Only three minutes had passed since Julius proposed to Resena, but it had felt like a lifetime. Though her lips were frozen, her feet moved as if they had voices of their own as she walked towards Julius. She was still in disbelief as to what was happening. Julius kneeled before her, holding up a beautiful ring. What had brought this on? Suddenly, Resena had a flashback of the last words he'd said to her. "I will free you from this!" Was this his way of saving her? Resena desperately wanted to believe this to be true. Afterall, Julius had asked for her to believe in him and she said she would. So why cast doubt now? No, no she would not bring doubt, she wouldn't waver in fear either. Deep down inside, Resena realized this was what she'd secretly hoped for from the moment she'd first met him.
With her decision made, Resena began to answer, when suddenly, Larna began to protest in haste.
"Absolutely not! She can't! She's already engaged! Delvoy did you not inform him!?" Larna began to act erratic, how could this have happened! WHEN did this happen!? Why had Julius Spencer taken such an interest in this runt! Larna stood seething, all that planning and scheming now seemed for nothing! To the left of her, Marsell stood in shock. She could not grasp what was going on. "Why, why does he want her? Why does he want her!" Growing irritated, Delvoy finally spoke up, he was not about to let Larna ruin this opportunity all for some petty rivalry.
"That's enough Larna. Spencer and I have already discussed this. I'm breaking off the engagement with Steelwater." What! Larna could hardly believe her ears! Why was he doing this!
"But why! We've already promised her to Erick, I don't thi…"
"Because I said so!" Frustrated, Delvoy began to raise his voice, "she's going to ruin everything if she doesn't stop this!" Just then, Marsell finally spoke.
"Mr. Spencer, if it's marriage you're seeking from the Lanster household, you could marry me! Let my darling cousin uphold her engagement to Erick. Besides, I'd be the better choice for you!"
"Yes, that's right! You could marry our daughter! She's much more beautiful and refined than my niece!" Larna proclaimed immediately after.
Just then, Julius stood up and walked towards Marsell and Larna, his patience was going thin. He had known announcing the engagement would displease her aunt and cousin, but he had not expected them to behave this poorly. Furthermore, they had ruined his proposal to Resena who still had not been able to answer.
"That's enough. I won't tolerate hearing anymore." Julius spoke in a low and stern tone. He would not allow this circus to continue.
"Mr. Lanster, I urge you to control you wife and daughter, this behavior is unbecoming and gives me pause on whether our families should unite."
Panicked, embarrassed, and angered, Delvoy could feel his teeth seething through. Both Larna and Marsell had embarrassed him beyond anything he could have imagined, and in front of Julius Spencer of all people! With a harsh tone, Delvoy spoke.
"Larna, Marsell, remove yourselves from this room immediately."
Larna began to protest, but the look in Delvoy's eyes frightened her. It was as if his eyes were filled with fire and rage. Without saying a word, Larna grabbed Marsell by the hand as they made their way towards the grand room.
"Mr. Spencer, allow me to apologize for what just happened. I hope that this doesn't halt our current arrangements."
"Mr. Lanster, I need a moment alone with Resena, I'm sure you understand."
"A…Absolutely. Would you like to use my study?"
"Yes, that will be fine. Thank you."
Delvoy led both Julius and Resena to his office, furious and completely embarrassed, he could not believe his wife and daughter. He would most certainly deal with the two of them soon! They were not going to ruin his plans for Lanster Corp. Delvoy suddenly had a new golden goose, and her name was Resena Blackwell. The niece, who for so long seemed insignificant, now held the future of his business in the palms of her hands and no one, not even his wife and daughter, would destroy this!
"Here you are. Please, take all the time you need." Delvoy closed the door behind the pair as well as closed the blinds on the outside for privacy. Now, standing in complete silence, Resena stared directly at Julius.
After what seemed to be a long and awkward pause, Julius began to speak.
"Resena, I'm so sorry, this wasn't how this was supposed to go."
"What do you mean?" Resena wasn't sure what he'd meant by that. "Wasn't how this was supposed to go?"Exactly what had he expected?
