Chapter 19: Feed Off Enemy Tears

Chapter 19: Feed Off Enemy Tears

Maybe she was being too cautious, but rather than sit at one of the tables close to the window, where anyone outside could see them, Tori bypassed the front of the cafe alltogether to sit in a small, corner table in the back, past the counter. Alessa looked frantic when she grabbed Toris arm and Tori was willing to bet the entire Guevera hereditary fortune that somewhere in their upcoming conversation, Alessa would cry.

How would that look to any potential clients outside?

Alessa had followed her into La Lumiere, which had a dark wood interior. Sitting in the back would allow them to blend in. Alessa had tried to take a seat at a vacant table by the window, but Tori walked past her, without a glance, and sat in the back corner. She lifted her hand and ordered a coffee.

This is what you call a power move. Tori shifted her eyes towards Alessa, who was still sitting by the window, and tilted her head. She then looked at the seat in front of her and back. It wasnt until Toris coffee was brought to her and she thanked the server that Alessa and Adrien, who was resigned to sit at the counter and wait for them to finish their conversation, realized that Tori wasnt going to move.

Like near every instance of them crossing paths in this world, Alessa had to come to her.

Shifting awkwardly from foot to foot, Alessa crossed the room, avoiding the eyes of any other customers before sitting down in front of Tori.

What do you want to drink? Tori asked as she stirred her coffee aimlessly. Her eyes went up and down Alessas small, nervous figure. Tea, perhaps? Alessa nodded, as if shed nod at anything Tori said. Miss Dejeau, may we have a cup of your breakfast tea? Thank you. She looked back at Alessa. Their breakfast tea has a nice hint of sweetness and its light.

Alessa nodded her head once more and Tori couldnt help but compare her to a shivering chihuahua. She held back her amusement as a small cup was placed in front of the blonde across from her.

Alessa stirred the tea with a small spoon once before she stopped and placed the teaspoon on the saucer. Lady Guevera, Im sorry. I was the one who gave Adrien the vest you lent me.

Yeah, bitch. I know. I see.

I didnt know you were also planning to sell it. Its an amazing design! Michelle, Zofia, and I...none of us got sick, but two of the boys in Gideons group got hypothermia.

I know that, too. Their dumbasses didnt think to make a second fire. Uh-huh....

Alessa squinted her eyes and looked unsure of what to say. Because the vest was so useful, I thought it would help a lot of people, so I went to show Adrien. Hes a friend of mine, you see. We met when I was coming to Horizon. When all the supplies for the excursion were sold out, he provided me with the items I needed.

That mustve been an encounter. Is that so....

Faced with Toris calm, unfazed demeanor, Alessas pale face reddened. She swallowed hard. It was me who suggested that he try to sell the vests and sleeping mats, Lady Guevera. As you said, the quilt has been around for a long time and this is just a wearable alternation.

There was the confession. Tori continued to stir her drink, the light clink of the spoon against the cup filled the silence between them. She squinted and stopped. I looked into the source of most of Mr. Rosieks merchandise. They came from Chetterwickshire. She pinched the small handle of her mug and brought the coffee to her lips. She took a sip and lifted her eyes to meet Alessas. He contracted several artists in your hometown, Miss Hart.

Alessa sat up straight. Yes! I know! Chetterswickshire is a very poor village. Were just farmers. He wanted to help me by bringing some work to my village.

Tori gave a singular nod and lowered her cup. Thats very good of him.

Alessa appeared uncertain and drew her head back. You arent angry about this, are you?

Tori raised a brow and let out a low breath as she leaned back against her chair. He didnt come up with the design. He stole mine. Then, he had the gall to accuse me of stealing the design. She cocked her head and narrowed her eyes. Should I be happy?

At once, Alessas eyes reddened. They began to glisten with tears.

Tori almost rolled her eyes. Oh, fuck no. Dont cry to me. I feed off enemy tears.

Alessa sniffled. He only wanted to help me....

And thats fine. A friend should help a friend in need. However, would stealing my design and accusing me help you?

Alessa shook her head wildly from side to side. No! Its just that he knew I came from a poor village and wanted to bring income to my people!

This girl just wasnt listening.

Which is acceptable, but was copying my design and accusing me his only option?

Tears began to slide down Alessas face as she gasped for air, speechless. I...I....

Lady Guevera, I think thats enough. A stern voice said ahead of her. Tori looked from Alessa to the man approaching.

Oh great, another one is here today. Tori lifted her cup and made a little toasting motion to the newcomer before taking a sip. Good morning, Mr. Guthry. Youre a bit late. You missed all the action. I really do sound like a villain. But it sounds pretty cool, I can see why people like this.

Dimitri knelt beside Alessa and lifted a handkerchief to wipe her eyes. Dont cry. Lady Guevera cant do anything to you.

Tori nearly choked on her coffee. She snapped her head back and looked at him with wide eyes. Excuse me? Do you think I hurt her?

Shes crying, isnt she? Another voice filled the room and startled customers, earning them a disapproving look from the workers. Adrien didnt pay attention to them and instead loomed behind Alessa, as if ready to grab her and shield her from Toris attack. Ive been watching the whole time.

