Chapter 5

Some people even claimed that the Howell family had achieved so much that it overshadowed the ruler and had long been suspected of disloyalty. This incident was just a convenient excuse to stir up trouble.

For a while, I became the laughingstock of all Lanercost. The Howell family was also in the eye of the storm.

Avril was nervous. She said, "My lady, people are saying terrible things about us out there. Should we go out and clear things up?"

I was trimming a pot of orchids and didn't even look up when I heard her.

I said, "Explain what? What's the point in explaining anything to a bunch of fools who just parrot whatever rumors are going around?

"They've got mouths, let them talk all they want. Let's just mind our own affairs."

Avril nodded uncertainly, still not quite sure what I meant.

"So... what should we do next?" she asked.

I snipped off a dead leaf and blew the dust away. "Let's go collect our debts."

Out in the eastern suburbs of Lanercost, there was a mansion with three courtyards.

I had specifically purchased it for Hilda and her mother, feeling sorry for them when they had nowhere else to go.

The deed, naturally, was in my name. Now, it was time to reclaim it.

I changed into simple clothes, brought Avril and two house guards, and set off for the Montforts' place by carriage.

The entrance to the Montfort residence was bustling with excitement.

Several lavish carriages were lined up outside, and elegant ladies were coming and going in a constant stream.

Clearly, with Hilda about to become a princess consort, the Montfort family's social standing had skyrocketed right along with her.

As soon as I stepped out of the carriage, the Montfort family's butler recognized me.

A look of disdain flashed across his face, but he still reluctantly stepped forward and bowed.

"Greetings, Your... Miss Howell," he stammered.

Even the way he addresses me had changed. People really did know how to adapt to the times.

I ignored him completely and headed straight inside.

The butler hurried to block my path. "Miss Howell, we have some distinguished guests in the house today. I'm afraid it's not convenient for you to enter right now."

I stopped and shot him a cold look. "This is my property. Why exactly am I not allowed to go in?"

The butler was left speechless for a moment, his expression soured. "Miss Howell, that's not really fair. You gave this house to Lady Juliana Montfort back then. How can you just take it back now?"

I said, "Gave it to her? The deed's right here in my hand, with my name on it. And you're telling me I just gave it away?

"I'm here to take back what's mine. If you know what's good for you, tell your mistress to pack up and get out, and make it quick.

"Otherwise, don't blame me when I call the magistrate and have you all tossed out like garbage."

My words made the crowd collectively suck in a breath. They had clearly never seen a socialite act so direct and merciless.

The butler's face shifted from pale to stormy.

Just then, a piercing voice echoed from inside. "Who's making such a scene at our gate?"

Juliana Montfort, my distant aunt and Hilda's mother, strutted out.

She was decked out in fresh brocade, her hair loaded with gold pins and sparkling jewels. It seemed like she wanted everyone to know she was rich.

Juliana spotted me and paused, then plastered on an over-the-top sneer, clearly relishing her newfound status.

She scoffed. "Well, look who it is. The pathetic woman who was thrown out by Prince Simon. What's the matter? Got kicked out, so you're here hoping to freeload off us?"

I looked at her, my eyes icy. I said, "I'll say it one more time. This isn't your home. You've got one hour. Pack up and get out."

Juliana laughed as if she'd just heard the most ridiculous thing ever. "Move out? What gives you the right?"

She said, "My daughter's about to become a princess consort, and you're a divorced and disgraced woman. Do you think you can swagger around here like you own the place?

"Let me tell you, Celina Howell. Don't underestimate someone just because they're down. The tables always turn!"

Juliana sounded like she was quoting lines straight out of some old stage play.

I didn't want to waste my breath on her. I turned to the guards behind me. "Go inside and toss out anything that doesn't belong here."

"Yes!" the guards responded. They moved to barge in, ready to clear the place out.

Juliana panicked, spreading her arms wide to block the doorway.

She screamed, "This is outrageous! How dare you! Help! Somebody help! The Howell family is abusing their power to bully a helpless woman and rob me!"

Then she dropped herself to the ground, rolling around and throwing a dramatic tantrum for everyone to see.

She figured her shameless antics would leave me at a loss.

The crowd kept swelling, whispering and pointing fingers at us.

I watched Juliana's antics with an expressionless face, not even bothering to react.

After her dramatic outburst finally died down, I spoke up, my tone cool and measured. "Avril, go to the Magistracy's Court and file a report.

"Tell them someone is seizing my private residence and slandering me in public, trying to ruin my reputation. And while you're at it, hand over the petition I prepared a couple of days ago."

"Oh, and one more thing," I said, pausing just long enough to see Juliana's face turn deathly pale. "I'm reporting the Montfort family for swindling me out of five thousand silver coins back in the day."