SMR | Chapter 136

Chapter 136

The Forbidden Medicine

Bella sighed softly and shook her head, smiling with a careless ease.

“You really don’t make it easy, do you?”

It didn’t sound like she was upset about Cedric dodging her questions. If anything, she looked amused—like she’d never expected real answers in the first place.

“It’s a bit of a shock, honestly. My charms usually work on everyone. This is the first time they haven’t.”

“I’m not sure if what you just tried counts as charm,” Cedric replied coolly. “But I’ll admit—it’s better than pretending to be innocent.”

Bella laughed, a light, teasing sound. “Oh, thank you for noticing. I wish everyone were as straightforward as you, Duke. Most people don’t appreciate my… talents.”

Her smile turned mischievous, wrinkles forming on the bridge of her nose. It was a different kind of beauty from her usual sweet, doll-like face—brighter, livelier, and somehow more dangerous.

Cedric realized this was the real Bella Listerwell.

“So,” he asked, “was that the only thing you wanted to say to me?”

“Why? Are you disappointed? I wouldn’t mind getting a little more personal if you’d like.”

“I’ll have to decline.”

“Don’t be so sure. You never know what might happen.”

Before Cedric could respond, a voice called out from behind them.

“Duke Kailas! Over here! I’ve saved you a seat—come join us!”

It was one of his overenthusiastic acquaintances, a man who treated him like both idol and master. Cedric didn’t particularly enjoy his company, but ignoring him would only cause gossip, so he walked over. Bella followed beside him.

As the two approached, all eyes turned their way. Whispers and stifled smiles spread through the crowd like wildfire. Surprise, curiosity, and the thrill of new gossip gleamed in every gaze.

“Oh my, isn’t that Bella Listerwell?”

“She’s as stunning as ever. The most handsome man and the most beautiful woman in society—what a sight!”

“Congratulations again on your engagement, Lady Bella. Didn’t young Lord Cheslow come with you today?”

Bella smiled sweetly, back in her usual innocent persona. “James is a little late. He’s been so busy with his lessons lately.”

“How could he let such a lovely fiancée come alone?”

“Well, she’s not alone,” someone joked. “The Duke of Kailas is with her!”

The glances that followed were loaded—each one silently asking the same question: What’s going on between them?

Cedric neither confirmed nor denied anything. He simply smiled politely, knowing full well that his silence would only fuel the rumors.

Then, from the distance, Daphne appeared—walking hand in hand with Edgar. Bella spotted her first.

She immediately set down her drink and rose from her seat.

“I’m sorry, everyone. I think it’s better if I step out now.”

“What? Why? Stay a little longer!”

“If I stay, I’ll just make Miss Daphne uncomfortable,” she said gently. “Thank you for your hospitality, everyone. I hope to see you again soon.”

Her final glance was for Cedric. Her words were polite, but her eyes made it clear—he was the one she wanted to see again.

To others, it looked like a wistful, almost tragic expression. But Cedric only gave a curt nod and took another sip of his drink. While he did, Bella curtsied gracefully and walked away, her figure quickly disappearing into the crowd.

The moment she left, the men nearby swarmed toward Cedric like vultures circling prey. None dared ask outright—he was still Duke Kailas, after all—but their eyes were filled with questions.

“So, you know Lady Listerwell, then? First time I’ve seen the two of you together.”

That was question one—testing the waters.

“She’s even more beautiful up close,” another man added. “Usually, no woman can outshine you, Duke, but standing beside her—well, she’s quite dazzling.”

That was question two—probing for a reaction.

And then came the boldest of them all. “Well, no matter how grand an engagement may be, everyone knows nothing’s certain until the wedding. Ha-ha!”

That was question three—an open invitation to scandal.

Cedric said nothing. His lips stayed sealed, his face unreadable. Neither confirming nor denying anything was, perhaps, the cruelest answer of all.

Then Edgar appeared, Daphne on his arm. As much as Cedric hated to admit it, Edgar often showed up at the best possible time.