"Well, I'd hope to come in like a knight in shining armor, ready to rescue you just like I promised. But everything has gone wrong, I didn't realize your aunt and cousin would react like this and ruin the entire proposal." What had he meant by ruined? Did that mean he had changed his mind?
"Does this mean you no longer want to marry me?" Resena's voice was low and filled with pain, she could feel her eyes begin to water. For a moment she'd thought she could finally be happy, but now…
"What! No! Of course not! Resena, I still have every intention of making you my wife, but only if you want to be. I know I promised to save you, but I also don't want to be like your family. So, if you don't want to get marr…"
Before Julius could finish his sentence, Resena suddenly yelled out.
"I do!" Julius grabbed Resena's hand and pulled her close to him, as he looked down at her he couldn't help but wonder, "How could anyone ever want to hurt her? How could they look at her and want to do nothing but love and cherish her? It doesn't matter, from this point on, I'll do everything in my power to protect and take care of her."
"Are you sure, because I promise, even if you didn't wish to marry me, I'd still do everything I could to protect you from them." Resena's body suddenly felt as if it were on fire. She could feel her heartbeat at a rapid speed. There was an emotion burning inside of her that she could not yet identify with, but there was one thing she was for sure certain of. She wanted more than anything to marry Julius.
"I've never been sure of much in my life, but I am sure about this. I want to marry you. So yes, my answer is yes."
Back in the grand room, Delvoy came storming in. If Larna and Marsell thought he would let this slide, they were sadly mistaken.
"Larna! Marsell! Come here now!" Delvoy barked out their names with rage and frustration, he would put an end to this once and for all. Walking towards him, Larna had a look of disgust in her eyes. How could he betray her like this! How could he betray their daughter! And for what! That runt! What had changed! She demanded answers immediately!
"Delvoy! What the hell is goin…"
"Shut your damn mouth! You've spoken enough for today!" Larana could not believe her ears, Delvoy had completely turned on her!
"Why are you speaking to me like this! What is going on Delvoy! I demand to know now!"
"What's going on is you and your big mouth daughter almost cost me a business deal with Julius Spencer!" Shocked, Larna stood in confusion. Lowering her voice, she began to protest.
"But I thought we agreed she would marry Erick Steelwater."
"No, we agreed she marry whoever would serve best to Lanster Corp and that would be Julius Spencer."
"If this is about the company why not marry him to Marsell! Why would you offer that runt?!"
"I didn't offer!"
"What?"
"I…did not offer! He requested, no, DEMANDED her hand in marriage." Larna became extremely confused, demanded?
"I don't understand, why?"
"I don't know Larna, and I don't care. I told you my only interest is my company and partnering with Spencer Tech will expand my business to the western continent. He doesn't want to marry Marsell, you'll have to find someone else for her."
"What about your relationship with the Steelwaters? Does that not matter? You're willing to risk burning a bridge with them! His father is a Marquess!"
"And Spencer's father is a Duke! But if it concerns you so much then why don't you give him Marsell."
GASP! "I would never allow Marsell to marry that monster! What are you sayi…"
But before Larna could finish her sentence, Delvoy intervened.
"Let me be clear Larna, from this point on, you are to leave Resena alone! Don't speak to her unless pleasantry. You will no longer ridicule her, and she is no longer your servant. Do you understand!?"
But Larna didn't understand, for the past nine years, she'd watched her husband hate the fact that her niece was there. Constantly complaining of her existence, always eager to get rid of her. He'd never intervened, spoken up, or shown any disdain at the cruelty shown by his wife and daughter. But now, now he was acting as her surrogate protector.
"She is my niece! I can do…"
"You can do nothing! Except what I allow you to do as head of this household! So, unless you want this marriage to become extremely uncomfortable, you will do what I say. This discussion is over!"
As Delvoy began to leave, he suddenly paused in his steps, without even looking in her direction he addressed Marsell who had been standing in a corner the entire time.
"That includes you as well Marsell. If I hear you've done anything to your cousin moving forward, I strip you of your allowance."