Then did you hear us talking? Tori looked at him as if he had just gotten stupider before her eyes. She asked me if I was angry about this and I asked her why I should be happy if someone stole from me and then accused me of theft.

Adrien slammed his hand on the small wooden table and Tori lifted her almost finished coffee to keep it from spilling.

I know youre blaming her for this! She has nothing to do with it. Im the one who wanted to make the vests and decided to hire artisans in her village! Adrien gave her a challenging look.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

Toris unimpressed expression remained. Then why.

He jerked his head back. What?

Why? Tori repeated. You know that someone else made the design. Why did you decide to copy, sell it, and then accuse me? What does any of that have to do with Miss Hart?

The look on his face, and on Alessas, was confusion. As if the conversation they were expecting to have suddenly changed direction and they werent prepared.

Lady Guevera, Dimitri said, trying to be rational. Very few people knew that you designed and commissioned the products yourself. Mr. Rosiek likely didnt know you were the original designer.

Oh, now thats a reach.... So, he decided to claim the credit. Tori took another sip of her coffee and then placed the cup down. Miss Hart, if you wanted to bring attention to the vests and sleeping bags so that they could help people, why didnt you just come to me and tell me? The night I lent you the vest, I told you I designed them to keep you warm. Was it necessary to get Mr. Rosiek involved?

Alessas head was downcast as she wiped her crying eyes. Her shoulders heaved and her voice trembled. Im sorry...Im sorry. I didnt mean to....

Lady Guevera. Dimitri frowned. Alessa has acknowledged her mistake. Shes very sorry.

This wasnt her fault to begin with, Adrien said as he looked at Alessa helplessly. Like I said, I made all those decisions. She shouldnt have to apologize to you.

Then you apologize. Tori lifted her gaze and looked at him with an awaiting expression. You stole my designs and claimed them as yours, then you accused me in public, slandering my name. Apologize.

His face reddened and his hands turned white as he gripped the back of Alessas chair. He grit his teeth. I...Im sorry.

Well, that has no sincerity. Do you plan to continue selling the products?

Adrien scoffed. Dont go too far. Theyre just clothes.

They are, but I hope that I wont see another cheap imitation of my designs in your cow store again, Mr. Rosiek. I have patents for the designs and methodology by which they are made. If you try to sell fakes, you are infringing on my right and there will be legal action. Costly, time-consuming legal action. Tori lifted her cup and finished her coffee. She placed it on the table and looked across at the uneasy Alessa seated across from her. She softened the expression on her face and spoke in a placating voice. Miss Hart, lets just put this behind us. Im sure that this time it was an accident. Not fucking likely, but whatever. And that you didnt mean any harm.

Alessa sniffled and looked up with hopeful eyes. Really?

Tori smiled graciously. Yes. Dont trouble yourself further with this. She rose to her feet. I should get back to my grand opening. Dont worry about the tea, all right? Its on me.

She went to the counter to pay and apologize for any scene they mustve caused. The owner assured her it was fine and thanked Tori for buying them out this morning. After a bit of friendly chatter, Tori headed outside and made her way towards her store.

Lady Guevera. She was almost to the store front when she turned and almost wondered if she heard wrong. However, the man was looking at her and approaching.

I do have to get to my class, Mr. Guthry, so Im afraid I cant stay long to talk, Tori said as she stood by the door.

Dimitri nodded and took a deep breath. He seemed to measure his words before speaking. Lady Guevera, I spoke to Alessa about the issue of the quilted vest and sleeping mats. The Golden Cow is having them made exclusively in her hometown and its helped alleviate the financial stress of several artisan families involved.

Tori nodded. Thats good.

Yes, it is. She is hoping that it will continue.

Tori knit her brows. Isnt it? Mr. Rosiek of the Golden Cow doesnt plan to stop selling the copied vests and sleeping mats. You were there; he was a bit defiant for a design thief, if you ask me.

She was aware of how flustered Dimitri was getting, but didnt intend to open herself up.

Im aware of his actions and condemn them; however, it was an accident. And the production of the goods is helping many people. Theyre worried that now that you have opened your store-

Stores.

What?

Stores. Plural, Tori said, looking at him, unmoved. We have two stores and are selling at Daybreak Garden.

Dimitris eyes widened and his jaw slacked a bit. Why are you opening up more than one store?

Pricing tiers and the utility of the merchandise. She gave him a reluctant, suspicious look. Theres a bit of marketing strategy involved and Id rather not get into it.

Dimitri took a deep breath. He closed his eyes. Lady Guevera, if you do this, wouldnt it flood the market? No one will buy from the Golden Cow.

Yeah, thats the fucking point. Its the customer who decides. If one store has better, more affordable, or higher quality choices for the product, they will choose one store over another. Wouldnt you?

The loss of the market would take away jobs from the people of Chetterswickshire.

She gave him a blank stare. Have you really considered this matter, Mr. Guthry?

Yes, believe it or not, Im very concerned about our impoverished regions.

Let me ask you a question: are vests and sleeping mats the only thing The Golden Cow sells?

