Chapter 161: He Should Be Hiding From Me

Chapter 161: He Should Be Hiding From Me

Tori knit her brows together.

There was a lot to unpack with what she was seeing. Even though it seemed that they only caught the tail end of the conversation, it was clear that Fabian, at the very least, suggested that Adriens hospitalization wasnt because a feral woman randomly attacked him. Tori didnt know how much Fabian saw that night at the bookstore, but he shouldve seen enough to conclude what had happened.

Fabian also didnt seem to have mentioned she was involved. If he mentioned Toris name, the argument wouldve taken a different turn, and Tori was sure shed somehow be blamed. Tori could already see Alessa with tears in her eyes, telling Tori that she misunderstood Adrien.

Fuck that, I didnt misunderstand shit.

All that aside, whatever exactly Fabian said did not sit well with Alessa. Alessa was defensive and upset. Tori had never seen her address a love interest in such an angry way before. Wasnt Fabian Alessas friend, too? Or perhaps, Alessa simply had a higher opinion of Adrien. Whatever the reason, it was clear that Alessa valued Adrien a lot and wouldnt allow one of her other friends to question him. A shame for Fabian.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

Tori looked at her friends and reached out to unlock the door. The footman noticed at once and stepped forward to open the door. As the door was opened, the others leaned back and Tori stepped out of the carriage, drawing the attention of the four people standing by Lyces gate.

As she stepped on to the curb, she looked up and gave them a curt nod. Von Dorn. Hart. She greeted them and stood to the side, waiting for her friends to climb down and for the driver to hand them their overnight bags.

The firm look on Alessas face faltered at their sudden appearance, and she took a step back, diverting her eyes, as if embarrassed that theyd seen her so upset. Tori didnt give her a second look, but the others coming out of the carriage sneered.

Albert, Your Highness. You bags are with us, JP said in a calm voice, as if they hadnt been watching from inside the carriage.

Oh, thanks! Albert made his way over, unbothered as he took his bag from the footman. As he slung it over his shoulder, Ilyana offered him some of her potato chips.

Want some?

Sure. Albert held out his hand and Ilyana shook out a few chips onto his palm. He furrowed his brows as he caught a different scent. Thats not sea salt, is it?

Heh...sour cream and onion. Its new, Ilyana said, smug. Tori had suggested she try to have the potato chips flavored and that opened an entire new world for Ilyana and the test chefs at Henriks restaurant.

Nearly every weekend they came, they would have a new flavor for Ilyana to try. Ilyana kept track of them and her opinions on each.

Ooh. Alberts eyes widened as he quickly grabbed a piece to try. You shouldve told us.

They only made a sample batch.

Thank you, Mr. Novak. Gideon thanked the driver as he took his bag. Ilyana moved the bag of potato chips towards him, holding out the bag and silently inviting him to take one. Gideon had also developed a liking for potatoes, but it wasnt something he, even as Soleils second prince, could get so easily. Ilyana had a near monopoly on them for testing. In the next harvest season, there would be more, but even then, Tori estimated that it would only be enough to supply her county. Gideon didnt hesitate to take a piece. He bit into it, nodding his head, pleased with the crunch, and then frowned. Are they selling this flavor already? They told me they only had the regular flavor when I bought some today.

No, theyre still doing tests. Ilyana shook her head. The top three new flavors will make their debut during the Spring Festival.

Gideon frowned. Not until the Spring Festival? Thats after my birthday.... He looked at the remaining chip in his hand.

Your Highness, we can discuss reserving the resort and restaurants, Henrik said, quickly jumping on an opportunity. You know, we custom build a menu for large events.

All right, lets not loiter out here. Its getting late and cold. Lets go inside, Tori said. She thanked the drivers and told them to get some rest before ushering her friends through the gates.

She tried not to show she was paying attention to Fabian and Alessa, but kept them in the corner of her eye as she walked past them. Fabian looked at Alessa helplessly, not knowing what to say, but not wanting to apologize.

Fabian! Try these chips! Gideon called out to him. Alessa, do you want to try? He was likely trying to ease the tension and Tori didnt interject to stop him. As dense as he was around them due to their awkward and somewhat volatile history, Gideon had a good level of emotional intelligence with others.