To that, Delvoy left the room, leaving both women in utter shock.
"I meant to tell you; you look very beautiful today Resena."
Julius and Resena sat across from each other, they had been smiling the entire time since solidifying their engagement, just then, Resena's expression changed to a look of sorrow. Had he said something wrong? Julius began to worry.
"Did I say something wrong? Tell me what's troubling you?"
"Oh no, it's nothing! I'm fine, thank you for the compliment!" Resena didn't want to give Julius the wrong idea, she relished every time he called her beautiful, but the truth behind these new clothes was less than poetic.
"Resena, I want you to know you can be honest with me. Now that we're getting married, there isn't anything you need to keep from me. I'll never judge you and I'll help in any way I can, but you must be able to tell me when something is bothering you."
Julius looked Resena directly in the eyes as he spoke, in that moment, she'd realized there was no way they could have a healthy marriage if she kept being so guarded. She knew it would take some time, but she would work hard to be open and honest with him.
"The day after I got engaged to Erick Steelwater; he delivered a load of clothing, shoes, and trinkets. He told me I could no longer dress in such rags. He said that I was to look the part of a woman worthy to be his fiancé even if I was the mere servant. I'd guessed Larna and Marsell would give him the details of my living arrangements here. He looked at me and said he could not wait to see the fear in my eyes. That I'd be perfect for his torments. I can still see the look of glee as he smiled on his face.
Resena's eyes began to water; she recalled the night she became engaged to Erick Steelwater.
So, although beautiful, whenever I put these clothes on, it would remind me that I would soon be married to him. I didn't even have a choice, my aunt insisted I follow his commands even before I was to move onto his estate. I'm sure she enjoyed watching my discomfort."
"I see. Starting tomorrow, you don't have to wear his items anymore." Julius had enough of Larna and Marsell. It angered him that they tortured Resena so. Because of them, it was going to take an emissive amount of work to get her to love and trust again. He hated that he had to do business with this wretched family, but it was the only way to save Resena for now, but he would definitely think of a way to make them pay for their injustice.
"I don't mind! Besides, the dresses that I owned before this are all old and worn out, and my shoes are too. I'll be fine! At least now when I wear these garments, I can wear them knowing I will never have to see that man again!"
There it was, that smile. It was the same smile she had that day, that same smile he so desperately needed to see again, that same smile he knew he could see for the rest of his days. Resena's bravery and resilience was one of the things he had grown to cherish most, but there was no way he would allow her to continue wearing garments purchased by that man for even one more day. Tomorrow, he would have an entirely new wardrobe sent.
The time was now 3pm, Julius hadn't realized that much time had passed. He needed to head back to the manor to begin preparations for the arrival of his fiancé. Resena's 18th birthday was in exactly three weeks and there was no way he was going to let her stay in this house until then. Her aunt and cousin could not contain themselves even for a proposal, he'd shuttered at the thought of what they may do to her after he'd left. No, she couldn't stay there any longer. Resena would be moving onto the estate this Friday. He would have a suite in the west villa prepared for her.
"I'm going to find your uncle to say goodbye and take my leave for now." He also had a few words for Delvoy, he wanted to make things clear before he left. As Julius stood to leave, he noticed Resena had a look of sadness on her face, he'd hoped it was because he was leaving.
"Not to worry, I'll be here tomorrow at noon. I was wondering if you would like to join me for a brunch?" Resena suddenly cheered back up!
"Yes! I'd love that!"
"Then it's settled. I'll be here promptly."
As Julius made his way to the foyer, he and Delvoy stopped for a few words.
"I know I've said this several times but thank you so much for this Mr. Spencer, I can't express enough how much I look forward to collaborating with you."
As Julius began to shake Delvoy's hand he suddenly held onto it a little tighter than normal. Puzzled by this motion, Delvoy paused, at that moment, while still holding onto his hand, Julius moved in closer.
"I look forward to our business as well. However, just so we're clear, while I look forward to our business ventures as I'm sure they will be prosperous, I hope you understand I take my fiancé and her wellbeing just as seriously. So, I hope that our relationship on both sides will be nothing short of sufficient."
