The investigation regarding Layla was steadily progressing. Everything went smoothly as planned, with Amanda making careful arrangements so that Layla could not escape.
Standing before Amanda now was Hailey, who finished testifying earlier. Hailey bowed deeply with a cunning smile on her face.
“Hail to the Crown Princess. Eternal glory to the Keith Empire.”
Amanda indicated Hailey take the opposite chair with a glance.
“Have a seat.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
Hailey tensed at Amanda’s chilly demeanor, but she outwardly kept on her smile. Hailey had been firmly caught in Amanda’s net, which was why she betrayed Layla overnight.
It all began with a single letter that described the various crimes that the Jenner family had secretly committed. It also provided the details in which Layla obtained the aphrodisiac, proving that Hailey was an accomplice to the plot.
At the end of the letter, Amanda made two demands.
[There are two conditions for keeping all this silent.
First, testify that Lady Brown bought the aphrodisiac. Second, obtain the antidote and bring it to me.
The choice is yours.]
If the contents of the letter were to be made public, it was destined to be a fatal blow to the Jenner family. In addition, the Jenner family was considerably less influential than the Brown family, and there was no one to save Hailey if she were connected to the scandal.
It didn’t take long for Hailey to make her decision. She chose to betray Layla without looking back.
Hailey had hidden in the party venue hallway, secretly handing over the aphrodisiac-laced-tea to Layla, then going straight to Amanda to inform her so she could bring the guards in on time. Hailey was now a parasite dependent on Amanda to survive, whether she wanted to or not. All the aid the Jenner family received from Marquis Brown was immediately cut off, and the Crown Princess was the only one who could protect her now. As such, Hailey was forced to ingratiate herself with Amanda.
“I caught a glimpse of Lady Brown as I was giving my testimony. She deserved what was coming to her.”
“Yes.”
Hailey was briefly taken aback by Amanda’s brusque reply, but she quickly composed herself and deepened her smile.
“Lady Brown was foolish to ignore the Crown Princess. Your Highness had taken this great opportunity to show her your power.”
“…”
There was no change in Amanda’s expression, and Hailey shivered inwardly.
‘Is that it?’
Hailey tipped her head in thought. Her family was relatively poor, and had lived in the mercy of more powerful families. So far, Hailey’s sweet-talking had always worked with the young nobles, but Amanda was not responding the way she expected. Hailey looked on in confusion, while Amanda opened her mouth to speak.
“I don’t intend to forgive Lady Brown for what she’s done. Anyone who helps her will not get away easily.”
Sara stopped thinking and quickly nodded.
“It’s all because of your brilliance, Your Highness.”
“Yes…In the meantime, you’ve been performing well, Lady Jenner.”
“Of course. I serve as your hands and feet not only in the present, but in the future as well, Your Highness.”
Amanda put on a thin smile as she observed Hailey pivot her position as quickly as ever.
“I look forward to it.”
Amanda rose from her seat first, signalling the end of the conversation.
“Lady Jenner, let’s meet again another time. I’m not feeling well, and I should rest.”
It was a clear invitation for Hailey to leave. Hailey was slightly impatient that the conversation didn’t flow as smoothly as she intended, but considering that she and Amanda had been enemies up until now, it was natural that they would not open to each other easily.
Still, Hailey couldn’t retreat back to nowhere. Now that Layla was gone, Hailey had to collect the benefits for siding with Amanda. Hailey didn’t say anything, however, as it was foolish to show off her intentions now, and so she plastered on a fake smile.
“I’m sorry that you’re not feeling well. When I return home, I’ll send you some remedies.”
“I’m fine, but thank you for offering.”
“Of course. Now that I’m on your side, I care for your well-being.”
She wanted to remain safely on the same side. Amanda was able to penetrate the hidden meaning right away, although Hailey didn’t realize that she noticed.
“I will see you again.”
Judging it was not necessary to stay any longer, Hailey stood up and gave a bow.
Amanda stared at Hailey as she walked outside. Amanda’s feelings were too complicated to express in a word. She was not fully trusting of the other young woman who once bullied her, but in order to gain power in society, she needed someone who was cunning, unlike Scarlett. Amanda wasn’t completely comfortable with Hailey, but instead of punishing her, she decided to take advantage of this fair-weather friend.
‘It’s true that this is easier with the help of Lady Jenner.’
She couldn’t trust Hailey, but she couldn’t help but wonder which of yesterday’s enemies would be on her side in the future.
Amanda walked silently, and the nanny fell to her side.
“Where would you like to visit, Your Highness?”
“….Where is Lady Brown being held?”
She had a question she wanted to ask Layla herself.