First Day of Work

Azielle Sarogath's Manor

Azielle sat in her grand, secluded manor nestled deep within the verdant hills of Suiye Estate, Verdaselles. The manor, a wedding gift to her late husband, was a sprawling estate of stone and ivy-covered walls. Its architecture stood as a testament to its age, with towering windows framed by wrought iron and heavy wooden doors that creaked with history. The interior was furnished with antique pieces, velvet curtains, and portraits of some ancestors, giving the manor an air of nobility and isolation. The grand, neglected garden outside was filled with overgrown hedges and winding stone paths that led to a forgotten fountain, now moss-covered and still.

Inside her private chambers, Azielle lay on her luxurious, canopied bed, the velvet drapes slightly parted to let in the morning light. The room was adorned with old tapestries and gold-framed mirrors. She was sipping tea from a delicate china cup, her sharp, aged eyes narrowing as she listened to the telephone conversation with Magdalene.

"Evangeline went to the hotel to attend a board meeting with Dominic today?" Azielle asked, her voice measured and calm, though the corners of her mouth tightened slightly. She set her teacup down carefully on the tray beside her.

Leonard, her loyal steward, stood respectfully at the doorway, his tall frame and dark skin illuminated by the soft glow of the morning light. His expression remained neutral, though his attentive posture revealed that he was deeply invested in the conversation.

"Yes, Your Grace," Magdalene replied over the phone from the palace's sitting room. "She's overseeing the hotel's anniversary event. She mentioned that she's been handling the paperwork and that Master Dominic will hand over the previous Verdaselles Grand Duke records."

Azielle's lips curved into a small, knowing smile as she processed the information. "I see... she's quite busy today. Support Evangeline in any way you can," she instructed, her voice gentle but firm, before placing her teacup down once more.

"Yes, Your Grace," Magdalene replied before the call ended.

Azielle stared thoughtfully at the receiver for a moment before turning her gaze toward Leonard, who was still standing by the door. Her deep blue eyes, now softened by age, glimmered with contemplation. "My granddaughter is now a grown woman. This might be the first step toward mending her complicated marriage with Dominic. Though I don't expect any affection to grow between them, one can never predict someone's fate... Isn't that right, Leonard?" she mused, her expression softening further as she recalled her own past.

Leonard bowed his head, his voice respectful as ever. "Yes, Your Grace. However, there is something else I meant to inform you of." He straightened slightly, folding his hands behind his back.

Azielle raised a curious brow, picking up a delicate dessert from the tray beside her and taking a slow, thoughtful bite. "Oh? What is it, Leonard?"

"The cleaners responsible for the cold palace have sent word that Evangeline and Dominic spent their first night together," Leonard said, watching for her reaction.

Azielle paused, the dessert halfway to her mouth, before setting it back on the tray with an almost amused expression. "Oh? Well, isn't that something..." Her smile widened, though it remained controlled. "Keep me informed of anything else that happens at Serenity Palace. If Dominic spent the night with her, there must be a reason." She took another sip of her tea, her mind calculating as ever. "Evangeline still resents him—and me—for getting married to him. It's too soon to expect any children or affection. First, they must resolve their own conflicts. I have no intention of interfering in this marriage. Dominic is following my will for the country, as I assigned him. They must find their way through this on their own," she said with a soft sigh, her gaze drifting toward the window, where the sunlight filtered through in golden beams.

Her voice trailed off, and she stood from her bed with a sense of quiet authority. Draping a silk shawl over her shoulders, she moved slowly toward the exit, her hand brushing the intricately carved frame of the door as she passed Leonard. He bowed as she left, his eyes following her until she disappeared down the hallway.

The Manor Garden

Azielle stepped outside into the sprawling garden that surrounded the manor. The overgrown hedges created a natural maze of greenery, with roses that had once been meticulously tended now growing wild and free. She walked along the narrow stone path, her cane clicking lightly against the cobblestones as she moved toward the old fountain. Birds fluttered overhead, their songs filling the quiet air as she paused beside the moss-covered stone structure.

