Chapter 979 Undermining
"Thanks." Dennis saved each contact methodically before looking up. "We won't keep you any longer. We'll skip the afternoon tea—Abella and I have other matters to attend to. Come on, Abella."
Though reluctant to see Dennis leave, Isolde didn't press the matter. Her smile remained graciously understanding. "Then we'll have tea another time. Let me see you out."
"That's not necessary," Dennis and Abella said in unison.
"You should stay and try on the garments. When the other pieces are ready, I'll bring them to you personally," Abella said, knowing that protocol dictated the princess shouldn't escort guests from the castle herself. Having broken convention once before, Abella didn't want to put her in an awkward position again.
"When will you return next? Let me know—I can bring you."
Dennis's casual remark made Isolde's eyes soften with warmth. Learning that Dennis would return sent a flutter of hope through her heart.
"Then I won't see you out. Safe travels."
"Thank you for the refreshments." Dennis set down his teacup and guided his sister from the reception hall by her sleeve.
Isolde watched their retreating figures until they disappeared.
"I never imagined he was Ms. Medici's brother," one of the female bodyguards whispered. "Their personalities couldn't be more different."
"Really?" Isolde's smile was breathtakingly elegant as she continued gazing in their direction. "I think they're quite similar—both appear cold on the surface but possess warm hearts beneath."
Truthfully, she envied Abella for having such an attentive brother. As for herself... The thought dimmed her expression momentarily before she composed herself.
After leaving the castle, Dennis drove his sports car to show Abella one of his resort properties. The hotel sprawled across vast acreage and had attracted countless elite families since opening three years prior. Beyond its convenient location amid stunning natural scenery, it boasted ten championship golf courses, wildlife encounters, falconry experiences, off-road racing, equestrian facilities, stargazing tours, and more.
The hotel manager personally drove them around the grounds in a golf cart. When they stopped, Dennis stepped out and announced, "From now on, this resort is yours."
He extended his hand, and the manager immediately presented the contract with both hands, uncapping a pen with practiced efficiency. Dennis signed the deed of gift with flourishing strokes before handing the documents to his sister.
"Ms. Medici, please don't hesitate to call upon me for anything," the manager said with a deep bow, his smile radiating deference.
Abella couldn't understand why Dennis was suddenly gifting her such an enormous resort. First the bank cards, then the collectibles...
"I've been wanting to give this to you for ages, waiting for the right moment to show you around. Today seemed perfect—why wait?" Dennis grinned. "I'll leave the management in your capable hands."
Abella realized this was Dennis's way of ensuring more frequent visits while providing her substantial income. Hotels like this generated impressive monthly profits—another of his schemes to spoil her financially.
"This is part of a chain—twenty-four properties across Britonia, all now under Ms. Medici's name," the manager added.
Twenty-four? Abella's surprise was evident.
"These represent some of Mr. Medici's most profitable ventures." The manager's words confirmed her suspicions. These were mature, self-sustaining operations requiring minimal oversight—Dennis's elaborate way of providing for her while creating excuses to see her more often.
"Thank you, Dennis." Abella accepted the contract with a soft smile.
Dennis ruffled her hair affectionately. "Silly girl, no need for formalities between siblings."
"Mr. Medici, someone would like a word with you, if you're available?" the manager inquired respectfully.
"Yes." Dennis tousled Abella's hair once more. "Wait for me. I've had the jet brought here—we'll fly directly to Long Island Manor afterward."
"Alright."
He instructed the manager, "Show my sister around so she can familiarize herself with everything."
"Of course."
The manager bowed as Dennis departed in the golf cart, straightening only after he'd disappeared from view. "Ms. Medici, shall I continue the tour?"
"That's unnecessary. Go handle your duties—I'll wait here for Dennis." Abella felt tired and wanted to rest.
"But Mr. Medici specifically requested—"
"You're taking orders from him now?"
The manager startled, then bowed again hastily. "Of course I follow your instructions."
He retreated respectfully. Abella settled into a nearby lounge chair, with the off-road racing track visible beyond the chain-link fence behind her. Pulling out her phone, she noticed several messages from Phillipe and two missed calls.
She initiated a video call.
"I just finished delivering Isolde's garments and received another generous gift from Dennis. Take a look—recognize this place?"
Phillipe studied the screen, taking in the racing track, expansive grounds, and ocean views. "Dennis didn't give you his resort hotel, did he?"
"You figured it out?" Abella was impressed by his quick recognition from a brief video glimpse.
"That's the only off-road track of this caliber in your brother's portfolio." Phillipe watched the breeze tousle her hair, a few strands dancing in the wind. "I've missed you—two whole days without seeing you."
Though he understood she had pressing matters, these days had felt endless.
"You're seeing me now, aren't you?" Abella had called specifically because she sensed his longing. "Once Dennis finishes with his client, we're heading home. Tomorrow's Christmas—we'll see each other then."
"That feels like forever."
The contrast between his public coldness and private vulnerability made Abella smile despite herself.
A stranger approached, clearly interested. "Hello, would you like to be friends?"
"Who's that?" Phillipe's tone turned sharp with displeasure and jealousy.
The man couldn't hear Phillipe through Abella's low volume setting.
Rather than ending the call, Abella ignored the intruder and continued speaking to Phillipe. "Finish your work early today and go home—don't spend all day in the office just because I'm not there..."
"I'd like to be friends. Are you staying at the hotel alone? Which building, which floor? If you don't have company, I could show you around—whatever you'd like to do."
The young man appeared to be a wealthy heir. To impress her further, he lifted his chin arrogantly. "I know the manager here—we're friends."
Dennis's friend?
"So what?" Abella's gaze finally acknowledged him, though she kept the video call active.
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