Fabian moved closer, appearing hesitant to come near the group, but Ilyana still tilted her bag of potato chips and told him to hold out his hand.

Our Ilyana is so generous. They should be so lucky. Tori didnt stop her from sharing her chips.

Wait! Tell him to apologize for slandering Adrien! Alessa quickened her step to catch up with them as they walked past her.

Tori glanced towards Fabian and saw him lower his head. He almost crushed the remaining chip he was holding. He didnt respond otherwise, but it seemed that Alessas rebuke hurt his feelings. Tori almost wanted to mock him, but at the same time, felt he was a bit pitiful.

It wasnt as if Fabian was purposely bad-mouthing Adrien. Tori knew that better than anyone else. He had good reason, and he was acting like the knight he was supposed to be and trying to protect Alessa. It was unfortunate that Adriens value to Alessa was more than Fabians.

Von Dorn slandered Rosiek? Tori asked without looking back. She didnt mean to defend von Dorn, but she really couldnt miss a chance to reply to Alessa. She smirked. Maybe it was an accident. Im sure he didnt mean to. Its not his fault.

Henrik, Sonia, and JP snickered while Ilyana smirked. Albert furrowed his brows. That sounds a bit familiar.

Gueveras right, Alessa. Im sure Fabian didnt mean to. He was just making an observation, Gideon said. Alessas eyes went wide with surprise and Tori wondered if she still expected Gideon to side with her. He didnt mean to speak badly of Mr. Rosiek. Maybe you misunderstood him.

Alessas face flushed and she shook her head. I...I didnt-

Its all right to make a mistake, Tori said in a smooth voice. Im sure von Dorn understands that you are only worried about your other friend. It isnt as if such people who harass others dont exist.

Alessa frowned. Adrien did not harass anyone.

Were you there? Tori asked as she glanced over her shoulder. Alessa frowned more so.

No, but-

You didnt see it, did you? Then how do you know what happened? Because Rosiek told you his account? Its good for you to trust your friend, but that doesnt mean everyone else will believe him. Nor does it mean that he was telling you the truth, Tori said with a shrug. Im not trying to say hes a creepy pervert who should have his limbs cut off. Im just saying that its very possible.

Alessas face reddened. I know Adrien. Hed never do such a thing.

Baroness Hart, you can believe whatever you want, but you werent there, Tori said as she continued walking. So, the fact of the matter is, you dont know what really happened. Whether you like it or not, there is a possibility that von Dorn is right.

Alessas brows knit together as she stopped to the side. She looked towards Gideon and Fabian, but Fabian kept his eyes downcast. Gideon looked back from the tail end of the group. He slowed to a stop and gave her a wry smile.

Alessa, Fabian didnt mean to insult Mr. Rosiek. Really. Dont be angry at him, Gideon told her.

Alessa looked at Fabian, who lowered his head and avoided her gaze. Adrien didnt do anything wrong. Im sure of it! She turned on her heel and marched off in the direction of her dorm, bypassing the rest of the group.

Alessa! Fabian called out, raising his hand to stop her. Gideon put his hand on Fabians shoulder and pulled him back.

Shes upset right now. Give her some time, Gideon told him. Shes just worried about Mr. Rosiek.

Fabians shoulders slumped down and he clenched his hands at his sides. As the group reached the split in the walkway, most of them headed to one side while Tori, Ilyana, Gideon, and Fabian turned to go down the path to their dorm.

How long do you think shell be upset? Tori heard Fabian ask Gideon.

Gideon took a deep breath. I dont know. Shes close to Mr. Rosiek. She depends on him a lot and hes done much to try to support her barony.

Tori and Ilyana exchanged quiet, judging looks with each other. Tori shook her head. She still shouldnt blindly trust him.

Guevera, Gideon said behind her as they got closer to their dorms. He squinted his eyes and tilted his head to the side. Do you know what happened to Mr. Rosiek?

He ran into a table, Tori replied, nonchalantly. At a bookstore.

How do you know?

