The room felt smaller after the Nanny's solemn question dawned on her.
"Dig up dirt about the Fourth Prince, something explosive enough to force an annulment on the engagement."
"Miss Ruby, do you have any plans on how you're going to achieve that?" Nanny Mandy hissed out under her breath.
Although they were both on the same boat, as someone from the Montclair's side, the previous Nanny Mandy hadn't truly taken Ruby as an equal.
She had always looked down on Ruby, a clueless country bumpkin who knew nothing about high society and their rules, thinking that she was merely a gold digger who had been blinded by the Montclairs' offer.
However, what happened yesterday entirely destroyed Nanny Mandy's prejudice.
Ruby was a kind soul. She owed the girl her life and thus, she would use everything in her means to protect Ruby.
"Miss, you shouldn't rush things. First, it's best if you start chumming up to the people around the Fourth Prince. Learn about his habits and preferences, earn his trust, let down his guard—and when the time comes, destroy him in one swoop."
Ruby fell into deep contemplation. After a while, she stood from her seat, her fingers tightening into fists as they stayed on her sides.
"Nanny, I'll do my best. Before that, there's something that I need your help with."
…
Ruby paced in her room.
It had been 3 days since she started roaming around the house. She searched the corridors, studied every corner she was allowed to linger, and even went as far as cornering every human she caught sight of.
The first impression they had given her no longer scared her. What frightened her more was the fact that someone might actually pull the trigger on her once they got the chance to, just like what they did that day—sabotaging the car she rode.
Somehow, her instincts told her that she shouldn't stay for long. Julien and his problems were too much for her to handle. If it's not for the million dollars, an ordinary citizen like her wouldn't even be here in the first place.
She needed to get things done quick. The question was… how?
In these three days, she hadn't even caught a glance of the prince's shadow, let alone met him in person.
Ruby knew little about Julien Sterling, barely the tip of the iceberg that was known to the outside world as well.
The public labeled him as a mad dog who would blindly bite on whoever that crossed him. It didn't help that he had a renowned reputation as a misfortune bringer, cursing everyone around him to a lifetime of misfortune; however, Ruby doubted the truth behind it.
Putting aside the 'curse' thing that was too fantastical to be true, the Julien Sterling she saw that night didn't seem as untouchable as they had said. He seemed brittle yet cautious, and he had even shown concern for her injuries.
Perhaps, she should start with something the public didn't know. For example, his obsession with masks and human faces.
..
Another 2 days passed without any notable findings.
Ruby chewed on her fingers. Just as the anxiety was about to eat her whole, a knock came from the door. She was pleasantly surprised to find Mario behind them.
Just like Julien, Ruby hadn't seen Mario since 5 days ago. She doubted if she had offended him for saying something she shouldn't that night when they had their late night supper together.
"Oh, long time no see–"
Ruby knew how awkward she was being right now. However, she just couldn't help it. The insensitive man wasn't helping anything either, merely standing there unbudging with his mask on.
No pleasantries, not even a hum to acknowledge her presence and just one cold stare that shot at her like an ice-tipped arrow.
"The master has called for you. Also, put on your mask." Mario finally opened his mouth after so long.
How cold. Ruby rubbed the stiffly standing fine hairs on both her arms. She then obediently traced behind Mario, her heart beating fast against her chest.
The hallway towards the Master bedroom was a forbidden area she was never allowed to cross. Although the curiosity once bugged her for 3 sleepless nights, Ruby didn't feel at all settled once she truly crossed that line.
Instead, she felt as if she had barged into something she shouldn't. And when the time comes for her to realize what she had done, she'll look back to a path full of ruins. There's simply no turning back.
"We're here."
Her mind jolted back upon the fall of his voice. Mario opened the door and stepped aside, implementing her to enter without him.
Ruby gulped as the door closed behind her. In that instant, she was pulled into a raging blizzard. And in the very center of it was Julien Sterling, the mystery she had been trying to unravel for the past few days.
"It's been a while."
The small smile on his face was anything but warm. Julien was obviously trying to play nice, but that just pressed on the button of Ruby's warriness.
Ruby looked at him as if she was up against a starving lion who was salivating over her meat, her lips pressed firm. And Julien, seemed to have noticed this as his voice softened.
"How is your stay?" He asked again. "Is the food to your liking?"
"Yes, the food here is amazing." Ruby blurted out of instinct. Her eyes had only widened when she realized what she had just said, which was three seconds later.
'That's not the point! I'm not here for vacation, after all. This man is trying to fish out something from me! I have to stay wary!'
She raised her guard once more, and that very sight of her amused Julien so much that the ends of his lips started to genuinely curl.
"Miss Arabella, I'm glad that my people have taken good care of you for these past few days. Now that the time is ready, I would like to further talk about the engagement between us."
Julien slowly said, his eyes never leaving her figure for even a fraction of second.
"Say, what are your thoughts on having our wedding three days from now?"