Chapter 2

I was gearing up, pulled out a gold coin, and bit down on it. Wow. It really was real gold.

I checked out the rest of the jewelry and gems, and couldn't let go.

The maid nearby looked at me with obvious disdain in her eyes.

The voice in my belly piped up again. "Mother, don't get so greedy. This whole courtyard is full of people loyal to the Crown Prince and the Queen.

"Everyone's got their eyes on you. If you let slip even a careless word, they'll start gossiping, and you'll be out of favor before you know it."

Hearing that, I broke out in a cold sweat. I'd only arrived today, and the Queen had gifted me so many treasures. Everyone in the courtyard was watching my every move.

As their mistress, I couldn't let them feel neglected.

With months of pregnancy ahead, if anyone wanted to target me, I'd be completely vulnerable. I needed some reliable people around me, ones I could actually trust.

So I grabbed a pouch of gold coins and handed them out. The lead maid's eyes crinkled with delight. She looked really adorable.

"What's your name?" I asked.

Lanette bowed respectfully. "Lady Holly, I'm Lanette Hughes."

"From now on, you're the chief maid in my courtyard," I said.

I gave her a few more gold coins, making her beam with happiness. I put the rest of the staff under Lanette's management.

As long as I had one person under my thumb, spreading a bit of cash around was all it took. Their looks went from sneering to downright fawning, eager to butter me up.

After all, I was Dominic's concubine. They were trying to please me for the benefits.

All I had to do was hand out some money and everyone was happy, including me. Honestly, this was the perfect strategy.

Now that I'd sent them off, all I had to do was get Dominic to spoil me even more.

All I was after was the money.

Ten thousand gold coins? That was nothing. If Dominic ever felt like making me his secondary wife, my worth would rise.

And if he ever got tired of my humble origins, as long as he handed over cash, I'd happily walk out the door.

That thought made me grin. I scooped up all the money and jewelry, handed them to Lanette, and told her to sell them.

As for the stuff that couldn't be sold? I'd keep it for myself or give it away to others.

By the end of the day, I'd raked in 800 silver coins. But it was still far from enough.

I stuffed myself with food and flopped onto the bed, trying to figure out my next move.

I'd got ten long months of pregnancy ahead. Dominic was only treating me well because I was pregnant with his child. But what if, after I'd given birth, he decided to toss me aside?

Like they say, it was better to teach someone to fish than to hand them a fish.

I called Lanette over. "So, what kind of business do you think makes the most money in Siera City?"

Lanette paused to think. "Lady Holly, your shops are mostly restaurants and clothing stores. Are you planning to try something new?"

"Wait, I own shops?" I blurted out, genuinely surprised.

Lanette covered her mouth with a smile. "The Crown Prince gave them to you. All the records are kept in the small storeroom. I'll go bring them over right away."

She pulled out the deeds to the shops, and my heart did a happy dance. I said, "Come with me tomorrow. We'll go take a look."

Lanette agreed right away.

Turns out, I owned four shops. One sold pastries, one was for fabrics, another for jewelry, and the last for clothes.

I didn't know much about the other stuff, but when it came to food, that was where I really shined.

Back home, Elisha never taught me anything else. She always said I was just a girl and didn't need to learn so much, so I could only get creative with food on the sly.

Looking back, Elisha probably didn't want me getting too clever. The dumber I seemed, the more her daughter stood out.

Now that I think about it, maybe I didn't drink that spiked one by mistake.

"Lady Holly, you have to try this. It's the shop's hottest seller: stuffed flatbread," Lanette said as she brought it over.

I snatched it from her hands and took a big bite, eyes squinting in delight. Wow, this was actually really good.

"Bring out a few more. I want to taste everything," I said.

The shopkeeper, knowing I was here for an inspection, didn't dare slack off. He hurried to bring out all the signature pastries for me.

I sampled each one. "Not bad at all. Lanette, pack up some of these and let's take them back for His Highness to try."

Just then, I heard a derisive laugh.

A voice said, "So you're that shameless woman? You really think you can just climb your way up and become somebody overnight?"

Curious, I glanced up and met a pair of gorgeous eyes staring daggers at me, filled with anger and a touch of sarcasm.

I didn't know who she was.

"Mother, that's Margery Whittaker, the Crown Prince's favorite," my little one whispered inside me. "Whenever she shows up, Father is totally smitten with her. Mother, seriously, don't mess with her."

But come on, I was Dominic's concubine, and was pregnant with his baby. I'd got leverage now. If I ruffled her feathers a little, it was not like anyone was gonna blame me.

I calmly enjoyed my pastries, not bothered in the slightest by her arrival.