“There you are. I’ve been looking all over for you.”

“I wasn’t hiding.”

“Please. I could spot your head anywhere, but today I couldn’t see it at all.”

“Seems your eyesight’s not as good as you think.”

Though his words were sharp, Cedric’s expression softened with genuine amusement—something rare for him.

“If you’ll excuse me,” he said, standing. “I should go greet Count Dawson with this one.”

He offered a brief, polite smile to the onlookers, a final courtesy to the people who had been gossiping about him moments ago. Then he walked away.

As he did, his mind lingered on Bella.

Was mentioning Harriet just bait—or the real goal?

Did Bella bring up Harriet to get closer to him? Or was she simply trying to stir up trouble out of jealousy?

If it was the latter, she wasn’t worth his time. But if it was the former… he needed to know why.

Bella Listerwell ignored me for months after I turned her down once. Why approach me now? he thought. Either she’s jealous of Harriet’s rise, or someone sent her—with something to gain.

If someone was behind her, he had to find out who. There were several possible suspects, but he needed proof before striking back.

Patience, he told himself. If she wants something, she’ll come back. And when she does… I’ll be ready.

He decided to leave a simple trap: a personal invitation to an upcoming party. That should be enough to draw her in.

***

Cedric thought no more of it—until Jeremiah brought her up the next day.

“I heard you talking with that young lady, Bella, yesterday,” she said casually as they shared tea. Her tone was mild, but her eyes demanded an answer.

“It wasn’t anything important,” Cedric replied.

Jeremiah only smiled, watching him. She didn’t need to speak to him to know what she wanted—details.

He sighed. “Countess Arens introduced her.”

“That woman wouldn’t do that without a reason,” Jeremiah mused. “So the young lady must have used her to get close to you.”

Cedric only lifted a shoulder in a small shrug.

“And what’s her purpose?”

“I don’t know yet.”

“How intriguing.” Jeremiah sipped her tea thoughtfully. But her curiosity didn’t sound casual anymore—it was genuine.

“What do you think of her? They say she’s the most beautiful woman in the social circle.”

Cedric smirked faintly. “Well, outward beauty doesn’t mean much. Some mushrooms look lovely but are poisonous. Others look strange but make good medicine.”

Jeremiah chuckled. “True. But beauty is still a powerful weapon. And you, of all people, should know how to use it.”

“Thank you for giving me mine,” Cedric said dryly. “It’s been useful at times.”

He wasn’t offended. Why would he be? It was true—he often used his looks as a weapon when needed.

His mother laughed softly. “I sometimes pity the girls who fall for you. Just remember, that weapon doesn’t work on everyone. And when it doesn’t, things tend to get… complicated.”

“I know,” Cedric said quietly.

But as he lifted his teacup, Jeremiah’s warning echoed in his mind—and Harriet’s face flashed before him.

If only she liked me for my looks, he thought bitterly.

She did show signs of interest sometimes—blushing, avoiding his eyes—but other times she looked at him with the calm fondness of a business partner, not a woman’s affection. It was maddening.

Still, her trust in him was growing. And as long as she relied on him, that was enough—for now.

Eventually, he told himself, eventually she’ll see me differently.

He hid a smile behind his teacup—just as the door to the tearoom burst open.

Herbert, his butler, hurried inside and bent close to whisper, “Sir Benjamin Nelson requests an urgent audience.”

Cedric’s eyes sharpened. There was only one reason the physician would rush here: the medicine Harriet had asked him to analyze.

“Send him in.”

Moments later, Benjamin entered, slightly out of breath. He bowed first to Jeremiah, then to Cedric, silently asking if it was all right to speak in her presence. Cedric nodded.

The doctor took a small brown vial from his bag—the same one Harriet had given Cedric—and said, his voice tense,

“Your Grace, where did the young lady say she got this medicine?”

“Why? Is something wrong?”

Benjamin’s eyes hardened. “Yes, very wrong. This drug isn’t legally approved for sale anywhere in the empire!”