That evening, Roxanne was still trying to work out the task given to her by Ciel.
She was neck deep into it and didn't realize he was standing close to her.
She jolted to consciousness when he coughed slightly to get her attention.
She was surprised to see him.
"You said you wanted control over your life, isn't it?" Ciel said quietly. "You seem quite serious about it."
"Why are you here?" Roxanne finally asked him as she kept her expression neutral.
"Well, I would like you to put a pause on what you are doing and work on this." He said as he gave her a folder. "There is a socialite in our circle. Vivienne Montclair."
"She's highly connected, and influential, and…" Roxanne could see something like amusement in his eyes.
"And?" She asked as she arched her eyebrows.
"And she is presently interfering in a business deal that concerns me. I would like you to convince her to step back without it causing a scandal."
Roxanne was surprised he was asking her this. She was expecting something difficult, but this? The woman he was talking about seemed like someone in a league of her own. Definitely rich, powerful and as she came to understand, people like her like to humiliate those who dared to challenge them.
Ciel studied her reaction. "What's wrong? Are you scared you can not get it done?"
"No, that's not it." She said as she lifted her chin.
"Good. I would like it done as soon as possible." He said, smirking.
The following day, Roxanne was at an event hosted at one of New York's most luxurious hotels, where she expected to meet with Vivienne Montclair.
Inside, different high society people were present. Chatting and smiling politely at one another.
Vivienne Montclair was easy to spot among the many people present.
Her appearance already showed that she is a woman of repute.
There were people around her, probably having small talks with her.
Roxanne took a deep breath before trying to make her move.
She then walked towards her with a purposeful grace, putting on her best calm sophistication.
With a polite smile, she greeted her. "Mrs. Montclair, if you have a moment to spare, I would like to speak with you about something."
Vivienne was momentarily taken aback. She looked at Roxanne, assessing her. Then, she slowly smiled with a smirk.
"Ah, Sebastien's new wife. How…unexpected."
Roxanne felt her heart race at that moment, but she immediately composed herself. She won't let this woman's insult get to her.
"I have been made aware that you have been quite involved in Ciel's recent deal.," she said with a steady voice. "I wanted to discuss it with you."
Vivienne looked at her leisurely, before asking. "My darling, what could you possibly want to tell me that would change my mind?"
Roxanne fixed her eyes on her. "I believe there are beneficial ways for you to spend your time."
Some people around them stood still as Roxanne said that. Vivienne 's smile was still on, but there seemed to be interest in her eyes.
"Is that so? And what would you suggest?"
Roxanne straightened herself before replying. "You have a reputation to protect, Mrs. Montclair. But aligning yourself against Ciel Sebastien? That's a risk. And you do not strike me as someone who takes unnecessary risks."
Vivienne was clearly amused.
"You are bold, I give you that."
"I have to be," Roxanne replied smoothly.
"After all, people are watching me closely, hoping to see if I am capable of doing things on my own. I imagine you understand such feelings."
Vivienne studied her for a moment before putting her glass down. "Very well then," she said lazily. "I will reconsider my involvement."
And just like that, Roxanne was able to pull it off.
She had expected some form of resistance and only she could describe how relieved she felt at that moment.
Vivienne leaned in to her. "But tell me something dear, does your husband know just how dangerous you could be in the right circles?"
"He will definitely find out soon enough," she said, Still looking at her.
"How delightful." Vivienne said as a slow smile formed on her lips.
When Roxanne got back to the mansion later that day, Ciel was waiting in his study.
He noticed her as she came in.
"Well? How did it go?" He said.
She sat on the bed as she replied. "She's out of your way,"
He lifted his brows slightly as he looked at her again . Then calmly, he asked.
"Tell me, how did you convince her?"
She looked back at him steadily.
"By proving to her I was not someone to be taken lightly."
"Well, that's something." Ciel replied with amusement and admiration in his voice.
"Or you didn't think I could have done it?"
"To be honest, I thought it would be difficult. But you did it. You took care of it as if you were born for it."
Roxanne was confused whether it was a compliment or something else.
He studied her briefly before continuing again. "Perhaps I should be more careful around you, mrs.sebastien."
"Perhaps you should," she said, standing up.
And for a brief second, there seems to be this quiet understanding between them.
"Now this is getting interesting," Ciel said with a smirk.
Meanwhile, at the Renwick estate, Evelyn was in her private lounge, swirling her glass of wine as she read through an old medical report, which belonged to Finn.
She had a smirk on.
It was time to let Roxanne understand where she truly belonged.
While Roxanne was trying to prove herself worthy of high society, Evelyn was scheming her next move to manipulate her using her brother, Finn.