Her thoughts turned to her late husband. The manor had been his pride and joy, a gift of love and loyalty. Now, it was a place of quiet reflection. She traced her fingers over the cool stone of the fountain, her expression softening with the weight of memory.

What would you think of this, my love? she wondered, her eyes distant. "Evangeline's marriage is as complicated as ours once was, not much... but perhaps time will allow her to find the strength to face what lies ahead, just as we did." A faint smile tugged at her lips, though sadness lingered in her gaze.

The garden around her whispered with the wind, as if offering her no answers, only the passage of time. She remained there for a while, lost in thought, before finally turning back toward the manor, her steps slow but deliberate.

The automobile rolled smoothly to a stop at the entrance of the elegant hotel, its sleek, polished surface gleaming in the afternoon light. The hotel grounds were bustling with activity as carriages and automobiles arrived and departed, leaving behind guests dressed in their finest attire. The compound itself was a picture of grandeur, with tall marble columns flanking the entrance, manicured gardens lining the pathway, and fountains trickling gently in the background. The hotel's stately façade reflected the opulence inside, and the air was filled with a sense of anticipation, as if the building itself was aware of the important events transpiring within.

Dominic and Evangeline stepped out of the automobile, their presence commanding attention as they approached the hotel. Dominic, ever the picture of sharp elegance, wore a perfectly tailored three-piece suit—black with subtle pinstripes, a crisp white shirt beneath, and a dark tie that completed the look. His strawberry blonde hair, immaculately styled with a soft wave, framed his handsome, yet stoic features. Evangeline, at his side, looked equally composed, her hand resting on his offered arm, though she had hesitated to take it at first.

"We came through the front gates, since it's been a while since you last visited," Dominic said, his voice calm but with a slight edge, as though reminding her of a distant obligation.

Evangeline turned her head slightly towards him, her expression softening into a faint smile. "You're right... it has been a long time since I last visited," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia as her gaze drifted toward the grand building before her. Memories of her childhood flashed briefly in her mind—moments of laughter, freedom, and family. She sighed softly, lowering her head for a moment as the memories faded into the present reality.

Dominic, sensing her hesitation, extended his arm for her to hold. Evangeline glanced at it for a brief second, her thoughts swirling. "As long as it's for the sake of our marriage, I'll do it." After a pause, she slipped her arm through his, and they walked together toward the entrance. A hotel guest, a reporter by trade, who was familiar with the rumors surrounding their tumultuous marriage, spotted them and quickly snapped a photo, surprised to see them walking side by side. The guest quietly slipped away, eager to share this unexpected sight.

The scene did not go unnoticed by others either. Several guests exchanged curious glances, whispering to each other in hushed tones. "Isn't that Lady Evangeline?" one of them murmured. "I heard her bodyguard, Richard, was always by her side... where is he now? And why is she holding her husband's arm?"

"Isn't Richard her lover?" another guest added, eyes wide with intrigue. "I wonder what's really going on between them... Has she solved her marriage issue?"

Meanwhile, Dominic, aware of the stares but entirely unbothered, kept his focus ahead. "When you come here next time, use the rear gates," he instructed Evangeline, his voice authoritative but steady. "There are many events happening now, and guests are crowding the front. The main entrance will be out of bounds for a while."

Evangeline nodded absentmindedly, her thoughts elsewhere as they neared the entrance.

The hotel staff, lined up in their polished uniforms, stood at attention to welcome them. A ripple of excitement ran through them as they saw Evangeline return. It had been years since she last set foot in the hotel, and her presence stirred a mixture of respect and admiration. As they bowed their heads in greeting, several of them greeted her with warmth.

