Chapter 17 Teaching
"Although I don't know exactly when the Fetters gained the ability to interfere in our affairs, the fact that Valeria ran away—causing the Grimwalds to suffer disgrace—has been fully addressed," Ajax said.
When Felicia heard this, she sharply inhaled, her face changing slightly.
She was momentarily speechless, especially when she met Ajax's cold, emotionless gaze, which caused her to take two steps back in fear.
At that moment, Lana, whose hands were being held, seized the opportunity to speak up for her friend. "That's right! If it weren't for Poppy, how would the Fetters ever compensate the Grimwalds for their loss?"
The Fetters felt uneasy. As Lana had pointed out, without Penelope, they wouldn't even know how to explain things to Ajax.
However, even if the matter seemed unresolvable, the Fetters still had another heiress they could offer in place of Penelope. Why should she be the one to benefit from this?
Thinking this, Felicia grew agitated once again and boldly spoke out. "The Fetters have other heiress."
To Ajax, who knew the true reason he had to marry Valeria, her words were utterly shameless.
"I will decide who replaces her," he said, casting a piercing glance at the Fetters.
The sharpness in his eyes immediately silenced Felicia.
"When did it become your place to decide?" he demanded, his gaze chilling.
The Fetters, trembling in fear, didn't dare speak.
Penelope, who had nearly collapsed from the Fetters' insults just moments before, now looked at them in stunned silence. She realized that the Fetters were too frightened even to speak because of Ajax's words.
She raised her head, her gaze turning serious as she truly looked at the man standing before her for the first time.
He was tall, imposing, and carried an air of authority.
A warmth spread through her heart, filling her with a sense of security.
For the first time, she didn't feel afraid of him—rather, she felt gratitude.
"Mr. Grimwald! We'll leave right now!" The Fetters, bowing and nodding like they were fleeing, finally realized this was no place for trivial games.
"Want to leave? Do you think you can come and go as you please?" Ajax's words were filled with menace.
At that moment, several bodyguards suddenly burst in, seizing the Fetters and forcibly escorting them out.
Ajax exuded an air of regal authority. Though they were in the Vilehart residence, it felt as though he were the true ruler of the domain.
"Get them out!" he commanded.
With those few words, the Fetters' faces turned pale.
Pitiful yet deserving, they were dragged from the hall, their dignity shattered.
Such strength, such coldness, such nobility—this was Ajax, a man who would not tolerate any transgression within his domain.
Those who had once been indignant—neighbors and onlookers—now scattered quickly, trembling with fear.
The Fetters, now thrown out of the Vilehart residence, left behind an eerie silence in the hall.
Ajax turned his gaze toward the makeup artist. "It seems the makeup artist isn't doing her job, huh?"
The makeup artist, terrified by his words, was as pale as the Fetters had been. She had once been blinded by moral judgment, but now, witnessing Ajax stand up for his bride, she realized her cowardice in failing to assist Penelope. Angering the Grimwalds could mean the end of her career.
"Mr. Grimwald, I'll start right away, right away!" she stammered.
Penelope's eyes widened. Despite her fear of Ajax, she couldn't help but feel an odd, inexplicable sense of safety, as though she were protected by an invincible shield.
The makeup artist hurriedly led Penelope back to her room to fix her outfit, but Ajax spoke calmly. "Do it here."
Time was of the essence, and Ajax had no patience to wait.
The makeup artist obeyed without hesitation, quickly adjusting Penelope's dress and makeup, fully aware that any delay would be unacceptable.
…
In less than half an hour, Penelope's makeup was redone.
Throughout the process, Ajax had stood quietly by, watching as the "little rabbit" transformed into a stunning beauty.
"Please, Mr. and Mrs. Grimwald, the car is ready."
The wedding car was a luxurious Ferrari.
Penelope glanced back at the Grimwalds' fleet of cars, their impressive lineup overshadowing any other wedding procession.
Inside the narrow car, the atmosphere was tense and silent.
Ajax's imposing presence nearly filled the entire space, his air of seriousness and dominance palpable.
Penelope felt small, shrinking into her seat, her nerves on edge.
Ajax's gaze remained fixed on her face as the car moved, studying the woman beside him. She had once appeared delicate and youthful, but now, dressed up, she exuded a striking beauty.
She was beautiful, refreshingly so, though her makeup couldn't hide her nervousness. Her expression conveyed unease as if she carried an invisible burden.
For someone as domineering as Ajax, he could not tolerate his bride showing such an expression on such an important day.
"With that look, you don't look like a bride at all!" he said suddenly, gripping Penelope's chin, his brow furrowed.
"I… I don't know how I'm supposed to act…" Penelope stammered, flustered, fearing she would say or do something wrong and be punished.
Clumsily, she blurted out, "It's my first time being a bride, I don't know how I'm supposed to be…"
"Then, I'll teach you," he offered.
Amid her confusion, Ajax leaned in and kissed her on the lips.
The kiss was incredibly gentle, warm, and tender, like a lover's kiss, softening her and opening up her world.
Penelope felt as though she had been struck by lightning. Her head spun from the kiss, and she nearly toppled over. But Ajax caught her waist, pulling her into his embrace.
At that moment, Penelope's thoughts began to unravel, bit by bit. 'Is this how one should teach?!'