Chapter 847
Chapter 847: Pitiful Countess
Through certain sources, the ladies had heard word about Earl Blaise purchasing a grand necklace that cost a huge sum of money.
The man was never seen visiting jewelry stores with his wife in the past so it had gained the attention of those who had been around when he was looking for what seemed to be a gift.
Marchioness Leopold had confirmed the rumors of the Earl purchasing a piece of jewelry with a high-value gem embedded in it.
The gem had been acquired from the Leopold family business so it was easy for her to gain this information.
They had all heard about the rocky relationship between the Earl and his wife where he treated her as though she did not exist at times.
Therefore, some were curious to know who he could have bought this gift for while others were glad that he was finally warming up to his wife without wasting time on other women.
At a certain tea party hosted by Lady Leopold, she had brought it up in conversation and even inquired whether Countess Blaise had liked the gift her husband had chosen for her.
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It was not known with what intentions she had brought up such a delicate topic before the Countess who had also been invited for the tea party on that day.
Maybe the Marchioness only wished to confirm the rumors in the presence of the other ladies but most were doubtful about that thoughtful gesture of hers and found it to be suspicious.
It was a sight to behold when the Lady from the Blaise family put on an oblivious expression which indicated that she was hearing about this ‘gift’ for the first time during that conversation.
Anyone with a little perception could decipher what could have truly taken place and thus spread the news of Earl Blaise purchasing expensive jewelry for his mistress without letting his legal wife even hear a single whisper about it.
The Countess had excused herself and left soon after that embarrassing incident, following which she had not appeared for any further tea parties for a while now.
This incident had taken place over a month ago but no one had heard another word from the Countess since then.
Whether she had confronted her husband about his debaucherous ways or simply buried that humiliation and remained silent, no one had any clue.
However, the fact that Countess Blaise was pitiful to have gotten entangled with such a man had already been established by anyone with a discerning eye.
Children had not attended the tea party hosted by Marchioness Leopold on that day yet Yvonne had heard about it through various sources.
Her first trusted source was Jax who had a knack for collecting information from people through simple everyday conversations, making them spill secrets before they even realized it.
He had made connections in different places while following her orders so it was easy for him to hear about the whispers circulating the Capital.
The other was Aleena Kiron, who despised the daughter of the Leopold family and thus had always been keen on knowing what the other girl was up to.
Thanks to their efforts, Yvonne was able to hear about the hushed murmurs of the adults who tried to keep their children away from such news.
Even Raylene had not uttered a single word about it when her daughter was present in the same room.
However, her cautious attitude was not needed as Jax had already revealed what had transpired at that tea party just a few days after the incident took place.
Most of the little girls who appeared to be prim and proper when in the presence of the adults had all discussed this incident while they were with those around their age.
Therefore, Marquess Samed didn’t think too much about it when he discovered that she too was aware of this incident.
“How is Earl Blaise’s business going?” Yvonne inquired while rubbing her chin.
The Earl’s actions were not something she could condone and even his daughter had offended her in the past.
She had not yet settled the scores for the time when she had been cursed by Mae Blaise but it seemed that the time for taking them down a notch was arriving soon.
When Marquess Samed saw the evil glint that flashed across her amethyst eyes, he gulped before revealing the information he had gathered.
“The soap business seems to be in perilous waters now that there are only a couple of fiefs buying from him.” He disclosed what was now common knowledge among the men in the commerce guild.
CLOVER wasn’t a part of the commerce guild which was made for businessmen from nobility, to help them build connections with each other.
However, this newly formed business was giving the Blaise family a tough time already.
Partnering with Ocular Caravans, CLOVER had spread its roots into numerous fiefs due to its economical costs and its ergonomic supply.
In recent times, even Duke Brodie had signed a deal with CLOVER for his fief which had formerly been given to Earl Blaise.
Only a handful of fiefs were still buying from the Blaise family business since their Fief Lords continued to be loyal supporters of Earl Blaise.
This proved that Earl Blaise’s monopoly over the commoner market had already been taken away and it now rested in the deserving hands of CLOVER.
The Capital of Rosenhyde, Amarthea, was also purchasing soaps from Yvonne’s business.
This was sufficient to prove that the efforts everyone had put in for CLOVER’s success had finally been rewarded.
While Yvonne was rejoicing at how much they had progressed in recent times, Marquess Samed had more to say.
“The Earl’s other businesses are also in a tough spot.” He muttered, revealing that the poor man was facing competition on all sides.
Like every other family, Earl Blaise also had other businesses but manufacturing of soaps had been his most profitable one.
CLOVER’s appearance had snatched away a large portion of his customers and now, newer competitors were targeting his other businesses as well.
‘That man must have offended someone he shouldn’t have.’ He sighed as only this could explain the troubles Earl Blaise had been facing for a few months now.
However, soon the Marquess’s thoughts were disturbed when he heard a snicker coming from the child seated opposite him.
“Hmm?” He tilted his head, questioning her to let him in on what was causing her to chuckle when they were discussing crucial details.
These discussions could be considered to be a part of her studies as he was teaching her commerce, economy, and financial topics as well.
Therefore, he desired to know what could have drawn her attention away from their conversation while their class was already in progress.
Yvonne had a faint idea of what could be the cause of the troubles Earl Blaise seemed to be facing in recent times.
‘Or should I say who could have caused it?’ She smirked as the name of only one person came to her mind.
“How many of Earl Blaise’s other businesses are in the same field as Papa’s?” The little girl responded with another question.
Without thinking too much about it, Marquess Samed had already answered it.
Earl Rutherford had a stake in all major business industries so he and Earl Blaise had often been rivals.
However, the Blaise family had a monopoly in one sector yet even that had been taken away from them in recent times.
Therefore, excluding the soap business and a few other minor ones which did not profit too much, Earl Rutherford was one of the biggest competitors of the Blaise family business.
CLOVER was beginning to suppress Earl Blaise in the commoner market and now his other businesses were being targeted as well.
The Marquess did not need much time to make the connection between the two aspects.
“Why?” Was all he could utter as there needed to be a reason for Earl St. Claire to act now after so many years of having coexisted in the same business field with the Blaises.
In response, Yvonne smiled before leaning her cheek on the hand that was resting on the armrest of her chair.
“Who asked them to cross the line?” She replied, mentioning the only reason that would explain why her father had begun targeting the Blaise family businesses in recent times.