He frowned and gave a small shake of his head. No, they sell many other items. Mainly household items, simple clothes, and then a few imports, to my knowledge.

Then why does it have to be my copied designs that are made in Chetterswickshire and not other items that require the same artisans, such as the aforementioned clothes?

He was quiet. His lips curled into a frown and Tori wondered whether he really didnt think about it or if he just wanted her to let Alessa and Adrien sell her designs.

She sighed and ran a hand down her face, tired. All Mr. Rosiek has to do to keep jobs in Miss Harts hometown is to literally give them jobs. It doesnt necessarily need to be producing quiltwear as he calls them. Do you understand, Mr. Guthry?

The frown on his face didnt not disappear. If anything, he seemed even more displeased. I understand.

Great-

You wont give them the chance to continue doing business. He looked both upset and disappointed in her. Thats very selfish of you, Lady Guevera.

It took her a moment to register his words. She almost couldnt believe what she was hearing. She wasnt being vague. She wasnt being dismissive. She gave him a suitable answer that would appease both parties.

At least she thought it was.

Are you purposely not listening to what Im telling you? Tori slammed her hand on a desk and looked at him as if waiting him for give her another stupid answer. Im not doing anything to stop them from selling what theyre already selling. The market will speak for itself and its up to them to adapt. A competitor wont hinder itself so its opponent can flourish. Why do you think Mr. Rosiek refuses to stop selling the stolen designs? There are ways for the Golden Cow to adapt and still support Chetterswickshire artisans. I just told you the most obvious one!

He grit his teeth. Lady Guevera, if you allow the Golden Cow to sell your designs legitimately, it would be very beneficial to you. I am asking this as your classmate.

This subject is not suitable for discussion or negotiation between us, Mr. Guthry. Tori shook her head and turned around. Her hand reached for the door handle.

My father is the Prime Minister. If you give your word, I will owe you a favor.

She wasnt sure if her skin was crawling or if it was overheating with fury. She narrowed her eyes and slowly turned around to face him. Do you know that accepting any sort of benefit outside of regulated trade practices is considered a bribe and against the code of ethics set forth by the Imperial Commerce Commission, Mr. Guthry? Are you suggesting I break the code of ethics? You? The Prime Ministers son?

Panic flashed over his face as he seemed to remember who he was and realize what hed just said. He paled for a moment before the calm, collected look he usually had returned.

Yet, when he opened his mouth his words didnt come as fluidly as before.

Youre right, he said after some thought. He swallowed hard and straightened his posture. Such a thing should not have been said. Forgive me, I spoke out of turn.

Tori gave him a curt nod. Aside from the stolen designs, Lions Gate has nothing to do with the Golden Cow, Mr. Guthry. Please do not mention this again.

She turned back to the door.

Lady Guevera, I will ask you once more. Will you not reconsider your stance on the designs for the sake of your fellow student? Dimitri asked. This entire situation has severely upset Alessa.

Calm down, Tori. Youre older than he is. Have better control. Just calm down...good lord, I need a punching bag. Tori turned around, not bothering to hide the exasperation in her face and voice. This situation has severely upset me, as well, Mr. Guthry.

I understand-

Need I remind you that I am the one who was wronged in this whole ordeal? She lifted her hand and placed it over her chest as she narrowed her eyes. Someone stole from me and then accused me of being the thief. I have repeated this over and over. However, I am trying my best to deal with this in the most rational way. Are you going to hold that against me?

She looked at her latest opponent. Dimitri was quiet for another second before he conceded in a tight voice. No.

Then why are you asking me to continue to be wronged simply because someone else is also upset? Tori shook her head. I believe were done.

She turned around once more and grabbed the door handle, pulling it open.

I respect you as a classmate, Lady Guevera. I had expected more from you, he said from the classroom. However, I dont think I can see you in a positive light after this.

Tori looked over her shoulder, meeting his eyes without a trace of regret. Then lets keep our contact to a minimum.

She stepped away and let the door close behind her. She let out a low, tired breath and shook her head. While she knew that he was asking her for the sake of Alessa, he did realize that this would bring her closer to Adrien, right? Then again, the raising of romance points on all the love interests was encouraged for more benefits.

In retrospect, thats kind of sleazy. Im all for friendship endings, but it doesnt feel right to take advantage of them. Tori sighed once more. She was still waiting for the midterm results to come out and, with the last hectic few days, shed hardly had a chance to really think about the game plot. She was too focused on crushing Adrien and her exams. She would have a bit of a lull before final exams.

It would be good to sit down and analyze how and if her change of personality from the original Victoria, and thus her altered actions, had any effect on the games story.

She lifted her arms over her head and stretched them out. She was sure that she and Dimitri werent going to be on good terms after this. Not that they were close to begin with.

I expect that kind of idiotic mental gymnastics from that douche, Gideon, but not Dimitri. Hes supposed to be smarter than this and its not as if we got off on the wrong foot. Its like hes programmed to hate me no matter what....

Her steps came to a stop and she could almost hear the click of a light bulb turn on in her head.

Her eyes crinkled up as the color drained from her face.

Oh. Oh, no....