I, Who Was Betrayed By The People I Loved Most - Chapter 9

The morning after I overheard the shocking truth—Camille’s pregnancy—

The Vice President of my trading company came to visit the Rubert estate.

“Lady Leticia, I apologize for the sudden visit.”

Bowing before me was Baron Halstein Barton, with his son, Julius, standing politely at his side.

At Oxley Trading Company, where I serve as chairwoman, monthly financial summaries and reports on new trade routes are typically handled through written correspondence.
For them to come all the way to the estate in person—there had to be a reason.

“Thank you for coming all this way. Is it something urgent?” I asked.

Halstein replied calmly.

“Yes. There has been a change in tax rates for maritime trade beginning next month, which requires contract renegotiations. In addition, I brought Julius along because I’d like to begin giving him more direct exposure to our operations.”

I nodded slightly.

Julius is a young man meant to lead our next generation.
With golden hair that shimmered like sunlight and sharply defined features, he had striking good looks.
His eyes were a translucent blue that sparkled like gemstones depending on the angle.

His face was perfectly proportioned, almost sculptural in beauty—marked by a straight nose and refined lips.
He carried a clean, refreshing aura and stood tall with graceful posture, naturally drawing attention even from afar.
And beyond appearances, he was sincere, thoughtful, and already well-versed in accounting, commerce, linguistics, and negotiation—everything required of a future executive.

It was time for him to begin gaining real-world experience and cultivating judgment.

Once, I had intended for Camille to inherit the company.

Though not my biological daughter, I had raised her with care—educating her in business, finance, and proper etiquette.
She wasn’t particularly gifted, but I believed that if I paired her with Julius as a guardian and, eventually, as her husband, everything would fall into place.

I had even shared that plan with Halstein, which was likely why he brought Julius today—to formally introduce him to Camille.

Of course, neither of them knew the truth yet.
About Camille and my husband.

But there was no longer any need for introductions.

I opened my mouth, ready to explain—when Camille came barging in, uninvited.

“Aunt Leticia! I was hoping to ask if I could get a new dress—”

With a cheerful voice, Camille burst into the salon.
The moment her eyes landed on Julius, her cheeks flushed.

“Oh my…! He’s so handsome… Aunt Leticia, who is this gentleman? Won’t you introduce me?”

She tugged lightly on my sleeve with a smile— As if nothing had happened yesterday.

So innocently. So foolishly.
But I would no longer be deceived.

“There’s no need for that anymore.”

I spoke quietly—but coldly.

Camille’s smile froze.

“Why not? Is it because I’m a duke’s daughter? Are you saying I can only speak to men of noble birth? Is he not a noble?”

To that, I slowly turned my gaze to her and answered clearly:

“You are not a duke’s daughter.”