How To End This Marriage-Chapter 67: The Unveiling of Deceit

As the Duchess, I found myself in a dimly lit room, its atmosphere heavy with tension. The maids, gathered before me, shared their grievances. One of them, her voice trembling, said, "Duchess, I get paid 10 silver coins as my wage. I’m not sure if others get paid the same or not." My astonishment was palpable as I realized that their meager earnings were a mere fraction of what they should have received.

"Grant," I said, addressing one of the mansion’s staff who had interjected with concern, "what are you doing?"

He looked uneasy but responded, "Can’t you see what I’m doing? I’m taking care of the needs of every worker. Is that a problem?" 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

My patience was wearing thin as I replied, "No, but the wages they are receiving are already clearly written in the account book, and they collect their pay at the end of each month. So, why is there such an extensive investigation?"

Grant inquired with growing unease, "Yes, I understand. But you seem to forget that the amounts they’ve mentioned they receive and the amounts recorded in the account book are drastically different. Or should I say, there’s a significant discrepancy? Isn’t that enough reason for an investigation?"

"Are you accusing me again?" Grant challenged, his defensiveness becoming evident.

"Accusing you? I haven’t said anything to you, let alone accuse you of something. I didn’t call you. I didn’t question you. I haven’t made any accusations. You came here on your own. I didn’t even ask for your presence," I clarified, leaving Grant flushed with embarrassment.

Grant declared, "Duchess, I will inform the Duke about this matter. You are not treating me fairly," and stormed off toward the study, his demeanor resembling that of a child seeking refuge after losing an argument.

I remained, awaiting the response of the other workers, who were equally puzzled by the situation.

"Duchess, what do you mean we don’t receive the amount mentioned in the account book? Are we supposed to be paid less than what’s written?" one of the maids asked, seeking clarification.

"No!" I quickly dispelled their misconceptions. "You are supposed to be paid more than what you’re currently receiving. Let me clarify this for you. The Duke has allocated five gold coins for every worker in the mansion, and that’s what you should be receiving every month. Additionally, on special occasions, new clothing and necessary items will be provided. You don’t need to worry any longer. I will ensure that each of you receives what you rightfully deserve," I assured them, observing as their eyes brimmed with tears, a mixture of gratitude and disbelief in their expressions.

A guard interrupted, "Duchess, the Duke has summoned you to his study. Please proceed there as soon as possible."

With measured steps, I made my way to the study, entering to find Grant standing beside Alex. Alex’s gaze was intense, fixed upon me.

"Duke, you’ve summoned me?" I inquired politely.

"Yes, I have. I don’t understand why you’ve created another issue, accusing Grant. I think you should stop this," he admonished before I could respond.

"I apologize if my actions have caused any inconvenience. However, I must clarify that I did not accuse anyone in your employ of wrongdoing. I made this clear to your loyal servant, Grant, as well. Although I am unsure of what he might have told you," I replied.

"Madam, stop lying! You accused him of embezzling money. How can you deny such a grave accusation? Is this how you intend to manage the mansion? Is this how you plan to address Ablia’s problems?" Alex’s voice rose, anger flashing in his eyes.

"For your information, I did not accuse him of embezzling money, nor did I point fingers at anyone in your staff for any wrongdoing. So, kindly refrain from creating fictitious scenarios when I am not involved. Secondly, as for my management, I believe I am well within my rights to do so. You may be a Duke and the Lord of this place, but if you have never shouldered the responsibility yourself, you have no grounds to accuse me of insincerity," I asserted, my voice steady.

"The rules and management of this estate are under my purview. The final say belongs to me, not you," Alex retorted.

"Madam!" he raised his voice, clearly irritated.

"And, Grant, I assume you informed the Duke about the funds allocated for the workers, correct?" I queried, ignoring Alex’s outburst.

Grant stuttered, unable to form a coherent response.

"Madam, what are you suggesting?" Alex questioned.

"I am suggesting exactly what I stated. The workers are receiving ten silver coins instead of the five gold coins they are entitled to. Furthermore, they should receive new clothing on special occasions, which they have not received until now. So, who is at fault here? Is it me, who recently arrived at this mansion, or the person responsible for managing the budget?" I questioned, challenging the status quo.

Alex’s frustration was palpable as he asserted, "What do you mean by the workers are not getting paid the same amount they have been assigned? I have checked the accounts. Grant has shown them to me."

I leaned forward, my determination unwavering, and countered, "Oh, yes, I have seen the accounts too, complete with workers’ signatures. But how can I be certain that they are receiving the exact amount stated here? These workers may not be educated enough to read the account details thoroughly; they likely just sign and collect their money."

Alex sighed, clearly exasperated, as he remarked, "Madam, your doubts seem to extend to every aspect of this estate," while massaging his forehead in frustration.

I remained resolute, replying, "No, these are not my doubts alone. The workers themselves informed me about this issue. If you’d like, I can summon them here to clarify." With a subtle nod to the guard, I signaled for all the employees to be brought before us.

"I will bring the truth to light at any cost," I thought.