Releasing his grip from Delvoy's hands, Julius bid him a good day and informed him he would be there tomorrow at noon to pick up Resena. As he walked out the door, Delvoy had a surge of fear, he had just been warned by Julius Spencer and the message was loud and clear, no harm was to come to his fiancé, or he would end him as he knew it. Being the son of a Duke, Delvoy knew he would be true to his word. At that moment, he was glad he'd already spoken to his wife and daughter.
That evening, Delvoy decided it was time to hold a meeting with the staff regarding the changes with Resena.
"Once everyone arrives, I will go over some changes that will take effect immediately."
Though the staff had not yet been informed, rumors of the engagement had already begun to circulate throughout the mansion. After Julius left, Jessica, a maid that had been present at the time of the proposal, made her way to the kitchen to gossip about what had just transpired.
"Caral, Rebekah you two are never going to believe what just happened!"
"(Both), What!"
"Lady Resena is engaged!!" Both the maids looked confused, everyone was aware of the engagement between Resena and Lord Steelwater. Larna made sure to immediately announce it to the staff. Smiling with devious glee, Larna called all the staff into the grand room.
"Staff, we have such wonderful news! Our little Resena is getting married, and to none other than Lord Erick Steelwater! Isn't that amazing!"
Resena stood next to her aunt, her head was held low, her face painted in gloom, said absolutely nothing. Just then, Marsell came up behind her placing her hand on Resena's chin.
"It's such a joyous event! Isn't darling cousin? Why I can't wait to throw you a bridal shower."
Marsell's voice was filled with dark and cynical humor.
"Why, I'm sure you'll make a beautiful bride for Erick; I can't wait to see what color he turns you. Hahahaha." After an uncomfortable silence, Larna began to speak in a dark tone.
"Well, don't everyone just stand there, congratulate my niece."
All at once in unison and sadden tone, the servants all congratulate Resena. She, however, didn't say a word, not once. Later that night, Carla spotted Resena crying in the kitchen.
"Poor Ms. Resena, what's happening to her should be a crime. How could they do this to their own niece? Everyone in this town knows how awful that man is." Unfortunately, because of the house rule, she would not be able to console Resena. All she could do was watch her cry from afar.
"Jessica, what are you blabbing on about? Ms. Resena has been engaged since last Wednesday."
"No, no Carla! I'm not talking about the Steelwater engagement!!"
"(Both), What?!!" Still in shock, Carla spoke first.
"Jessica what exactly are you talking about?"
"She's now engaged to Lord Julius Spencer!!!"
Jessica began to fill the two maids in on what just happened.
"Oh my gosh, the two of you should have seen the looks on Lady Larna and Marsell's faces! Oh, it was priceless!!"
After Jessica caught the two up on what transpired, the three maids stood in shock still reeling from what had just happened.
"I can't believe it! Lady Resena, marrying the son of a Duke!"
"I know right!! It's like a fairytale! Lady Resena has gone from pauper to Princess! Oh, it's so delicious!"
Carla stood silent, a quiet smile on her face, she'd seen Resena that night. Those tears of anguish. She was not about to reduce what had just happened to a mere salacious story; Lady Resena deserved better than that.
"Come on, let's get back to work. I'm sure whatever is going on the Mistress will update us."
"I don't know, after the way she acted, this time it might be the Master."
As the staff all entered the room, the anticipation was eating everyone up. Were the rumors true? Had Lady Resena got engaged to Lord Spencer? Where were Lady Larna and Lady Marsell? What about Lord Steelwater?! As the servants all eagerly waited, gossip began to whisper through the room.
"I heard Lord Spencer brought Ms. Resena a huge diamond ring!"
"Well, I heard he made a grand entrance demanding her hand in marriage!"
"What about the Mistress and young miss? Ooh I bet they were upset!"
"Upset? I heard Lady Larna practically had a nervous breakdown!"
GASP, whispers, shrieks!
Just then, the head servant Diana entered the room, eyes strict, she made her way to the center of the gossip.