JPs always up to date on local gossip, Tori said with a shrug. It was probably very embarrassing for Rosiek, so he made up a story about being attacked.

Gideon wrinkled his brows. There isnt anything embarrassing about that. It was an accident.

Youd think so, Tori said with narrowed eyes. Ilyana glanced at her and changed the subject.

By the way, what are we going to do for Ewans birthday?



Tori looked at the envelope Henrik placed in front of her, but made no move to touch it. She looked up, over the top of her glass rim, and raised a brow. Do I have to go?

Henrik rolled his eyes. I havent told you what its for.

You dont look excited, Tori said. Her eyes narrowed with suspicion. Therefore, it cant be good.

Whats with the envelope? Albert asked as he took a seat with an aqua fresca in hand. He furrowed his brows and looked at the pale envelope with the yellow wax seal. Though it was a busy night for Duel with both Lyces Tabletop Gaming Club and La Gardas unofficial Tabletop Gaming Club present, the cafe was empty.

Only Tori was left to drink a small glass of sweet wine as she re-did her Lyce notes for review. Albert had to finish some work for his project and was joining her instead of playing with the rest of the club. JP and Sonia were back to spending their time afterschool practicing for the Spring Three-Day Competition.

Henrik had just come from his parents house, as they summoned him. He looked somewhat tired, and his lips were in a straight line.

Its from Henrik, Tori said as she took a sip. Albert looked towards Henrik and paused, then crinkled his eyes.

Did someone die?

Henrik shot him a glare. No one died.

But you dont look happy about it, so it cant be a good thing.

Tori raised her brows and lifted her cup towards Henrik with a knowing nod. Told you.

He rolled his eyes and took a seat across from her. My sister is turning sixteen and my parents are throwing her a party.

Tori gave him a curious look and reached across the table to pick up the envelope. She put down her drink, slid her finger under the wax seal, and lifted the flap. She held up the cardstock and Albert leaned towards her to get a look.

Annika Jeanne Skuldsen...sixteenth birthday...oh, good, its the weekend before Piers and Ewans birthday party. Tori nodded with satisfaction.

Henrik blinked, surprised. Youre going to go?

No, its too close to Piers and Ewans party and theres a lot to do. I have to prepare an imperial birthday celebration, Tori said. She folded the card and placed it on the table. I will, unfortunately, have to decline. She gave Henrik a smile and he let out a heavy breath.

I told them you were busy, but my parents were still hoping you would make it.

Its nice to be invited, but were your friends, not Annikas. The guests should be hers. At best, were an understandable afterthought, Tori said. Albert picked up the invitation and looked it over. He let out a whistle.

Des Champs? Did they book the entire restaurant?

Its her sixteenth birthday, so its an important one. Many of my fathers guild associations and the familys business partners will be in attendance. Ewans family is going since theyre family friends, Henrik told them. He looked towards Tori. If you go to the delta that weekend, youll make it back by evening for dinner.

Yes, but Ill be exhausted and would still need to change for the formal event, Tori said. She pursed her lips. Henrik, is your sister all right with inviting me? She doesnt know me like she does Ewan and the twins. I dont think she really pays attention to us.

Henrik ran a hand down his face and shook his head. My parents are the ones who want to invite you. Considering that there will be many merchants attending and people with connections to business, it may be worth it to go, especially since people know youre my friend and acquainted with my family.

Henrik, its your sisters birthday not a networking event.

It might as well be. Anyone who has any sort of business influence in Horizon will be there.

Tori paused in the middle of her drink and lowered her glass. Even the Cowman?

Henriks lips tightened into a thin line. I dont have confirmation, but its likely. My sister still works at his wine shop. Shes there after school and takes shifts on weekends.

Tori let out a heavy breath and smacked the table with her hand. She gave her young business partner an annoyed look. Henrik, are you really inviting me to a party where that bastard will be present?

I didnt invite you. If Annika werent my sister, I would decline if I knew he was invited, too. Its my parents; they insisted. They made me swear to at least give you the invitation, Henrik replied. He paused and clenched his jaw. They dont know about the Cowman running into a table at the bookstore.

