Chapter 163: Besmirching

Chapter 163: Besmirching

When Tori had revealed who she told Henrik to send an invitation to, Ilyana and Albert began yelling at once, spooking Alexander who was in his basket next to Tori. The other two teenagers had bombarded her with questions starting with why to are you crazy.

She was not. At least not in extreme means.

Henrik had told her that Annikas party would have a lot of business associates and their families. It was basically a networking event. When Tori asked why Annika didnt invite more friends, Henrik had replied that his sister had a few friends from childhood, but didnt seem to be close to anyone in her current school.

That was why many of the names on the guest list were familiar to them; they were merchants from the guild or people theyve worked with or heard of previously.

Tori knew Alessa needed contacts within Horizon and thought that by introducing her to other merchants or businessmen, perhaps Alessa could go to them for guidance rather than depend on Adrien. Resettling a person within a new environment could drastically change how a person behaved.

Thus, the move to invite Alessa to Annikas birthday party was also a strategic move for Tori. For most of the other love interests, Tori found that they were able to be pulled out of Alessas sphere of influence with some help. Constantine seemed like the exception, because he didnt need much help, if any, but Gideon had Piers to influence him. Tori was well aware of the fact that if Piers wasnt on her side to help her force his brother to question things and assert his loyalty, then Gideon would still be clinging to Alessa.

Fabian still had some connection to Gideon, which Tori hoped would eventually pull him further away from Alessa. Montan was trying to get his life together with her and Axton paving the way, so he had no time for Alessa, while Dimitri, for everything hed said and done, still had his parents. Tori knew they were trying their best to help their idiot son.

They werent doing the greatest job, but she knew they were trying.

Tori had given up on Tom Fields, as Tom had been Alessas friend since childhood. That was a bond Tori didnt think she could, or wanted to, break. As long as Tom didnt attack her directly, shed leave him alone.

Toris main opponent was Adrien. There was no way she could separate the two easily. Even if there was a way to pull Adrien away, Tori didnt want to be the one to do it.

She figured she could try with Alessa instead to lower chances of working with Adrien. Introduce her to new, better people; help her get trustworthy resources; not let the people who were depending on her suffer so much.

Tori really couldnt swallow another orphanage incident.

Ilyana had ranted that she didnt need to do so much, and Tori had tried to assure her it was fine. It was just one invitation; it was up to Alessa to make sure of the opportunity. Although, admittedly, knowing that Adrien would also be present, there was a high possibility that he could get involved and also make more connections and still be intertwined with Alessa.

At the same time, if their theory that Annika was led to do questionable work by Adrien was true, then Adrien could be distracted with keeping up appearances. The variable here was Adrien.

Tori had pursed her lips and wasnt sure the outcome would be favorable, though she could at least claim that she tried to help Alessa. About an hour outside of Viclya, Tori decided to drop by Des Champs just to see. It wasnt that she didnt trust Sonia and the others to report to her, but if there was an escalated conflict, she wanted to step in.

After all, sending Alessa to the Skuldsens party was her idea.

Ilyana had excitedly agreed, and Albert had been reluctant, but after thinking about it, also agreed. Tori called Tobias at Duel and asked them to prepare a few simple sheets of cake for Annikas birthday. At the very least, they wouldnt show up empty handed.

Tori didnt expect to arrive at Des Champs to Annikas declaration and Adrien in the middle of abandoning her.

Im sorry to interrupt. We were coming back earlier than expected, so we thought wed come by. I called our bakers to prepare a cake as a gift.... Toris eyes swept over the crowd and settled on Annika and then Adrien and Alessa. She narrowed her eyes and walked forward.

Her face was dark as she approached Adrien. He seemed to tense upon the sight of her. Tori reached forward and ripped his arm off of Alessas shoulder before grabbing her and moving Alessa to the side and standing in front of her.

Adrien choked back a yell and looked at her, as if unable to believe shed done such a thing.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

Countess Guevera-

Do you honestly think well let you walk out of this restaurant with an unrelated girl almost half your age? Tori said in a low, dangerous voice. Looks like I came in just in time to save her.

Murmurs rippled through the crowd and Adriens pale face reddened with indignation. He frowned and narrowed his eyes. Countess Guevera, I dont know why youre implying such a disgusting thing-

You know very well why. A voice spoke up behind him before Tori could answer. Adrien looked over his shoulder and found Henrik inches from his face with a murderous expression. I dont care how much you play with women your age, but to target young women who havent yet become adults and are over a decade younger than you is disgusting.

