Tine's Revenge I

The carriage entered the gates of the estate; however, it wasn't the only carriage that entered. More carriages were entering from different families passing through the gates.

Laura moved the curtain aside and noticed many carriages parked outside of their gates. She opened the window and called for the coachman who apologized and said there was traffic, saying that a party was happening in the estate.

From Laura's knowledge, none of the servants had informed her about it. But she knew that it was Tine's doings.

The carriage started to move towards the entrance door, but as soon she was about to get off, Lester was seen running towards her as he called for her, panting and sweating.

Lester helped Laura down the carriage, and as she asked him what was going on.

It was suspicious that they were suddenly having a party out of nowhere when she knew that Tine had not accomplished anything. But for now, all she could do was to see what is happening and deal with it later.

Laura watched the tired Lester catching his breath as cold sweat formed on his forehead. After recovering, Lester was still in a panic, he didn't know how to explain the situation.

"Um, so actually, Miss Tine and I just learned it when guests started to enter. I don't really know what's happening or why it was happening, but it just happened. I'm sorry if my words are mixed right now," Lester apologies, wiping his sweat with his handkerchief.

"I understand. I can't believe Tine finally stepped up her game," Laura said, as she walked into the estate.

Ignoring the dreadful eyes that looked at her. When the nobles saw Laura, they started to whisper to each other. But even though they were whispering, Laura knew that they were talking about her.

They were whispering bad things about her, calling her a monster. Laura didn't care about what the nobles had said. Laura herself knew that she was a monster, a demon who can crush anyone who spoke bad things about her.

The nobles who talked bad behind her backs didn't know their own positions. In fact, they were messing with the wrong person. Being a count's daughter means being one of the most powerful women in town.

Lester, who walked behind Laura, felt uncomfortable as he followed her and ignored the whispers and eyes looking towards them. Something in him wanted to scold the nobles, but it would surely affect Laura if he did.

"I'm fine, Lester," Laura said, still keeping the same expression on. With the assurance Laura gave Lester, he kept his cool down and continued walking by her side.

Even with the harsh comments and whispers about her, she didn't want to care about it. It was the main reason why she became weak, but this time Laura wanted to overcome it.

Laura wanted to prove to the gods that she was no longer the weak girl who stayed inside her room and was scared about what the others said to her.

At least once, no at least in this life, she wanted to prove to the people that they were wrong about her.

The sounds of Laura's heels clicking onto the floor caught the others' attention. The noise of the nobles chatting didn't stop, but it softened. They all looked at her with disgust, openly judging her appearance.

Back in the garden, Tine giggled and greeted the other nobles who came to attend her party. It was a party to celebrate her success with another viscount whose business bloomed recently.

It was pathetic for Laura. What is the use of celebrating success over a small business? It's not like the sales would stay up forever, one day it's going to fall.

News spread fast that it had reached Tine's ears. She continued talking to the other nobles, not until Laura joined into their conversation.

"Sister! You're finally here," Tine smiled, rushing towards Laura and wrapped her arms around Laura's

"I'm sorry I'm late," Laura smiled, gently removing the arms that were wrapped around hers.

"This is Baroness Fiona," Tine said. Baroness Fiona stood quietly, looking at Laura's black hair. Her brows narrowed upon looking at it. It disgusted her as she preferred the blondie instead of the black-haired monster.

"It's nice to meet you, Baroness Fiona, my name is Laura Alvarado."

"Yes... it's nice to meet you," Baroness Fiona said in an uninterested tone.

The feeling of rejection reached Laura. Knowing that the people who were invited by Tine were all by her side.

This is perhaps the revenge Tine wanted to shame her sister in front of her supporters. Laura had to decide whether to go back into her room or stay at the party.

If she backed down now, the nobles might call her a wimp. But if Laura stays, possibly less criticism will arise.

It was a sudden surprise for Laura and, she was flustered at first, but slowly she was adjusting. If everyone in this party is Tine's supporters, it means everyone here is her enemy.

It's like a hundred hunters trying to shoot one prey. But the prey gets away without any wounds. They were all fools thinking they could bring Laura down and, that is what Laura had felt.

"By the way, Miss Tine, how is your relationship with Prince Winston?" Baroness Fiona asked.

"Uhm... we're doing fine. Things are going well. By the way, have you tried the scones?" Tine asked, quickly switching the topic. For a while, Tine was flustered.

Things between the prince and her aren't going well at all. After the last meeting, they had Tine had not been sending letters to him. Though she still hasn't given up on him. Laura noticed the flustered Tine and realized things weren't going well for her.

The way Tine dodged the question was suspicious. Normally she would answer with excitement, but it wasn't like before with the way she just answered.

"Have you been writing to His Highness?" Laura asked, acting as if she knows nothing. It triggered Tine, who quickly tried to compose herself.

"His Highness has been busy with his work. So I don't want to disturb him," Tine said, acting conflicted.

"How can you ask that question to your sister?" Baroness Fiona said, scolding Laura with her immature act.

"Is there a problem with asking?" Laura backfired, silencing Baroness Fiona. Baroness Fiona pulled Tine away from her and ended the conversation after being defeated by Laura.

"This is why Tine is so much better than an orphan." was what Baroness Fiona had thought. Laura watched Baroness Fiona escaping with disappointment.

Running away from a fight and running away with a white flag. It's not fun when there's no drama. Lester came running towards Laura, holding a newspaper.

After Lester handed the newspaper to Laura, she was in disbelief. Seeing the front page of the newspaper shocked Laura.

It didn't make sense for Laura. How is Tine the child of Septus? It was a lie and, others believed it. Did Tine bribe the church just to have this kind of recognition? Laura was speechless, folding the newspaper and giving it back to Lester.

Is this another reason why the nobles supported her? Just because she was Septus' child, who is a lie? It reminded Laura about what Viscountess Andrea had told her.

It would be good if Laura talks to the high priest about this. Especially when Tine's words in the newspaper were all fabricated. The child of Septus? Pathetic.

With Tine's influence right now, Laura didn't have a chance against her. It's best for now if she stayed quiet.

"How can she treat the saintess like that?" Murmured a noble.

"Such a disgrace," spoke another noble.

Tine from afar was filled with satisfaction. With the number of people on her side, she had nothing to fear.

Most of the nobles had supported Tine. And because she was recognized as the child of Septus, even the commoners had started to side with her.

It was a disadvantage for her and, she didn't have a plan for it.

"Lester, tell Tine I'll be waiting for her in the study room," Laura said in a low tone, scaring Lester.

=====

The doors shut behind Tine while she looked at the shadow of Laura. The air was chilly, and both did not say a word. Not until Laura turned her head.

"Is this your form of revenge?" Laura asked.

"It is and so?" Tine answered boldly.

"It's funny how you became the child of Septus," Laura laughed.

"I am, and it's real," Tine said, as her expression turned serious.

"Let's see how long you can act," Laura smiled as her fingers touched her lip.

"I'm going to bring you to the heavens."

"Then...I'll bring you to hell," Laura smirked, as her icy eyes pierced into Tine's, making her spine shiver.

Tine gulped as she left the room without saying a word. If Tine had answered back to Laura, she would have no chance of winning.

When it comes to threatening, Laura always had the advantage. On the other side of the palace, Prince Winston was disturbed by a messenger. His face looked angry, scaring the messenger who held a letter.

However, his expression changed upon seeing an emblem of the Alvarado family. He puffed out loud, laughing, and brushing his hair. Just when he thought things will be quiet, it becomes the opposite.

"So, this is your decision?"