If You're Going to Sell Yourself, Sell It to Me - Chapter 128

Georgiana couldn’t help but be awestruck as she looked up at the mansion—more beautiful than any estate in a picture book.

Her grandfather had only described it as a house atop a hill that required a lot of upkeep, so she had never imagined it could be this stunning.

The mansions she’d seen on the way up Lecota Hill were all grand in their own right, but none could compare to this one.

“Do you like it?”

“Yes. It doesn’t feel like a house—it’s like a scene from a painting.”

Georgiana looked around, a little dazed.

Elegant pillars and sculptures reminiscent of a restored ancient temple gleamed brightly.

She was confident that if she framed the view, it would look just like a painting: the descending mansions from atop the hill, winding paths, and the coastline scenery beyond.

“I’m glad. But though it looks fine on the outside, the maintenance inside is lacking—it’s rather barren.”

“That’s not true. For this level, I’d say it’s been kept up very well.”

“It’s been maintained, that’s all.”

“It’s more than that.”

Looking at the tidy garden, free of weeds, and the polished marble lobby, Georgiana replied that there was nothing to fault in terms of cleaning or upkeep.

Still, as she looked around more, she thought it could be made even more beautiful with a few enhancements. Especially since she was interested in landscaping, she wanted to request permission to redesign the plain garden.

Noticing how her gaze lingered longer on the garden than elsewhere, Angus added with a warm smile, “Once you live here, you’ll start to notice what’s missing. Don’t worry about the budget—decorate it however you wish. The advantage of the New World over the Empire is that we can get seasonal crops all year round. That includes rare flowers, too. If you want something, I’ll get it for you.”

“Can I really do as I please?”

“Of course. No one—not even me—will stand in your way here. That goes for outside the mansion as well.”

Georgiana was overwhelmed by the unconditional love and trust from Angus.

It was a different kind of love than what she felt with Locke, but in the end, they both filled her heart just the same.

“Thank you.”

Ever since reclaiming her name, she’d become oddly tearful. Wiping her eyes with a handkerchief, she took Angus’s hand and climbed the stairs.

“Let’s put away all these formalities now. Too much formality makes family feel distant.”

“Yes, Grandfather.”

With identical smiles, the two of them passed through the door opened by the servant.

The staff lined up beyond the lobby watched the pair, mouths agape. Their usually composed and gentle master looked happier than they had ever seen him.

Even Benheller, the butler who had served Angus for decades, couldn’t hide his surprise.

He rubbed his eyes at the sight of Georgiana, who looked so much like Miss Freya, Angus’s daughter.

The butler had been informed ahead of time that Leona had been found, but without the means for a paternity test, he’d thought the truth might never be known.

But the moment he saw them together, he realized such doubts were unnecessary.

Had they been apart, maybe. But seeing them side by side, no one could deny they were family.

Hair that golden and eyes of such unusual green were rare—whether on the continent or here.

The butler sighed in relief.

His family had served Dukes of the Empire for generations, and though he had never once regretted following his master into the wilderness of the New World at the whim of the former emperor, he had always mourned the sorrow his master carried.

He had felt helpless watching his master grieve over his lost daughter, but now it seemed only happiness remained. Even the butler felt a long-held wish had been fulfilled.

His eyes glowed with gentle warmth as he looked at Georgiana.

“This is Benheller Smith, the butler. If you need anything, tell me or him.”

“Pleased to meet you. I’m Evelyn Leona Seymour.”

Her kind and gracious demeanor was just like Miss Freya’s—even her smile.

Tears welled up in Benheller’s eyes as a sudden wave of emotion washed over him.

“It’s an honor.”

“It’s the first time I’ve seen this man cry—it seems you’re the one who made it happen.”

Hearing Angus’s chuckle, Georgiana took out a fresh handkerchief from her purse and handed it over.

“I didn’t mean to surprise you. I’ll be in your care as well.”

“Thank you, Miss Leona.”

With tears still in his eyes, Benheller felt a surge of loyalty toward the new mistress with her gentle aura.

To minimize the need for climbing stairs, Angus’s office and bedroom were both located on the east side of the first floor.

Naturally, Georgiana was given the best room at the center of the second floor. Sitting down on the chair in front of the full-length glass wall, she gazed at the view outside.

She had worried the staff might see her as an imposter pretending to be the granddaughter, or at best, a guest suddenly appearing to stay for more than a few days. She’d been tense the whole time.

It was a kind of trauma from years of drifting between noble households.

But seeing everyone being so kind and welcoming gradually put her at ease.

Finn checked the pitcher of water on the table and asked, “There’s water here—shall I bring some cooled tea instead?”

“No, water will be fine.”

She slowly sipped the lukewarm water, moistening her parched lips.

Seeing her seem more at ease, Finn and Lily excitedly looked around the room.

“Miss Leona, this room is amazing.”

“It’s beautiful. Thanks to you, we get to stay somewhere like this. I’ve never seen the sea from this high up.”

The two girls had grown up in the southern region, among mountains and fields, and said this trip was their first time seeing the ocean.

“Thank you, both of you, for coming with me.”

“No, we should be the ones thanking you. This was a great choice. Even the men walking the streets were handsome.”

“Lily, when did you even see that?”

“You saw them too! Don’t pretend you didn’t.”

Their radiant smiles didn’t seem forced at all.

After Locke’s house had burned down, a few of the remaining servants moved to Raymond’s estate, and when the journey to Northwest began, Finn and Lily came along as her personal maids again thanks to Locke’s arrangement.

Angus had gladly approved for his granddaughter’s sake.

Though she felt guilty for bringing them so far, the sisters said they were tired of the South and wanted to experience city life. They cheerfully followed her, which helped ease Georgiana’s anxiety about being in a new place.

It was unfamiliar to everyone, but learning it together made their presence comforting.

But still… was Locke doing all right?

Georgiana stretched her neck to look out toward the beach where the hotels likely were.

She couldn’t see anything clearly from this distance, but still wanted to catch a glimpse of him.

An hour ago, just before they entered Northwest, they had parted ways.

Angus had said that it would be improper for a man and woman to arrive together at the house, as rumors would spread. It wasn’t right to be introduced that way.

She had agreed that a proper visit should be made.

Whatever had happened between her grandfather and Locke the night before, Locke had looked troubled and walked away in silence.

She expected to feel sad, but instead his unexpectedly calm demeanor left her slightly shaken.

Had he been told to stay away?

Or to not come for a while?

They hadn’t had a chance to talk, and the uncertainty gnawed at her.

“He could’ve at least told me when he’d be back…”

“Exactly. Even if he had urgent matters, he should’ve explained. That was too much.”

“Should I go look for him?”

Apparently, she’d spoken aloud without realizing. Fiin and Lily responded immediately.

“No… I’m sure he’ll contact me soon.”

There weren’t many new hotels in town, so it wouldn’t be hard to find him. But Georgiana shook her head, not wanting to disturb him in case something really urgent had come up.

If it was something he couldn’t even tell her, it had to be important. It might have to do with the military or her grandfather.

She trusted that Henry or someone else would pass on a message soon, and indeed, that evening she received a letter from Locke saying he’d found a place to stay and would visit in a few days.

A few days?

Holding the letter in her hand, Georgiana puffed out her cheeks for the first time.