"That will be quite enough! I will not tolerate gossiping about the Master and mistresses of the house! Master Lanster will explain everything soon, for now all of you keep quiet."
"(All), Yes ma'am."
Once gathered, Delvoy Lanster began to speak.
"I've gathered you all here this evening to go over some changes that are to take place immediately following this meeting."
The entire staff stood in silence, the anticipation building up as Delvoy continued.
"As you all may or may not have heard, my niece, Resena is no longer betrothed to Lord Erick Steelwater. As of today, she is now betrothed to Julius Spencer."
As the announcement was made, gasps and whispers spread across the room.
"Hush your chatters and allow the master to finish!"
"Thank you, Diana, as I was saying, many of you may or may not know this but Julius Spencer is the son of a Duke and will not tolerate unpleasantries regarding his fiancé. Therefore, effective immediately, Lady Resena will no longer be allowed to perform daily chores. You will start addressing her as a young mistress of the house, and lastly, should any of you witness any forms of verbal or physical abuse at the hands of either my wife or daughter, I am to be informed immediately."
The servants all stood in shock, had they all just heard correctly? Master Lanster wanted to be informed regarding any unpleasantries caused by his wife and daughter? What brought this on! Would they also be aware of what has been asked? So many questions floated through their minds, but they all knew better than to ask. Instead, as if in a choir, the servants all responded at once.
"(All in unison), Yes sir!"
"Thank you, I appreciate all your cooperation, later, I will be hosting an engagement party for my niece and future nephew, but for now, you may all congratulate her as you see her. That will be all for this evening, all you may end you shift now."
The servants all stood in silence as Delvoy left the room, once gone, low chatter quickly erupted.
"Oh my god! I can't believe it! Lady Resena is engaged to Julius Spencer!?" One maid exclaimed.
"Oh my! I wonder if that was what the Master and Mistress were arguing about earlier."
"When did this happened!?" Another chimed in!
"What are you talking about Mary?"
"I saw them in the grand room earlier and it looked like they were arguing."
"Huh! Serves her right! The way she treats Ms. Resena is just awful!"
"Yes! Not to mention, she fired poor Ella for helping."
"Wait, has anybody seen the Mistress and Young Miss?"
"Not since dinner, me and Carla had to take their trays up to them, apparently they didn't want to eat in the dining room."
"Probably too embarrassed." Chuckles.
"And I can't believe he told US not to be mean! The only ones that were mean were him, his wife, and daughter! Ugh! Some nerve indeed!"
"So, wait, where is Lady Resena?"
"Oh yeah, I don't think I've seen her since this afternoon."
"I saw her earlier in the kitchen, I think she was eating dinner, but I haven't seen her since."
"She's probably in her room daydreaming about her new prince! Ohh, at least that's what I would be doing!"
"You're probably right. I heard Julius Spencer was quite the looker."
The maids chatter continued for the rest of the evening; this would certainly be the talk of the mansion for the next few days.
Resena sat on the edge of her small bed, she was still reeling from what happened that afternoon. She had been in such shock; she'd barely touched her dinner that evening, too nervous to really eat. Instead, she kept replaying the events in her head over and over. "Is this real? Am I really engaged to Julius!?"Resena questioned it over and over to the point she felt afraid to go to sleep. She kept worrying that once she woke up, it would of all been a dream and she would still be bound to that wretched man Erick Steelwater. What really concerned her was how this would affect her aunt and cousin. It was no secret they were more than upset about this engagement, Resena worried they would try their best to make what remaining time she had left at the mansion as awful as possible. "I've dealt with it for over 9yrs, I can stick it out for a few more weeks." Resena decided it was time to go to bed, hopefully this was no dream and tomorrow she would see her fiancé, Julius Spencer. She could hardly wait!
"Good morning, I have a wardrobe delivery for a Ms. Resena Blackwell."
It was 8:30am that Tuesday morning when the delivery man arrived at the Lanster estate. The day before, Julius Spencer called one of the city's most prominent clothing stores, Estrada's, and made an urgent request.
