Wicked Husband-Chapter 90 - 89

Amidst the flickering lights and the sounds of pain, the rustling of turning pages broke the silence. It was an incongruous sound, emanating from Cesare. Reclining loosely in his chair, he leisurely turned the pages of his book before speaking abruptly.

"What about Eileen?"

"She is with the scheduled guest who arrived early. However, an uninvited guest has joined them—Lucio Zaetani."

There was no need to elaborate further about Lucio; Cesare recalled everything about Eileen with vivid clarity.

"I permitted the visit of the guest, but..."

Cesare closed the book he had been reading.

"I never authorized the intrusion of pests into the house."

Cesare was well aware of Lucio Zaetani. He had been a persistent nuisance during Eileen’s university days.

Initially, Cesare had tolerated Lucio when he helped Eileen adjust to university life. However, Lucio’s behavior soon became stalker-like and troublesome for Eileen.

Unaware of Lucio’s true nature, Eileen saw him only as a helpful senior and had no idea he had misused stolen items.

When Cesare learned of the situation, he had instructed that it be handled discreetly. There was no need to burden Eileen with such unsavory details; he merely ordered Lucio to be intimidated and driven away.

Though Cesare had spared Lucio’s life to keep Eileen company, it was perplexing that Lucio would have the audacity to return, especially to the Grand Duke’s residence.

The notion of him pretending to be a pure-hearted suitor was almost laughable.

"I apologize," Lotan began.

He then reported, "Lucio Zaetani is on the verge of securing the youngest professorship. With his extensive knowledge in pharmacology and his connection with Eileen, it seems the professors have brought him here of their own accord."

From the professors’ perspective, who were unaware of the full context, there was no reason not to bring Lucio. It was done in the name of supporting Eileen.

This was also in line with Cesare’s orders: to do whatever was necessary for Eileen’s benefit.

"We can still exclude him," Lotan said bluntly.

Cesare chuckled at Lotan’s suggestion.

"If he has some utility, then make use of him and discard him later."

Especially since Eileen would likely appreciate it. Lotan, understanding Cesare’s intentions, had likely refrained from intervening when reporting Lucio’s presence. Following his sharp subordinate’s judgment, Cesare decided against ordering Lucio’s removal and simply said:

"It’s time to go home."

"I will take care of it."

Lotan’s words were met with a nod of approval from Cesare. He then seized the man by the head with his large hands. The man, held firmly, stared wide-eyed as tears quickly filled his bloodshot eyes.

"P-please, spare me..."

Before his desperate pleas could even finish, Lotan twisted the man’s head. The sound of bones snapping echoed. The man was instantly killed.

Cesare rose from his chair, placing the book under his arm, and walked over to the lifeless body. He looked down at the dead man with an indifferent gaze.

This man was the last on the initial list.

With all the easy targets dealt with, only high-ranking nobles or individuals with complex connections remained—targets that were more difficult to handle.

As Cesare considered the names on his second list, he pulled out his pocket watch. The plain silver watch, devoid of any patterns, was opened to check the time.

Lotan understood that Cesare’s curiosity about the time was secondary. Occasionally, Cesare checked the watch as if to reaffirm its presence. After a brief glance, he touched the watch once more and closed it with a click.

Lotan, standing with his hands clasped behind his back, observed Cesare’s gaze. The calm, red eyes briefly reassured him, but he quickly returned to his usual stoic demeanor.

Cesare, having carefully put away the pocket watch, offered a slight smile, as if acknowledging Lotan’s anxiety.

"It’s still fine."

In response to the unspoken question, Cesare murmured in a low voice, "...For now."

***

Glenda and Elio, professors of pharmacology and botany, were leading a peaceful life when they were suddenly astonished to read in the newspaper that their former student had become the Grand Duchess of Erzet.

The Grand Duchess depicted in the newspaper was a far cry from the student they had known. Eileen had been bright and cheerful but had always worn her bangs down and glasses, giving her a rather unassuming appearance.

