Chapter 74: The Price

Collin was very strict when managing his employees. He demanded obedience. Therefore, when the staff heard Collin's order, he hurriedly ran out. Vincenzo quickly closed the door to prevent Michelle from leaving.

Michelle glared at Collin. “Who do you think you are? How dare you call the authorities just because I hit you? Even if Isolde hired you, you still work for the Duke’s estate. You’re just a servant.”

“Sorry, I’m not anyone’s servant. I’m Miss Langley’s business partner.” Collin finished, then ignored her and returned to the counter to continue with the accounts.

Although Michelle was furious, she knew that if someone reported the incident, the police would definitely investigate. At this point, she didn't want to complicate matters, so she angrily opened the door to leave. But Vincenzo stood between the door and her. “Sorry, you can’t leave before the authorities arrive.”

“How dare a servant like you stop me? You’re no better than a dog!” Michelle spat angrily.

“Dogs are meant to guard doors. Don’t you know that, madam?” Vincenzo, noticing her hand twitch, said indifferently, “You’d better think carefully about the consequences before you make a move.” He added, “I’m not your servant, nor do I work for the Duke’s estate. I’m Miss Langley’s employee.”

Michelle wanted to hit Vincenzo, sure he wouldn't retaliate. However, his words made her hesitate. Finally, she said resentfully, “I won’t argue. Get lost!”

“I’ve already said you can only leave when the authorities arrive,” Vincenzo said coldly.

Michelle’s eyes blazed. “Enough! Even Isolde wouldn’t dare treat me like this. Who do you think you are? How dare you two make things difficult for me?”

“Who would dare to make things difficult for you? If you hadn’t insisted on stealing the key and hitting Collin, we wouldn’t have resorted to this,” Vincenzo said indifferently.

Michelle gritted her teeth and glared at Vincenzo. She glanced at Collin, concentrating on the accounts. After a moment’s thought, she decided it wasn’t the right time to get into legal trouble. She threw the key on the ground and shouted, “Open the door!”

Vincenzo smiled and opened the door. “You’re welcome to visit again.”

Michelle walked out resentfully. Rounding the corner, she saw the staff member who had claimed he was going to call the authorities standing outside, smiling at her. Michelle was so angry she felt sick. She couldn’t believe she’d fallen for the staff’s trick.

Vincenzo, leaning smugly on the table, said to Collin, “Why are you so capable? You anticipated her causing trouble.”

“It’s not unexpected,” Collin said with a faint smile. “She is scheming and calculating. She always inspects her shop. Once she discovers the shopkeeper has changed, she will definitely make a fuss. If we let her get away with it the first time, she’ll come again.”

“But it’s too bad for you that she slapped you,” Vincenzo said.

Collin touched his cheek. “It’s just a slap. If it solves the problem once and for all, it’s worth it.”

Vincenzo sighed. “It’s really not easy to do business.”

“Continue learning, buddy. It’s common to suffer when doing business,” Collin smiled, settling the accounts.

Michelle returned to Marquis Velmont’s estate in a fit of fury, needing to vent her anger. Passing the courtyard, she saw a young girl in green sitting by the lake with Greg. He was stuffing a pastry into the girl’s mouth; they were almost hugging.

“Who is that?” Michelle asked the maid beside her, her eyes flashing with anger. Greg already had many concubines, and now there was a new one.

The maid replied, “Madam, that is Casey Berkeley. I heard Mr. Becker from Southern Watch gave her to Lord Greg.”

“Mr. Becker?” Michelle echoed, her heart pounding. “It’s not Mr. Becker. Isolde did this. I wasn’t divorced because of her, and so she sent a woman to Greg. How vicious.”

The maid said softly, “Madam, Lord Greg likes Miss Berkeley very much now. She came two days ago, and Lord Greg has been with her the whole time.”

Michelle asked coldly, “Why didn’t you report it earlier?”

The maid stammered, “I—I’m afraid you’ll be angry.”

Michelle was furious. After being bullied in the shop, she’d come back to this. She felt dizzy with rage.

Michelle stared at the couple by the lake. Seeing Greg stand up and leave, leaving Casey alone, a trace of viciousness flashed across her eyes.

“Go and get the maid beside Casey to leave,” Michelle ordered insidiously.

The maid nodded and went over. She spoke to Casey’s maid, who then left.

Michelle looked around. No one was near. Greg was also gone. She strode over and stood behind Casey, staring at her beautiful neck and side profile.

When Casey saw someone, she hurriedly stood up, her beautiful face stunned. “Who are you?”

Michelle hadn’t expected Casey to be so beautiful. Even without her disfigurement, she couldn’t compare to Casey. Greg’s other concubines were nothing compared to her.

Michelle stared at Casey’s face, an idea striking her. She couldn’t let Casey live. Otherwise, Greg would be captivated by her sooner or later.

“I’m Lord Greg’s wife.” Michelle’s eyes burned with fury. “Who are you?”

Casey smiled, looking at Michelle with disdain and contempt. “So you’re Lady Michelle, that ugly woman who was disfigured. No wonder you covered your face.”

“What did you say?” Michelle was furious. No concubine on the estate dared speak to her in such a tone.

“You’re ugly, so Lord Greg doesn’t want you anymore. Why are you flaunting your status as his wife in front of me?” Casey leaned closer, a malicious smile on her face.

Without thinking, Michelle raised her hand and slapped Casey’s face. She wanted to vent the anger she’d suffered in the shop.

However, after being slapped, Casey retreated in a panic, spraining her ankle and falling to the side. She grabbed Michelle’s sleeve, but Michelle flung her away, and Casey fell into the lake.

Footsteps sounded behind them. Michelle quickly turned and saw her in-laws and Greg. All three had furious expressions.

Greg stepped forward and slapped Michelle, knocking off her veil and revealing her scarred face. “You vicious bitch. How dare you hurt others here.”

Michelle hadn’t expected Greg to hit her. She was stunned for a moment. She looked at Greg’s furious face and then at her in-laws, as if asking for help. She subconsciously explained, “I didn’t push her. She fell herself.”

“Michelle, I’m disappointed. I can’t tolerate such a vicious person like you here.” Kendrick’s voice was deep, carrying unquestionable authority.

Michelle’s entire body went limp at those words.