"Good afternoon, thank you for calling Estrada's home of finest clothing in the entire state of Laguard. This is Rachel speaking; how may I help you?"
"Good afternoon, this is Julius Spencer, I need to speak with your store manager please."
"R-Right away Mr. Spencer! Please hold!"
Several moments later, A woman by the name of Grace picked up.
"Mr. Spencer! It's an honor to hear from you today! How can we be of assistance?"
"Yes, I thank you for the warm welcome and I apologize in advance. You see, I need an emergency order for my fiancé."
Gasp! "Fiancé! Congratulations Mr. Spencer! And not to worry, Estrada's will definitely be able to fill the order of one of our store's most prestigious customers! Well, let's get started!"
The order had been placed and scheduled for delivery the next morning. To his surprise, Julius was quite impressed with how proficient the store had been with fulfilling his order. This was most certainly one of the many reasons Estrada's was the best.
"Oh, yes, right this way."
Jessica led the delivery team through the foyer, just then Larna greeted her.
"What's going on? Who is this?"
"Um, this is a delivery team from the clothing store Estrada's."
"Estrada's! Oh my! Did my husband order new clothes for me! Please, allow me to…"
"Actually Ms. Larna, these clothes are for Lady Resena."
Larna could hardly believe her ears! It wasn't even 24hrs and already he had begun showering that runt with new clothing. And from Estrada's! This all seemed so much like a bad dream, a nightmare! To top things off, Delvoy never came to bed that night. He'd left the mansion shortly after having the meeting with the servants and requested Diana inform his wife he would be gone until morning. Everything was starting to fall apart!
"Fine, direct him to that girl's room quickly."
"Yes ma'am, right this was sir."
Larna went into the grand room, there, she instructed on of the maids to bring her daughter to her immediately. "I won't stand for this! I don't give a damn what Delvoy says! That runt will not marry Julius Spencer!" Larna had decided since her husband turned on her, she had every right to take matters into her own hands, but she would need assistance, and she knew just who to go to.
Knock, Knock.
"Yes?" Resena woke up at 6am, she had been in a panic trying to decide what to wear. Nothing seemed right. This would be her first official date with Julius, and yet, as she looked at all the new clothing she'd received from Erick, wearing one of his garments almost felt like she was being unfaithful to Julius.
"It's Jessica young Ms.; I have a delivery for you."
"(A delivery for me? I wonder what it is.), Um, okay, you can come in Ms. Jessica."
Just then, as her door swung open, Resena could hardly believe her eyes. In strolled two gentlemen with three carts of clothes, shoes, and trinkets. Resena stood in shock as the carts pulled in, "Wait, is this mine?! Where did it all come from…" Just then, Resena remembered what Julius said yesterday, "I guess this is what he meant. I supposed I'll have to get use to this, though I'm not sure if I can." Resena stood aside as the delivery team lined everything up, it was all so beautiful! Resena had known of the store Estrada's, her aunt and cousin were frequent visitors, but this would be the first time she ever dawned clothing from them. Even Erick Steelwater had not purchased her clothing form there, instead, he'd merely given her clothing from his previous betrothed. In addition to the clothing, a case full of makeup and perfumes were layered in beautiful velvet. "This is all so lovely, but I have no idea how to use it." Because she had never been anywhere, Resena never learned how to do makeup, now she was really in a panic; feeling overwhelmed, Resena sat on the bed.
Once the delivery team was finished, Jessica escorted them to the foyer. Just then, Carla walked pass Resena's room; as she glanced in, she noticed her sitting on the bed with a worried expression.
"Ms. Resena, do you mind if I come in for a moment?" Looking up, Resena could see Carla standing in her doorway.
"Yes! Please!"
"Oh wow! Did all of this come from Mr. Spencer!?"
"I'm afraid so."
"Ms. Resena, I noticed you look a little gloomy, may I ask what's wrong?"
"I…it's just…Oh Carla! I have a date with Mr. Spencer today and I have no idea what to do! I know absolutely nothing about makeup and fashion!"