"Welcome back, Lady Evangeline. It's been far too long," a handsome middle-aged man with brown hair said, stepping forward to greet her. His name was Edward, the general manager of the hotel and second-in-command under Dominic. His familiarity with Evangeline went beyond mere professional acquaintance; he had known her since she was a child.

Evangeline smiled for the first time since arriving. "Uncle Eddie... or should I say Manager Eddie?" she teased lightly, her voice affectionate despite the formal setting.

Edward chuckled, a warm smile creasing his face. "You can call me whatever you like, My Lady, but Uncle Eddie is just fine. It's what you've always called me, after all."

Dominic stood silently beside her, watching the interaction but saying nothing. His sharp eyes missed nothing, though his expression remained neutral.

Edward gestured toward the grand staircase leading to the meeting rooms. "Shall we head to the meeting room first? After that, we can go to the conference room. A lot of guests are already waiting for you," he explained, his voice kind but business-like.

Evangeline's smile faded slightly, her face becoming neutral once more as they moved toward the meeting room. "Here comes the real challenge," she thought, bracing herself for what was to come. At least the staff haven't changed. That's a relief. I suppose if they were to retire, that would be the only reason for new faces." She glanced briefly at Dominic, wondering what he was thinking.

Dominic, noticing her change in demeanor, felt a sense of satisfaction. "She's already feeling the pressure... good. She'll need to navigate this world with me if we're ever going to survive together in this marriage." Though his expression remained impassive, there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes as they reached the top of the stairs.

The Meeting Room

Evangeline sat at the large oak table with Dominic and Edward, the hotel's general manager, as they discussed the finer details of running the establishment. Edward and Dominic were deep in conversation, strategizing on how best to improve the hotel's revenue streams and upcoming events.

"The Verdaselles Hotel's centennial is around the corner," Dominic said, his tone measured as he leaned slightly back in his chair. "We need to ensure every detail is perfect. The guest list alone will be a challenge, given how exclusive it needs to be."

Edward nodded, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Indeed, and the renovations in the east wing are still behind schedule. We'll have to expedite the work or risk a delay."

Just then, the door creaked open, and Caleb walked into the room, holding a book and a bundle of papers. Evangeline's gaze shifted toward him, her sharp eyes taking in the sight of him prepared to document the meeting. Caleb bowed his head respectfully in her direction before taking a seat at the far end of the table, ready to record the discussion.

But something sparked in Evangeline. "He's here to record everything... but today, I'll handle it myself. I'll just retire him for now."With that thought in mind, she interrupted the flow of conversation.

"Caleb," she called out firmly, her voice cutting through the room. The suddenness of it caused both Dominic and Edward to stop mid-discussion, their attention shifting to her.

Caleb immediately faced her, bowing his head again. "Yes, My Lady?" he asked, polite but slightly confused.

"Hand over the book and pen," she instructed, her voice calm yet authoritative. "You can retire for the rest of the day. I'll handle the notes myself."

Her confident command took Caleb by surprise, and even Edward looked momentarily speechless. He hadn't expected this boldness from Evangeline. Dominic, too, raised an eyebrow in amusement, a subtle smile playing on his lips. He crossed his legs and leaned back, watching her with an approving glint in his eyes.

Caleb hesitated for a brief moment, then stood and walked over to her. He handed her the book and pen with a bow, his expression respectful, though curious as to what brought about this change. "Thank you, My Lady," he murmured before turning to leave.

As he reached the door, Edward, still processing the shift in the room, cleared his throat awkwardly. "Ahem… My Lady, isn't that—"

"Uncle Eddie," Evangeline interrupted smoothly, her gaze steady as she cut him off. "I'll handle it. No worries, please continue. Caleb, you may go now." Her tone left no room for argument, and Edward, slightly startled, glanced at Dominic for confirmation.

Dominic, still lounging comfortably, gave a slight nod. "Evangeline will be managing more of the hotel's affairs from now on," he said, his voice calm but carrying weight. "You should listen to her instructions."

