Wilhelm’s playful question, Scarlett burst into laughter. She looked so bright, as if no shadows lingered around her.

Wilhelm found himself captivated by her clear smile, like a fully bloomed flower.

“Buttons made from rhino horn.”

“Right, the horn buttons.”

“You remember everything in such a weird way. Anyway, let’s eat first. I’m hungry.”

At Scarlett’s suggestion, they decided to grab a light meal at a nearby restaurant.

While waiting for the food, they chatted casually.

One important topic was ‘what Wilhelm had discussed with his family back home.’

“I told my father and brothers that I have a girlfriend.”

“What did they say?”

“They congratulated me.”

“You explained everything?”

“Of course. They understand that you couldn’t come with me because of your health. They even worry about you.”

Scarlett had miraculously gotten better.

Although she still wasn’t perfectly healthy, she no longer fainted or looked deathly pale.

She still had regular checkups and occasionally took medicine, but there was no need for strong drugs that made her vomit blood.

However, she still didn’t have the stamina for long-distance travel.

This was the real reason behind her long seclusion.

“You… told them everything, right?”

As Scarlett nervously fidgeted with her spoon, Wilhelm gently covered her hand with his.

Seeing her act so unsure was unusual. Scarlett sniffled.

“Scarlett, trust me. It’s okay. My whole family respects my choice.”

Like Scarlett, who was part of Wifland’s high society, Wilhelm was a noble from the upper class in his own country, Hiberk.

Scarlett worried that his family wouldn’t like the idea of him becoming a son-in-law to the White family.

That wasn’t all.

The White family was infamous for its harsh personalities, and she herself wasn’t in good health.

And then, there was…

“They even understand the adoption.”

Hearing that, Scarlett naturally burst into tears.

“Scarlett…”

Wilhelm moved next to her and gently patted her back. In his arms, Scarlett slowly calmed down.

Wilhelm lovingly wiped away her tears flowing down her cheeks. Scarlett’s shadowed eyes under her long lashes looked up at him.

He smiled brightly and said,

“I’d love for Teddy to be our flower boy.”

“Of course! I’ll make his suit for the engagement ceremony.”

“That’s a great idea. Actually, the people at the architecture office are amazed by the suit you designed for me.”

“Of course! Who do you think designed it?”

“How about running a boutique? We could feature rhino horn buttons. We can even promote it through Susan and Scott.”

At his silly suggestion, Scarlett laughed again.

Seeing her smile, Wilhelm finally relaxed his eyes. He held Scarlett’s hand tightly, as if to support her.

It was Wilhelm, not Noah, who had stayed by her side during those six years.

He had won Scarlett’s heart and now dreamed of a future with her.

Unlike with Noah, Scarlett’s relationship with Wilhelm was completely normal and healthy.

There were no complicated feelings between them — only friendship, affection, and love.

And Scarlett cherished that relationship.

“Bill.”

Scarlett laced her fingers with Wilhelm’s. His familiar hand gripped hers tightly.

“We’re going to build a happy family.”

There would be no traces of her parents.

Noah would not exist there.

This was a garden Scarlett had built with her own hands.

And she was determined to protect this greenhouse no matter what storm, even Noah might come.

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