Hes a decade older than Annika? Madam Skuldsen, who had come to support her daughter at her side, gasped and looked at Adrien to Annika and back.

Soleil didnt have any sort of legal restriction on age gaps between partners, but there was social convention. It was generally inappropriate for a large age gap when one of the involved was so young. Child marriages had been banned during the Unification Period and betrothals made between families were considered unofficial and not legally binding. Engagements couldnt be made official and have contracts involving them done until fourteen, with marriage at the earliest at sixteen.

Even then, too large of an age gap was looked down upon when one of the prospective partners was so young.

With Madam Skuldsens exclamation, it was shown that she didnt know, meaning Adrien and Annika kept it hidden, which hinted that the actions would be frowned upon. The gazes of numerous eyes moved towards Adrien with a glint of suspicion and disgust.

He looks young, but hes not as young as you think, Henrik said, never taking his eyes off of Adrien.

Von Dorn. Tori saw him near-by, clutching a womans cloak. Did you escort Hart? He seemed to snap out of his daze and nodded. Take her back to Lyce. Fabian stepped forward and Tori felt a tug on the sleeve of her blouse.

Countess Guevera, youre mistaken, Alessa said in a feeble voice. Adrien isnt as you say he is.

I dont have to say anything about him. Look at his actions, Tori said in a firm voice. Baroness Hart, you dont seem to understand. Its not safe for you with him. Alarm-filled Alessas face and she shook her head.

No, youre wrong-

No, youre wrong, Tori snapped with an air of finality. Alessas eyes widened, and Fabian removed the mens coat already on her shoulders and replaced it with her cloak.

Alessa, lets go, he said in a quiet voice as he tried to take her away.

Alessa shook her head once more and her eyes reddened and rimmed with tears. This isnt right. I know Adrien-

Did you know that he was leading on a fifteen-year-old old girl who worked in his store? No. You know what he allows you to know. Von Dorn, take her back! Toris voice was cold, and she looked past Alessa to give Fabian a nod. He nodded back and pulled a stunned Alessa back.

Wait, a moment! Adrien frowned and took a step forward. Alessa, dont listen to them-

Are you going to pretend youre innocent after leading my sister on? Henrik asked. He heard a choked cry behind him. Tori looked past him, at a tearful Annika who was wiping at her eyes. As wonderful as it was to shut down Alessas usual pathetic protests insisting on misunderstanding and besmirching Adriens reputation, Tori felt both guilty and pity for Annika.

Young Mr. Skuldsen, I did no such thing-

Then why did you take my sister out for meals alone?

She wanted to discuss running a business.

Why did you tell her to call you by your given name when none of the other employees do? Henrik seemed to refuse to accept any of his answers.

I did not tell her to do such a thing, she started calling me by my given name herself. I didnt want to be rude, so I allowed it.

Why was it necessary for you to tell her that youd wait for her? Henrik asked in a sharp voice. Before Adrien could answer, he continued. Even in the context you claim, it makes little sense to have to wait for her to have a store before guiding her. You claim to have taken her out to meals alone to discuss running a business, so there is no reason to wait for a store. My sister also said that she said she liked you and you reciprocated. You are an adult man with plenty of social experience, which is clear with how you do business. There should be no reason for you to misunderstand her statement. You knew what she meant, and you led her on so she could gather information for you.

Not that you told them to, Tori said with a smirk as Adrien opened his mouth. He looked back at her and frowned. Thats the key thing, isnt it? You keep it vague, drop some hints to manipulate them, and lead them on, but if they are caught or no longer useful, you claim that you cant be blamed because you never directly told them. She pursed her lips and nodded slowly. Thats quite a con youve got going.

She saw a brief hatred flash in his eyes as he looked at her, but quickly hid it. He gave her a stern look instead. There is no con, Countess. I wanted to guide a young fellow merchant to the best of my ability. To think my actions would be misconstrued-

Then maybe its best that you stop guiding young people, Guildmaster Skuldsen stepped forward and stood beside Henrik, blocking Annika from sight. You are no longer welcomed here, Mr. Rosiek. Please leave.