Tori let out a small, indifferent snort. Its your sisters party. She can invite whoever she wants.

Albert folded the invitation card and put it back on the table. He frowned and looked at Tori with concern. If there is a chance that hell be there, you shouldnt go.

I dont want to go. And also, Im not hiding from him, Tori said in a firm voice. If anything, he should be hiding from me.

Albert cracked a small grin, but the glint of concern in his eyes didnt fade. Then, are you considering going?

Tori narrowed her eyes. She took a deep breath and leaned back against her chair; her brows furrowed with thought.

I have a legitimate reason not to go. If it were just Ewans birthday, it wouldnt be so bad, but Piers requires additional security and the like. I dont know if his mother wants to come. If she does, thats more for me to consider. If the Emperor wanted to come, too, shed flip a table. It was such a headache to do the security detail for the entire family last time. Her fingers tapped the table in front of her. At the same time, if the Cowman is there, then Id like to see who he associates with.

Henrik raised a brow. Is that the only reason?

Tori lifted her eyes and met his. Im not going to make him run into another table and cause a scene in front of your parents, if thats what youre concerned about.

He shook his head and shrugged, as if saying that if she wanted to, she had his blessing to send Adrien back to the hospital. Im not.

Well, I wouldnt. At least, as long as he doesnt try anything, she said. Tori pursed her lips. Im actually curious. Did your parents invite the Cowman because he is a well-known merchant in Horizon or did your sister invite the owner of the shop where she works? In the first case, your parents are aware that we dont get along and dont like him because of the stolen vest designs our first year. In the latter, most people would not invite the owner of the shop where they work unless they were reasonably close with the owner.

When she said this, Henriks face darkened. His eyes narrowed and the air around him tensed. Tori could almost see his mind clicking. If this were before the bookstore incident, Henrik would likely only be annoyed that his sister saw the Cowman in a favorable light and remained suspicious that Annika was a little too interested in Duel and Lions Gate.

Tori knew Henrik had some lingering doubts about his sisters whereabouts the day their parents home was broken into, and his room was trashed. Annika had school and then work in the afternoon, but she would go home to change out of her school uniform and into work appropriate attire.

That day, Annika had told them that she didnt go home to change, as she was running late. Convenient. As she was Henriks sister, Henrik and Tori didnt pursue the matter. Even if Annika were the one who tore up Henriks room looking for their business paperwork, she failed. Henrik hadnt mentioned where the paperwork was kept, either.

However, after the bookstore, the implication was more sinister. Adrien was a successful, rich man who had plenty of contacts, was popular, and looked good. Tori couldnt blame Annika for being infatuated with him. No, she could, but she could also understand why Annika would. If the heroine could be sucked into Adriens sphere of influence, where did a minor character like Annika stand a chance?

In addition, Annika and Henrik werent close at all.

Ive heard her talk about how shes enjoying her job and is learning about running a business, but outside of that, I havent heard anything else from her.

You and your sister arent very close, though, Albert pointed out. I hate to say it, but what if shes working for Cowman to get information from you? It was strange that she wants a job in one of your businesses, isnt it?

Henrik let out a low breath and glared at the table. Ever since my father asked about a job for her, Ive been suspicious. I dont want to think that my own sister would be used against me.

The Cowman is trusted by many, Tori replied. Look at Hart. Von Dorn wanted to warn her about him, but instead she yelled at von Dorn, accused him of slander, and demanded an apology. Von Dorn is her friend, too.

Grandma Letty is right; you cant trust handsome men. Albert finished off his agua fresca and Tori nodded her head a bit.

Henrik crinkled his eyes and gave them both critical looks. He shook his head. Then what should I tell my parents?

Tell them I cant make it, Tori said. With my sincerest apologies. I have a prior engagement that weekend.

Henrik nodded. Ill let them know.

But keep a close eye on your sister and who she associates with. If the Cowman arrives, keep an eye on him, as well. Are JP and Sonia going?

Yes.

Youll be busy entertaining guests. Tell JP and Sonia to watch the Cowman, Tori said. The more we know about him, the better.