As Resena panicked, Carla couldn't help but smile. For once, Ms. Resena sound like a fresh young woman panicking about a date. It was actually rather adorable. So many years of her looking gloomy and frail, on the brink of tears from abuse and humiliation, now here she stood a beautiful young woman getting ready for a date.
"(Smiling), Actually, I'm quite the expert on makeup and clothing, if you'd allow it, I'd like to help you prepare."
"Oh, my goodness! Would you!"
"It would be my pleasure Ms. Resena. Okay, let's have a full look at you so we can decide what the best look would be for your first date."
At exactly 12pm, Julius arrived at the Lanster Estate. Yesterday afternoon and evening, he'd begun the preparations for the arrival of Resena. He wanted everything to be perfect by Friday. "I do hope I didn't overwhelm her. I didn't even think about that, I was so excited about buying her things I didn't take that into consideration." Julius realized it would take a moment for Resena to get used to accepting gifts in abundance. As he approached the front door, Julius had a surge of nervousness. Why now? It wasn't like this would be the first time he and Resena went out, so why the nerves? Could it be because although they had gone out before, this would be the first time they'd ever gone on an official date? Whatever the case, he would need to get this under control, today's date had to be perfect.
"Good afternoon Mr. Spencer, it's a pleasure seeing you again! Please, come in."
"Thank you very much Ms. Diana, and good afternoon as well."
Diana escorted Julius to the foyer to await Resena. Just then, Delvoy Lanster walked in.
"Mr. Spencer! Good afternoon! I see you're here on time to pick up my niece! Welcome! Can I offer you a drink while you wait for Resena?"
"(Still portraying the dutiful uncle, eh?), Thank you, but that will be quite alright, and much thanks for the warm welcome."
"Absolutely. Now, I wanted to run something by you. How would you feel about an engagement party? I was thinking we could have one next month to introduce you an Resena to the public."
Julius could feel himself getting angry, he had learned about the terrible abuse Resena suffered at the hands of this family from not only her, but from the intel he'd received from Raymon. Delvoy could care less about his "niece", but now, he would want to portray the loving and dutiful father figure amongst a crowd of Laguard's finest, no doubt putting on the finest acting performance to rival even the greatest theater actors. But Julius would not allow this! He won't allow him or his wife to use Resena anymore than they already have.
"Actually Mr. Lanster, that won't be necessary. I plan on throwing Resena an 18th birthday bash at my, excuse me 'our' estate. There, I'll be introducing her as my betrothed, so an engagement party won't be necessary, but I do appreciate the kind gesture."
Delvoy suddenly felt nervous! "Why is he being so cold? Could it be he knows the truth about my company? Or is it because of Resena? Ugghh! Maybe she mouthed off to him about the abuse! It doesn't matter! I need this business deal to work, so for now, I'll continue to play my part." Delvoy knew he had no choice but to continue to play this role, the role of a humble and loving uncle. There was a secret about Lanster Corp, a secret that had left him at the graveling mercy of Julius Spencer. So, for now, he would play his part.
"No thanks necessary! You'll let me know if you change your mind. And a party! I'm sure Resena will appreciate that! We certainly have enjoyed celebrating her birthdays these past 9 years. Now will she be moving into your estate after that?"
"As a matter of fact, I plan on moving her into my home this Friday."
GASP! "Fr…Friday?! It's so soon! Are you sure?!"
Delvoy began to panic, why had he wanted to move her in so soon! Moving her into his home before her 18th birthday would change her legal guardian from him to Julius, meaning he would not be able to collect her dowry from her parents' estate, which was estimated to be around twenty billion pounds. The will stated that the 20-billion-pound payout would go to the person listed as Resena's guardian, which was contingent on whom she lived with upon turning eighteen. Therefore, if she moved out of the mansion before then, that guardianship would transfer to Spencer! Wait! That was his plan all along! This had been why he wanted to marry her! Had he found out about her family's will? Impossible! Blackwell's attorney Paul Clansky made it clear no one other than himself and her guardian/s would know the contents pertaining to the will. And while he did not like the Lansters, there was no way he would break that contract! So why! Why was this happening?
