Old man Cooper learned that his grandson had invited Alesha for dinner, so he ordered the servants to set a place for him, as he had no intention of allowing his grandson to make deals with a woman. The dinner hour arrived, Alesha and Ritter arrived at the dining room, where the Duke was already waiting, although he looked somewhat annoyed, and it seemed they had another guest. Ritter and Alesha greeted cordially and took their seats, though the old man frowned upon seeing Alesha take the seat closest to his grandson and Ritter sit beside her, as it should be the other way around.
"For the daughter of a distinguished nobleman, you need some etiquette," the old man remarked.
"I assure you my father raised me very well. Don't worry, Lord Escalante won't stop being a man for sitting on the other side," Alesha retorted.
"Young lady, don't be rude, you must respect your elders," the old man scolded.
"Have I disrespected you? Can you tell me how so, so I can offer an apology?" Alesha replied with a slight smile.
The old man was at a loss for words, while Ritter and the Duke tried to stifle their laughter at the older man's expense. Ignoring the old man, Alesha proceeded to talk to the Duke, mentioning topics regarding the business and other ventures that had prospered in recent months.
"I see you've learned many things by heart, your father instructed you well to appear good at business," the old man commented.
"It's normal to know these kinds of things, I imagined you also learn many facts by heart, everyone does, don't they? It's not like because you're a man, data appears in your memory instantly," Alesha retorted.
"She's right about that, Lady Von Hansen, I also tend to inform myself on such data," Ritter added.
The old man's face seemed to be on the verge of exploding at the girl's response. Had there been more guests, he would undoubtedly be the laughingstock of them all.
"That's very different, we know business well. Your proposal for the business you are proposing is good, but it must be something your father put together," the old man replied.
"Actually, no, he financed it, but I've paid him back everything, and the business is entirely mine today. What worries you? Your grandson will make a good profit."
"That's right, grandfather, this is a good deal, I showed you the details, so there's nothing to worry about," Leopold replied, looking sternly at his grandfather.
"Nonsense, I don't believe a young girl can have a business. Stop clinging to your father's businesses and find yourself a good husband, that's what you're for, to be a mother and wife," the old man scolded.
"I see, Duke Cooper, it seems your grandfather is not quite right in the head, you should take care of him, delusions are bad. I can recommend a good doctor," Alesha replied with a mocking smile.
The Duke pressed his lips together to keep from laughing, while the old man slammed his hands on the table, furious at Alesha's words.
"This is an insult, Duke Von Hansen will hear of this rudeness and give you the education you deserve." At all times, the old man did not stop pointing at Alesha.
"Enough, grandfather. Lady Von Hansen, I apologize."
"Don't worry. Dinner has been very entertaining. I hope your grandfather doesn't get any sicker."
Alesha stood up and curtsied to the old man before retiring in Ritter's company. Left alone, Duke Leopold looked at his grandfather with annoyance.
"If this business goes sour because of your recklessness, I will send you away from this mansion."
"You can't do that. I only spoke the truth, that woman is quite ill-mannered, she should be quiet and listen to her elders," he complained.
"She would if it weren't for the fact that that elder only insults her. If her father finds out, I won't do anything if they retaliate against you," he warned.
"Nonsense, you should ask the Duke to come personally for that business, not his delusional daughter. That's why she lost her engagement, the prince must have realized she was a useless woman and would not make a good wife."
With that said, the old man left, furious at how Alesha had answered him. He was used to women lowering their heads when he reprimanded them. Ritter and Alesha had stopped in the garden for some fresh air.
"I didn't imagine that old man would be so annoying, but it was good to see him burning with rage just because you answered his insults," Ritter said.
"Men like him are funny, I like to see how they think they are superior and then fall off their pedestal when they realize they are not as perfect as they think they are."
"They just get what they deserve. What will you do with that old man? He could interfere with your business."
"If he does that, if he convinces his grandson not to sign. I will torture him until he begs for death." Alesha smiled maliciously.
The old man, who had seen them and stopped, had been listening, but upon hearing the last bit, a chill ran down his spine. He felt his legs tremble, and when he looked at Alesha, there was a strange black mist covering the grass in the garden. Quickly, the old man left that place, but instead of telling what he had heard, he locked himself in his room. He felt his body tremble, but something told him that if he confessed what he had heard, he might die.
Meanwhile, Johan was summoned by his mother and received a scolding because Delia had not fulfilled her duties, even when assigned the easiest ones.
"I can't keep doing everything myself. Her lack of responsibility is unacceptable," the Empress scolded.
"I'll be sure to tell her, don't worry. Please, mother, understand that this is all new to her and she has just lost her father."
"I've been in mourning before, but that didn't stop me from fulfilling my responsibilities. How does she expect to be empress if she doesn't know how to do anything?"
"I'll make sure she fulfills her duties. Don't worry, mother."
"Well, if she doesn't improve, she better start thinking about where she's going, because I can make the court force you to divorce her," the Empress sentenced.
With that said, and before Johan could say anything else, the Empress left the room. Johan slumped down on the sofa and let out a heavy sigh. He never imagined that something like this would happen, and now his mother was increasingly furious with Delia.
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