Adrien glanced around and saw all the curious gazes cast his way. He gritted his teeth and lowered his head, but shook it once.

Youre making a mistake. This is defamation and as merchants, you should know how that would affect-.

Its only defamation if its false, Henrik cut him off.

Why are you still standing here? Guildmaster Skuldsen almost shouted as his eyes reddened. Leave!

What are you waiting for? Tori asked as she gave him a cruel smile. Another table to run into? It can be arranged.

Tori watched him carefully as he took a deep breath and stood up straight. He gave the Guildmaster a small bow of his head and picked up the coat Fabian had tossed over a nearby chair and walked out without a word.

The atmosphere was awkward, as expected. Tori looked towards Henrik, silently asking if he wanted her to intervene. He turned towards his sister and his parents who had gone to try to calm her down, and then nodded.

Tori took a deep breath.

Esteemed guests, why dont we allow Miss Skuldsen a moment to gather herself, Tori said as she took a step forward and made a subtle move to shield Henrik and his family. Ilyana appeared and stood beside her as Albert motioned for the staff who carried in the box to bring it to the kitchen. Ive had some cakes prepared for tonight. I hope you all can wait a moment for the kitchen to serve it. Its a soft sponge with a light liquor, cream, and fruit slices. Please have some as an apology for such a scene.

They didnt reach the Skuldsens residence until it was dark, but could see JP and Sonias horses tied in the small courtyard before the house.

As they approached the house, they could hear the yelling coming from inside. The wooden door was partially open and as they slowed down and reached the door, Henriks anger-laced voice reached their ears.

...do you think we avoided working with him and hate him for no reason? Hes a liar and a cheat, Annika! You knew what he did to Toris vest designs two years ago and I know you know that Mom and Dad told you about the bricks!

He said they were accidents!

Accidents? If you dont believe me about what happened at Lions Gates grand opening, then you can ask other people. Its no secret what happened! It wasnt an accident. He went out of his way to pretend he didnt steal them! Henrik raged on.

Tori gently pushed the door open and saw a small crowd gathered by the parlor entrance and past them, Ewan was holding on to Henrik to keep him away from a red-faced, sobbing Annika.

JP was trying his best to calm Henrik while one of Ewans older sisters tried to get Annika to calm down.

He tricked me! He promised to help me and said he really liked me!

Thats not good enough of an excuse for you to betray Mom and Dad like this! Henrik shouted. This isnt some ridiculous romance novel about forbidden love between two families that you read about! I cant even look at you right now!

Henrik. JP frowned and stood in front of him to block Henriks view of Annika. We need you to focus. Uncle is trying to rest upstairs, and he doesnt need to hear this right now.

Henrik grit his teeth and let Ewan pull him back. Long strands of dark blond hair fell over his face as he grit his teeth.

What happened? Tori heard Ilyana whisper and looked over at her and Sonia.

Uncle Erik passed out for a few seconds, but his legs werent steady. He was awake, but shaken when Henrik and Ewan got here, Sonia said. She told them that she and JP were just finishing riding practice when Henriks mother called, asking if they knew where Henrik was as he wasnt answering. Ewans mother got ahold of Henrik first through Ewan, so the twins rushed to the Skuldsens house at once knowing Henrik would go there.

Do you know what caused him to pass out? Ilyana asked, almost hesitantly.

Sonia let out a low hiss. Im not sure of the details, but Uncle wanted to try to use the rent from other shops to keep the two main stores afloat while they looked for new suppliers.

Tori and Ilyanas eyebrows shot up and Tori looked at Sonia with disbelief. Is the rent amount not enough?

I think so. There were five small stores in the twelfth and thirteenth districts or something. Sonia lifted her arms, at a loss. She wasnt a merchant and didnt understand any additional details.

Then why is Henrik so angry at his sister? What does she have to do with it? Ilyana asked.

Tori shut her eyes. Please dont tell me....

She sold them to the Cowman.

What? Ilyana nearly yelled. Tori lifted her hand to the bridge of her nose and squeezed.

She sold him the property? That bastard has the deed? Tori asked with just a little hope that she was wrong. Sonia nodded.

Uncle didnt find out until two of the renters came to make a fuss, asking why they were being kicked out of their shops. Sonia concluded.

