The New Duchess
Chapter 18: Not Forgotten

“ when I underestimated you, I just gave a statement” replied Hardwin casually.

“ this basic of you, oh yes, you join this charity event?” ask Ai.

“ yes so. To replace my father, where might I be interested in this boring event” replied Hardwin while shrugging his shoulders.

“ yes I also agree with that. This show is boring. I intend to wash my face so I can survive”

“ oh, you are indeed easily sleepy from the past” they laughed together.  It didn't feel like the auction was over. Those who talk so much that they do not remember the time.

“ mistress, from earlier I was looking for you” Milly who was exhausted looks a little annoyed.

“ oh, the show is done?” ask Ai who is confused why Milly is looking for her.

“ already from earlier, I did not even manage to get that hairpiece” Milly replied a little emotionally. Already unable to get the item he was after, he also had to find the whereabouts of his mistress who turned out to be relaxing with this man.

“ gosh, I'm sorry. All right let's go home “ Ai feels guilty to Milly.

“ Hardwin I go first” say goodbye Ai by waving her hand.

“ how about my offer earlier?” Hardwin who still did not get certainty tried to remind Ai.

“ you can come to the residence. We can discuss it more in” Ai a little scream because their distance is quite far.

When he arrived at the residence at night it was very late. Even near midnight. Some of the lights of the residence have also been turned off. With a somnacious step Ai walked into her room. She simply took off her dress and directly climbed onto the bed. The dream world was waiting for him.

It turned out that Hardwin was not joking with his business offer. A few days after the auction, he visited the Duke's residence. Without needing a long time Ai who already knew the purpose of Hardwin's arrival immediately invited him to talk on the balcony of the side garden.

“ so you really want to take me on business, Hard?” asked Ai once more, to ascertain Hardwin's intentions.

“ sure, from the first you are good at making this excuse will make it easier for me to negotiate” Hardwin continues to attract Ai.

“ hear it's a profitable business, you'll be my personal assistant, arrange the bookkeeping and join the meeting. How?” bring Hardwin again who is a little bloated ask Ai.

“ em, it looks like I haven't been able to confirm it. You know for yourself, my life is a little bit full of rules. Axton is not back yet. I will ask his opinion first to ask permission” said Ai weak. Just now Ai wanted to approve Hardwin's offer but somehow suddenly remembered with Axton. So Ai did not immediately approve Hardwin's invitation.

“ wah Ai is now a compliant wife”, Hardwin said.

“ just doesn't want to make him mad. You'll know if you get married later” strike back Ai.

“ if I get married of course I will not curb my wife” replied Hardwin trying to compare with Axton. Subtly rejecting the views of Axton who always associate with the rules. He was used to being free so he did not consider the rules important, which for him even made a hassle.

“ I will remember that” conversation they feel so fun, until the time is very noon. Not wanting to make bad rumors to Ainsley, Hardwin asked for a break before going to lunch.

“ I don't know why it's like this either. From the past there has never been a problem with finances, now even our honor in cut” complained one of the servants.

“ you're right, I can't believe madam is so heartless. Daily money is getting less and less, we even have trouble taking leftover food”

“ ah, so good to be Mily she doesn't lack any”

Ai Langung's heart melted, the servants were talking about him and financial matters. Of course Ai was offended, by trying to regulate her emotions Ai walked into the kitchen. As a result made the 3 servants silent in fear.

“ what do you mean by me being so brave?” Ai tried to calm down, not to make them more afraid which would even cover their anxiety.

“ ii, that's us. Em, just , maybe the mistress misheard” replied the waiter who was so nervous and did not know what to say.

“ put it this way, I am indeed a mistress here, but I am not the one who processes finances. Regarding the honor even the daily money I do not know. So I beg you to tell me the truth” the three servants looked at each other. They were so shocked by his mistress' words. Like not believing because every day Grace says that all orders come from Ai.

“ is that really madam?” great-granddaughter of one of the servants who tried to believe Ai's words.

“ right, that arrogant Grace who took over” replied Ai trying to provoke the waiter. The look of relief that the waiter displayed, turned out to be true. The mistress wasn't as cruel as Grace said.

“ I do not know the reason but it has been 2 weeks over this daily money reduced by almost half. Some workers must be willing to take a small portion of food so that others also part. Moreover, the honor that came out was also only half of it. Miss Grace said if this was a decision from madam” finally one servant dared to say her honesty. Ai's heart heated up hearing all the explanations. So the bookkeeping problem at that time was indeed true, this is the reason why Ai's hunch is bad considering the bookkeeping.

“ so that's it, you guys take it easy I'll take care of it. You guys keep going as usual lest Grace know about this” said Ai steady who was immediately nodded by the three maids.

Already nearly 3 weeks of Axton's departure, Grace has been very brave with her ability to manage finances, even dare to take her name.

‘ what is this that he tried to hide to me’ said Ai who was sitting on the balcony of her room. Milly was carrying out the task she had been given in secret. Ai couldn't possibly let this matter pass for too long. Axton's return is also unclear, Ai is really sorry for the plight of the servants and workers.

Tok Tok without waiting for a response, Milly went straight into the room.

“ are you done?” ask Ai who knows if the one who came was Milly.

“ yes mistress, this is a note that mistress wants” Milly replied while carrying some sheets of paper containing writing.

“ good, thank you” take that paper and read it short. A happy smile immediately imprinted clearly on Ai's face.

“ why the lady did not immediately reprimand him, if you need to throw it out fromini” Milly poured tea in her empty mistress glass.

“ no this will ruin his plan. We just need to be seen in his plan. So open we will turn back” grin Ai so scary. Never once did Milly see this, her mistress looked so creepy.

For Ai, the wounds in the past should have been healed. It's still very clear how she underestimated Grace when she gave her the gun first. Unhappily always embrace Axton's arm and hold Axton's whereabouts beside him. Everything Ai will never forget.