Edward swallowed and nodded, clearing his throat again as he adjusted his posture. "Of course, My Lady. As you wish." Though he had known her since she was a child, the change in her demeanor clearly surprised him. He had not seen this assertive side of her before.

Once Caleb had left and the door softly clicked shut, Evangeline opened the book and began to jot down the details of the conversation, her pen moving swiftly and decisively across the page. She was no longer just an observer—she was an active participant. As she wrote, her mind buzzed with ideas on how to streamline the hotel's operations and improve efficiency.

Dominic watched her quietly from the corner of his eye, intrigued by this new side of his wife. "What is she planning?" he thought, his curiosity piqued as she scribbled notes at a brisk pace. "Whatever it was, she seemed focused," and he admired the quiet authority with which she took control of the situation.

Edward continued, slightly more composed now, detailing the hotel's current financial status and the challenges with the upcoming event preparations. Evangeline, instead of sitting passively, began adding her own thoughts.

"We should start by revising the guest list," she suggested, her tone now more confident, almost like a businesswoman in her element. "If the centennial celebration is to be the highlight of the season, we'll need a mix of influential names—not just regular guests, but people who will elevate the event's prestige."

Edward blinked, taken aback for a second, then nodded. "That's an excellent point, My Lady. It would certainly bring more attention."

"And the renovations," she continued, her pen still gliding across the page, "we should consider shifting resources to the east wing. I've reviewed the anniversary reports and there's room to reallocate the budget temporarily to ensure it's completed on time."

Dominic smirked quietly to himself. "So, she was eager to study after all. "He hadn't expected her to immerse herself so thoroughly in the hotel's operations. Her newfound confidence was undeniably impressive.

Edward, still catching up to her pace, nodded again. "Yes, yes… we can do that," he agreed. "I'll make the necessary arrangements."

Evangeline continued to write, her posture straight and her focus sharp. There was no hesitation in her voice or her actions now. She was no longer the hesitant girl Edward once knew—she had grown into a woman who understood her position, one who wasn't afraid to take charge when necessary.

The meeting continued, with Evangeline now steering the direction of the conversation. Dominic sat back, watching in quiet satisfaction. For the first time in a long while, he saw a glimpse of the strength he had always known lay beneath her surface.

And Edward, despite his initial surprise, found himself respecting the confidence she exuded. He wasn't sure what had sparked this change, but it was clear that Evangeline was no longer content with being a passive participant in the Sarogath's family affairs

"Ahem... as I was saying, My Lady, here are some documents you need to review," Edward said, sliding a pile of slim, leather-bound books toward Evangeline. His fingers tapped nervously against the top of the stack as he spoke. "I selected the ones that require your careful attention."

Dominic, sitting across from them, watched silently, his expression neutral. His eyes flickered from Edward to Evangeline, who didn't hesitate as she reached for one of the files. She opened it, her focus intense as she studied the contents with a level of concentration that surprised even Dominic. He raised an eyebrow at her efficiency, though his face betrayed nothing more than mild curiosity.

"Are there any other reports I need to review?" Evangeline asked, her voice calm as she continued to skim through the papers, taking notes without a trace of hesitation.

Edward blinked in surprise at her question. "more?" he thought, almost overwhelmed." I can't believe this is Evangeline now... The look on her face—it's so composed, even mysterious. Has she been orchestrating the country's matters all along?"

Dominic leaned back on the sofa, crossing his legs casually as he observed Edward's growing discomfort. The old man was clearly rattled, a sheen of nervousness showing in the way he chuckled awkwardly and shuffled the remaining reports.

"These are quite a lot..." Edward stammered, pointing to the additional documents. "Here are the department reports, quarterly summaries, and the financial records." His laughter was hollow, nervous. Dominic could sense the undercurrent of fear in Edward, who was unused to seeing Evangeline so unbothered by the daunting workload.

Evangeline didn't even glance up as she continued writing her notes. "No worries," she replied with a calm, authoritative smile. "I'll have these finished before the end of today."