Tori looked back into the parlor. Ewan had released Henrik, but Henrik was seething by the window with his pale fist against the wall. He was trembling and Tori wasnt sure how to react.

Deeds in Soleil had the owner's name on them, and the owner had to fill out the paperwork with the buyer to transfer ownership. However, it was common for families to put multiple names of family members as the owner, usually young children. In case something happened to the parent, the property would be secured for them, and this could not be contested.

Kasen had told Tori it had something to do with war orphans. The marches were strict about keeping wills and trusts to ensure that those left behind would have at least something to provide for them through a grim time.

The death of a loved one could get even uglier, Kasen had said.

Typically, when the child turned sixteen, their name would be removed, and things would be rearranged amongst the adult children in a formal will and trust. This was more a concern of the wealthy and upper classes, as it often involved money and property. Henriks family happened to fall into that as a well-to-do merchant family and had numerous properties, however small.

If Annika was able to sell the stores because her name was still on them, then it was likely done just when she turned sixteen and had the right to sell them, and before her father could remove her name.

It had to have been planned to work out so well.

How many shops did she sell? All of them? Tori asked in a low voice as she silently cursed Adrien.

The four that had her name. A dry voice came from the stairs and Tori and the others looked up. Madam Skuldsen stepped down with a pale face and swollen red eyes. Her hand gripped the banister and Ewans mother helped her down.

Auntie, hows Uncle? Sonia asked.

Madam Skuldsen lifted her hand and nodded as she reached the ground floor. He's tired, Sonia. This has been quite a blow to him.

Mom! Annika called out from the parlor as she saw her. Hows Dad? Can I see him?

Madam Skuldsen hesitated. She looked at her daughter with strange eyes and was quiet. She opened her mouth, but no words escaped her thin lips. Tori could only see the disappointment in her eyes as she lowered her head and shook it.

Hes still shaken and must rest. Give him time to rest, Madam Skuldsen told her.

She didnt look her daughter in the eyes and Annikas gaze dropped shamefully.

Mom, did Dad say what we should do? Should we contact our attorney? File a complaint with the Estate Commission? Henrik asked as he moved closer. He reached out to help his mother take a seat on a sofa.

Madam Skuldsen seemed at a loss. Those shops were things she and her husband spend their lives building. While they both came from small local merchant families, they werent by any means wealthy. They were what Tori would consider mom and pop shops.

The couple had taken their savings and sunk it into buying a store to run of their own. During that time, they lived with Madam Skuldsens older brother and sister-in-law to save money. It wasnt until Henrik was born that they moved out to an apartment down the street.

They worked hard to achieve what they have, and their daughter blindsided them.

Tori could only sit on the foot of the stairs by the foyer with Sonia and Ilyana, lost in her own thoughts.

Adrien had manipulated Annika so easily; Tori was sure he was doing the same to Alessa somehow. Even if he wasnt, he had the capacity to.

Tori thought back to when Gideon had told them how Alessa and Adrien met. Alessa had saved Adriens life. His carriage had lost a tire or something and rolled off the road and into a ditch. He was injured. Luckily, Alessa and her father had been passing by on the way to Horizon for Alessa to start school.

She saved Adrien.

But what happened to Adriens driver? Did he go for help? Did he abandon Adrien? Gideon didnt have answers for this and said he never asked.

With that in mind and having witnessed the amount of deceit Adrien would do for contacts and information in order to grow his business empire, wouldnt it be possible that the entire accident had been set up?

He couldve been targeting anyone on that road, as it did lead to Horizon and travelers were likely to have some money.

Tori suddenly shuddered.

The more disturbing scenario would be that it was a set up, but Adrien was targeting Alessa from the very beginning.

A dull throb pulsed through her head and she lifted her hands to press against her temples. A droning noise filled her ears and she grit her teeth.

Tori? Sonia called from her side and Tori could barely hear her over the droning noise. Are you all right?

A child swept through her, and the droning stopped. Her head was clear, and she could no longer feel that dull throb. She looked at her arms and reached down to grasp the cuff of her jacket and pull her sleeves up.

The back of her arms were covered with goosebumps and Tori felt her stomach sink.

Oh no.... Instinct was very strong in the marches. Her family told her to listen to her instincts.

Tori? Ilyana reached over and touched her head. Whats wrong?

Toris eyes were fixed on her pale hands. Dont tell me I need to save Alessa Hart.