Chapter 163 - Carelessness

Welch Residence,

Every family successors are currently in the family room as they watched the bad news about them. They indeed participated in bribing. But even if they say that it was a gift for every aristocrat that they sent it to, the Duke of Westeria will still search through it. It was already their family plan all along. They tried to be friendly with aristocrats for years and they have their trust. Abruptly, two Dukes came into view and their plan was ruined.

"I am not sure about Duke Maverick," Jason's younger brother Kenny said. "Something is off about him." 

"He's just a normal construction worker like months ago," Jason told him. "I fired him after messing up." 

"We knew well that he's not the one who messed up," Samara smirked as Jason glared at her. She only shrugged. 

"But somehow, the foreman said that they were trustworthy. Kenzo was also good at electricity while Maverick was good at using heavy machines. According to my intel, Maverick was one of the people who finished the building on the north." Jason said as he thought deeply. "Their connection was good." 

"Two Dukes are after the Welch Residence. Is this because of revenge from an ex-lover?" Samara asked, which made all of them look at her and Jason. 

"Well, I can't blame my brother for choosing Katarina," Samara added. "She's taller and~~" 

But Jason's head went to the beautiful Victoria who smiled genuinely on the television. 

"Victoria had a very unique beauty, compared to Katarina who might be comparable to any normal nobles," Jason said as they all looked at her. 

"But, violà! She married a Duke. There will be a chance that she might be the next Queen of Great Greivania." Kenny teased as Jason glared at him. 

"Stop the nonsense now!" Their father, Jordan Welch exclaimed. "Now that the Baroness has withdrawn from us, I think we need a better plan before any of us could get arrested!" 

"We have scapegoats." Jason exhaled. "That will do for a while, father, but I promise to be careful next time." 

"This carelessness won't happen again, do any of you understand?" 

"Yes, father." The three said at the same time. 

That night in the Welch Residence, Jordan with his two sons planned one of the scapegoats that they bought. It was until they had planned it carefully to make sure that their family has a clean reputation. 

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Wild Orchid Castle,

Currently, the future Duchess already sent out the gown that she wanted and they had finished the draft of the dress. She already fits on it before they put crystal beads to make it look like a royal fairy tale gown. Her fiancé was also busy with lots of problems now. It's quite tiring to be a Duchess. But it's more tiring to work under the pressure of a company. 

Here, she can work, take a break on her own, and have afternoon naps. She stretched her legs when she finally reached her room. 

"Well, I am getting married." She mumbled tiredly but seeing the ring on her hand made her smile. She jumped off when her phone started ringing. She quickly answered it when the Empress called. "Hello?" 

"My dear, how's the gown?" The Empress was Maverick's mother. It was a code name. Stacey grew fond of her from the very start. 

The first time that they met was at the Edward Shopping Center. Lady Vanessa even told Stacey to call her mother or mom. 

"Hi, Mom. Yes, I fit the gown. Still on the draft but they said that it'll be finished in a week together with the veil." 

"That's great. I can't wait to see you and Mave." 

"Perhaps," Stacey knew that she might be lonely. "Perhaps I could have my engagement party in your house if it isn't a bother. Don't worry, I won't invite anyone else." 

"My dear, you are truly welcome. I'll take care of the rooms. When will the party be?" 

"This weekend. We will be there Friday night." 

"Alright," Vanessa said softly. "How's Mave?" 

Stacey looked at the door and sighed. 

"Mave is still busy with the reports. It's a big commotion after the bidding." 

"Of course, it is. Then, my dear. I will proceed with checking the game room for your party. Did you inform your parents?" 

"Yes, I did. They are against Maverick at first… because they didn't know that he would become a Duke." Stacey chuckled. "But it's good now. I already made sure that they will be there for my wedding." 

"Good thing. I'll talk to you tomorrow." Vanessa said in a very motherly voice. 

"Alright, mom." 

The Empress hung up and Stacey couldn't believe until now that she had a loving future mother-in-law. She didn't just support her, she was also treated like a dear daughter and pampered her so much. But she's quite strict when it comes to the Duchess's duty. She could still do her hobbies but showing up to the people is also a must. She never thought that she could become an instant celebrity and not just a celebrity, a royal. 

Stacey decided to visit her husband. She strode to the corridor toward the study room that was three rooms from their main room. She knocked first and when he didn't answer, she squeezed the doorknob and opened it. The first thing she saw was Maverick's eyes. It was grim like it was burning in the dark. If eyes could murder, he might have already butchered a lot of people. 

Stacey approached him, although he was scared, she has never been scared of him. She was doting toward him. She sat on the left of the armchair as she hugged his neck. Maverick relaxes and she also watches the news as it shows that the mastermind of the arson was an employee that got fired under K and C Company. Maverick already researched about the man and they are right about it. The man stole a few assets from the company which is just right for him to get fired. 

"Are you tired, my love?" Stacey asked softly. 

"Yes, but I have to do something about this." 

"Why won't you let it roll for a while. Save the best one at the end?" Stacey suggested. 

Maverick thought of it and nodded. His ears have been ringing for a while now and his head is about to break. 

"Come, I'll massage your body. It's already time to rest." 

Maverick followed his beloved to their room as she helped him undress. Then, he lay on his stomach and received a soft gentle back massage. Then, she gently massaged his nape and the back of his head. Then, he turned to her. She carefully put a pillow under his head and then she started massaging his face. He had a few wrinkles. It is maybe because he kept frowning but he's still handsome. She'll do everything to give him a facial massage. 

"Wait, I'll wipe your face and put some moisturizer on it." 

"Hmm?" he asked. 

Stacey went to her dresser and took out the collagen face mask and the massage roller. He smiled and chuckled. 

"Well, my wife is so sweet." 

"I don't want you to look old because of stress." 

After she gave the Duke a fine massage, he fell asleep quickly. She sighed. It seemed like he didn't have time for dinner or to go to their greenhouse to sleep. But she's happy that he's a little peaceful. She changed her clothes, wiped her face, brushed her teeth, and finally cuddled with him. She won't insist on going back to the greenhouse where a nice bed was set up for them. 

"Mave," She called but he didn't answer. "Even if you want to hear me, I want to say that I'll do my best to stand by you." 

"Hmm," he turned to her and hugged her. Stacey felt secured already. She's happy that she left her life in the city working as a normal employee. She knew that she almost risked her life but it was worth it. Because, now she's happy to be with him and she's sure that in more days, the results of their lovemaking might be a big thing to celebrate. 

She fell asleep in his arms but then, she woke up suddenly. She sat up and heard her stomach growling. She looked down at Maverick who laughed. Was he awake all this time? 

"Is it our baby or just your stomach?" he asked and reached her tummy. 

"We didn't have our dinner. That's why." 

She turned to the clock to see that it's already one morning. Maverick sat up and reached his robe. 

"Alright, I'll prepare something to eat for both of us." 

Stacey put on her silk robe and followed him. 

"Were you awake the whole time?" She asked. 

"I was awake for like a minute." He reached her head and patted it. "Let me check your hand later." 

"Okay." 

She watched him prepare something easy. Then, the couple ate happily as they talked nonsensical things. 

"You look beautiful." He said and admired her. 

"You keep falling in love with me, huh." She teased. 

Maverick laughed. 

"You are very confident about that." 

"Why not? I can even make you moan and growl my name in bed." She smirked. 

Maverick sneered at her and pinched her cheeks. 

"Ow!" 

"Since I already recharged. Let's head to the greenhouse. It's more refreshing there because of the plants." 

"Yes, master.." She said in a very submissive way that made his body stiff.