The Art of Reforming Villainous Men - Chapter 12

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Chapter 12

Translator: Yonnee

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—Jack Hatzfeld, that man worked so hard at last year’s charity event. How was I supposed to know he was hiding something like this?

Victoria had openly expressed her irritation, calling Jack more cunning than she had anticipated.

And for good reason—Monahan Viscounty had never been considered particularly valuable land.

It wasn’t home to a city, nor was it densely populated.

But as soon as the railroad was laid and trains began operating, the previously unremarkable Monahan Viscounty rose to prominence practically overnight.

The land that Jack had supposedly purchased for four times its market price, due to Victoria’s lack of support, was now worth over ten times that amount.

Adeline, who had known all this, had deliberately arrived at the venue early to approach Victoria.

This was where it had all started.

Since it had only been a week since Diego’s funeral, Adeline was still dressed in mourning black.

Ironically, her somber attire drew even more attention in the vibrant garden.

Thanks to that, she was able to meet Victoria quickly.

“Good afternoon, Madam Tilleman.”

“Well, if it isn’t Miss Zeller? It hasn’t been long since your father’s funeral, but you’ve lost weight already. Tsk, tsk, such a loss. He wasn’t someone who should’ve gone so soon.”

Victoria behaved more warmly than usual, offering her condolences to the grieving Adeline.

In the past, Adeline might have been moved to tears by such kind words, but this time, she responded with a brief smile.

After exchanging pleasantries and condolences, Adeline smoothly transitioned to her true purpose for the meeting.

“By the way, Lady Tilleman, I heard you were planning to purchase Monahan Viscounty?”

“…What? What do you mean by that?”

Victoria’s expression instantly darkened with displeasure, and Adeline quickly feigned surprise, covering her mouth.

“Oh my, I’m sorry! I must have misunderstood.”

Adeline proceeded to ‘explain’ herself calmly.

She said that she had met Jack recently, and he had mentioned that a train station was going to be built in Monahan Viscounty.

“He even suggested I invest, but since I haven’t officially inherited the Zeller estate yet, I had to decline. But he said he was going to let you know, so I assumed you’d already invested.”

When Adeline apologized for her misunderstanding, Victoria quickly reassured her.

“No, you’re not wrong. I was just a bit surprised. In fact, I nearly missed a great opportunity due to a misunderstanding!”

Victoria smiled warmly, her earlier displeasure now gone.

After all, she had been avoiding Jack and delaying any commitments to keep her options open.

Naturally, she thought, ‘I must have missed hearing about the train station because I hadn’t been speaking with Jack. I nearly let this chance slip by!’

Victoria was known for being expressive, and her emotions often showed plainly on her face, a trait that had become one of her charms in high society.

Whatever the reason, it worked to Adeline’s advantage today.

Seeing the excitement brighten Victoria’s face, Adeline excused herself.

Shortly afterward, when Jack arrived, Victoria wasted no time bringing up the topic of the train station in Monahan Viscounty.

And now, in the present—

Adeline watched as Jack strode toward her with determined steps.

’Oh my.’

He seems angry.

* * *

Adeline thought back to the last time she had seen Jack—at the fallen Zeller mansion.

Jack Hatzfeld had been wearing a twisted smile, clearly pleased with himself.

Even his usual cynical aura couldn’t mask the joy radiating from his handsome face.

But the man walking toward her now was different.

Only his imposing physique remained the same.

As Jack’s shadow loomed larger over her, Adeline recalled the things she had once heard about him.

—They call him the man with the Midas touch. Every investment he makes multiplies several times over.

—And he’s good-looking too. Is he seeing anyone?

A young, promising investor who had appeared like a comet in the social circles of the Crawford Empire, becoming the talk of the town for quite some time.

Jack Hatzfeld.