"Ugh…Mr. Spencer, I understand you're ready to begin your life with my niece, but I am going to have to insist she stay home at least until she turns 18! I don't think it would be becoming of her as a lady if otherwise."
"I assure you Lanster, I won't do anything to compromise her integrity. She'll have her own suite on a separate wing of my estate until our nuptials so her honor will remain be intact."
"I understand that! But as her guardian I must decline!"
At that moment, Julius sensed something was off. Why was Lanster being so persistent? He was prepared to marry Resena off to Erick Steelwater of all people. Surely, he didn't care much about her "integrity." So why the sudden interest? Why the sudden panic? Julius would have Raymon do some more digging, there was definitely something amiss. Julius had been trying to figure out in general why the Lansters took her in at all. He had a feeling it had to do with her staying until she turned 18, maybe something to do with her parents' estate. In any case, Julius had no intention of backing down.
"While I respect that you are her guardian, Resena is now seventeen. By state law, if she has a betrothed, she's allowed to make the decision to live on his property from now until they wed. So, you see, it's not up to you anymore."
Delvoy was seething! If glass had been placed in his mouth, at that moment it would have been dust! Who the hell did this prick think he was! But unfortunately for Delvoy, Julius was correct. Since Resena was now engaged, she could in fact choose where to live. "That's it! I'll call off the engagement! Let's see how smug he is after that!" Delvoy considered calling everything off for a brief moment, however, he knew that was not really an option. Julius had the power to destroy him not only financially but reputably as well. Considering the state his company was currently in; he couldn't afford to lose Spencer as a business associate. Through gritted teeth, Delvoy had no choice but to stand down.
"Well, while that is indeed correct, however, I do hope whatever decision you make, you make it out of the best interest of my niece, this is after all the only home she's known for over 9yrs."
Julius was livid! This asshole! He hasn't given a damn about Resena this entire time! Julius would definitely have to find out what he wanted from her; no way he is this concerned without reason.
"Mr. Lanster, with all due respect, you were about to marry her off to Erick Steelwater, a man with a less than honorable reputation. So, you'll forgive me if I question your definition of 'best interests' regarding Resena. However, I assure you every decision I make is with the purest intentions of her happiness, I'll make sure to ask her what she wants. Grrrrr, "(I knew choosing Steelwater would end up being a bad idea! Dammit! I have no choice but to relent! If I push this any further, he'll undoubtedly grow suspicious.), I understand. And yes, looking back it may not have been the best decision to betroth Resena to Erick Steelwater regardless of whom his family is. Thank you for taking her wishes into consideration."
Julius stood coolly. "That's right, stand down you prick. Whatever it is you want from Resena you won't get it. I will not allow you people to use her ever again". Just then, as the two men faced off, the maid Carla made an announcement.
"Um, excuse me Master Lanster, Mr. Spencer, Lady Resena is now ready."
In unison, both men turned around. As Resena walked down the staircase, Julius could hardly believe his eyes. Resena was wearing a beautiful light pink Victorian style dress. It had beautiful white lace tied in the back, with long pink laced sleeves, haltered shoulders, and a flowing ruffled white slip underneath. Her hair was pinned to the left and curled in beautiful spirals. Along the side there were gold clips with pink roses. For the accessories, she wore gold earring hoops with a pink rose vine wrapped around the bottom and a necklace and bracelet to match. Her fingernails had been painted with the same shade of pink as her dress, but the most astonishing thing about her entire ensemble was her makeup. Her naturally olive colored skin sparked a beautiful shimmer. Her face had light pink blush with a lightly coated pink eye shadow. Her lips looked like plump pink roses, and she had a fragrance that smelled of sweet flowers that illuminated the hall. Julius would most certainly have to give Grace, the saleswoman at Estrada's a hefty tip for she had certainly outdid herself with the variety of clothing and trinkets chosen for Resena. To say she was beautiful was an understatement, Resena was breathtaking! Even Delvoy had to admit to himself how breathtaking she'd look. Her transformation completed, Resena had indeed gone from pauper to princess.