The Art of Reforming Villainous Men - Chapter 14
Chapter 14
Translator: Yonnee
—
“…What?”
“I’d like to propose a contract.”
Although she had phrased it as becoming lovers, in truth, this was an investment proposal.
Becoming lovers was merely an incidental part of the process.
Unlike the Zeller Duchy, which had nothing but debt, Jack was a man overflowing with wealth.
Moreover, his company had been founded with investment as its very purpose.
So, to cut it short.
“I’ll share the investment opportunities I know. You invest in them, and in return, you give me a portion of the profits as compensation for the information.”
In truth, this was the very method Jack’s company operated on.
Finding investment opportunities, brokering the deal, and taking a share of the profits.
Jack Hatzfeld had amassed an immense fortune simply by taking a cut of those earnings.
Then, this time.
‘I’m just borrowing his method a little.’
This was the way to create something out of nothing.
‘Of course, I can’t execute it exactly the same way Jack does.’
Jack had the luxury of waiting for investment returns.
But Adeline was far more desperate and far more pressed for time than he was.
‘At the very least, I can use memories from my past life to identify the right investments.’
However, even if she knew the right investments, the time it would take for profits to materialize was something Adeline could not afford.
“That’s why I’d like to receive part of my share in advance. You manage the Zeller family’s assets, so you should already know—the Duchy is drowning in debt.”
At this, Jack let out a scoff, as if he had heard the most absurd thing.
“I was curious to see where this long-winded speech was going, but now I see it wasn’t worth my time after all.”
Jack was never known for his patience, and whatever little remained had now run dry.
His gaze, locked onto Adeline, sharpened with undisguised irritation.
“If anyone else had wasted my time with nonsense like this, I would have made them pay for it. If you were going to spew this kind of absurdity, you should have at least brought a convincing collateral.”
“And why do you assume I didn’t?”
Of course, she had brought collateral. A compelling one.
And once Jack heard what it was, Adeline was certain he wouldn’t be able to walk away.
Because.
“I’m putting the Zeller Duchy on the line.”
What she had brought was something that couldn’t be bought with money.
* * *
Looking back, it was a foolish thing.
Why had she searched so far?
‘The answer was right in front of me.’
Adeline recalled the time she had consulted Jack about the debt.
When there was no one willing to lend her money, when she had been on the verge of despair, Jack had told her this.
—Then it would be best to find someone willing to provide the money.
—Someone… willing to provide the money?
—Yes. You never know. If you look carefully, there might be someone nearby drowning in wealth.
Jack’s words were vague, but Adeline had understood his meaning.
‘He’s telling me to find a marriage of convenience.’
A husband who was willing to pay any price to buy honor and status.
It was an indirect suggestion, likely out of consideration for her as an aristocratic lady.
At the time, Adeline had thought, He’s a kinder person than he appears.
After that, she had changed her approach and begun searching for a marriage partner, and the man she had chosen was Julian McKenney.
From their very first meeting, Adeline had known he was not a good man.
But there had been no other options, and thus, the wedding preparations had proceeded at breakneck speed.
And on the night before the wedding, Jack had suddenly appeared before her.
—Are you really going through with this marriage?
With that odd question.
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