Edward froze, as if he had seen a ghost. His jaw tightened, and a shiver of unease crept down his spine. Even Dominic, ruthless and calculating as he was, felt a flicker of surprise. For all his power, there was something unsettling about Evangeline's unyielding confidence. He rested his elbow casually on the backrest of the sofa, masking his unease behind a neutral expression, though inwardly, he chuckled at Edward's obvious fright.

"She's handling this as if it's nothing," Dominic thought. "But I know this side of her. I saw a glimpse of it when Azielle was struggling and she needed me to help keep the estate afloat. That's when I married her... and yet, I didn't expect her to transform into this."

Meanwhile, Evangeline flipped through another report. Her expression was one of deep focus, entirely engrossed in her work." This is only the second report I've received directly in a long time," she thought, recalling how she had once been shielded from such tasks, especially after her parents' deaths. But now, this feels different... Her pen moved swiftly across the pages as she jotted down more notes, seemingly unaffected by the mountain of paperwork before her.

Dominic's mind drifted back to Azielle—Evangeline's grandmother, who had once tried to groom her granddaughter for this very role, but illness had halted her efforts. Azielle had asked for Dominic's help, a favor he hadn't forgotten, which led to his marriage to Evangeline. Back then, Evangeline wasn't fully ready, still haunted by the loss of her parents and uncertain of her place in the world.

He watched Evangeline closely. "But now... now she's not only unbothered by this workload—she's thriving on it. It's unsettling. She's handling all these reports like they're a challenge she welcomes. It's as if the spoiled girl I once knew never existed, and soon, a Duchess is emerging. This side of her, it's... threatening. Almost more threatening than my own family, the Bruswards."

He remembered the troubled times—how Evangeline had been neglected by her family and ignored by society, written off as a spoiled noblewoman with no substance. Yet here she was, going through the reports meticulously, completely focused." This isn't just about the hotel anymore. She's becoming something far more dangerous—someone who will command respect and power, far more than I anticipated."

Across the table, Edward nervously cleared his throat again, still clearly shaken by Evangeline's swift efficiency. "My Lady," he ventured cautiously, "you don't need to approve all of these at once. You can take your time."

Evangeline, without looking up from her notes, smiled gently. "I appreciate your concern, Edward, but it won't take long. I'll have these ready by the end of today." Her voice was composed but firm, leaving no room for argument.

Dominic, still watching the scene unfold, leaned slightly forward, his dark eyes narrowing in contemplation. "The Grand Duke's failure, the collapse of Evangeline's family... I was meant to be a temporary fix for those problems as Viceroy. I thought I could push her aside and handle everything myself" His fingers drummed lightly against the arm of the sofa. "But now? I'm beginning to wonder if I underestimated her all along. Even Azielle saw something in her that I didn't. And if I'm not careful, that something will surpass even my own reach and I like that "

Edward, still standing awkwardly by the table, seemed unsure of what to say next. He glanced at Dominic, looking for guidance or approval, but Dominic's face remained impassive.

"There's still the matter of the hotel's upcoming centennial celebration," Edward continued, trying to regain some composure. "The guest list, the renovations, the budget..."

Evangeline's pen didn't stop. "We'll allocate the resources to finish the east wing renovations first," she said decisively. "Once that's done, we'll review the guest list together. But don't worry about the budget—we can shift some of the allocations temporarily. I've reviewed the accounts. We'll make it work."

Edward's eyes widened slightly at her rapid understanding of the situation. "Of course, My Lady," he replied, though the nervousness in his voice lingered.

Dominic leaned back once more, crossing his legs casually again, though his mind was anything but at ease. "What have I unleashed?" he mused silently. For the first time, Evangeline seemed more than capable of being not just his equal, but perhaps even his rival but he's not bothered he just enjoy seeing Evangeline happy.

And that, in its own way, was the most dangerous threat of all.