Seeing the photo of their former student in a wedding dress, looking immaculate and smiling shyly, left the professors almost in shock.

At first, they doubted whether the photo had been published by mistake. However, it was evident that the Grand Duke of Erzet would not tolerate such an error. Despite their surprise at their student’s dramatic transformation, Glenda and Elio sent congratulatory letters with genuine happiness.

They eagerly anticipated visiting the Duchy and catching up, but then...

"Please assist the Grand Duchess with her ongoing research."

Suddenly, soldiers barged into the professors’ laboratory while they were peacefully preparing for their trip to the Duchy. The soldiers delivered the Grand Duke’s ’request,’ which, despite their naivety, the professors could tell was actually a command.

Before leaving for the Duchy, Glenda and Elio were filled with concern. Although Eileen had worked with Lucio, someone they suspected might be dangerous, they worried about his well-being.

Despite their own age and experience, the thought of Lucio—who had a bright future ahead of him—being in harm’s way made them anxious. However, Lucio’s insistence on accompanying them led to their joint departure for the Duchy.

While they were well-acquainted with Eileen’s character, they were apprehensive that she might have changed after acquiring wealth and power. They feared that their cherished student might have been transformed by the Duke of Erzet.

Yet, their fears were quickly dispelled upon meeting Eileen. Although she had undergone a remarkable transformation, appearing breathtakingly glamorous with strikingly colored eyes and luxurious clothing befitting her high status, her personality remained unchanged. Eileen still smiled with the same innocent charm she had during her student days. She welcomed the professors with genuine joy and seemed disappointed that they appeared uneasy around her.

Glenda and Elio were eager to assist their beloved student with her research, not out of obligation but from genuine concern. They were pleased to learn that Eileen had continued her research diligently after leaving the university.

However, when they offered to help with her current research, Eileen’s expression darkened for reasons unknown. She struggled to articulate her thoughts and appeared overwhelmed.

While Glenda and Elio were puzzled by her reaction, Eileen was deeply troubled by a dilemma.

’Cesare...’

While the professors’ help would undoubtedly benefit her research, Eileen couldn’t accept their offer so readily. The research involved opiates, and accepting their assistance would essentially place them in the same dangerous situation she was in.

Cesare might protect the professors from execution, which was likely why he was encouraging their involvement with Eileen. But...

’How could he do this knowing everything? Especially with Lucio here.’

If something went wrong, Cesare might save Eileen but abandon the professors. Eileen knew she couldn’t drag her mentors into such a perilous situation, even if Cesare had good intentions.

After resolving her thoughts, Eileen spoke cautiously.

"I appreciate the offer, but... I’ll try to handle this research on my own."

Understanding her hesitation without pressing further, Glenda and Elio remained silent. To ease the tension, Eileen forced a cheerful smile.

"Have you explored the Duchy yet? It would be good to buy any supplies you might need while you’re here."

The Duchy boasted many intriguing shops, including those selling quality lab equipment and rare books. Eileen suggested they take the time to explore the city, as she had planned an itinerary for their visit.

"Are you coming along too, Eileen?"

Lucio’s sudden question was met with a simple confirmation from Eileen. She had many things she wanted to discuss with Lucio.

As they prepared to leave, two cars waited outside the mansion. The professors got into the rear car, while Lucio naturally joined Eileen in the same car, causing Sonio’s expression to tighten slightly.

Eileen, unaware of Sonio’s concerns, bid him farewell. As the car pulled away, Lucio cast a wary glance at the driver’s seat.

The uniformed driver seemed to make Lucio uneasy, though his presence was essential for Eileen’s protection. The driver remained silent, and eventually, Lucio broke the silence.

"Eileen."

Eileen, who was getting ready to catch up with Lucio, was taken aback by his unexpected comment.

"In the past... I liked you, Eileen."

***