Dear Contract Husband, I Didn't Know You Were Like This? - Chapter 109
He was an extraordinary man, capable of capturing anyone’s attention simply by sharing the same space.
“You seem to have a lot to discuss.”
Sensing Serene’s gaze, Tristan let out a quiet sigh. Revealing his true appearance didn’t bother him. After all, he also held leverage over Serene.
“Let’s start with dinner,” he said, sparing a thought for Maya, who was probably hungry.
Swallowing his words, Tristan sat down across from Serene and Maya, who were seated side by side. When the food started arriving, Maya’s eyes lit up.
During the meal, Tristan refrained from asking Serene why she had come. He didn’t want to ruin the mood by bringing up business over dinner—it was simply common courtesy.
‘How thoughtful… making room for conversation even during a meal.’
Of course, he didn’t realize that his polite manners would only deepen Maya’s misunderstanding.
‘Seeing Tristan speak informally is… refreshing.’
Maya reflected on how naturally his casual tone fit him. She had always seen him as someone unfailingly polite, but here he displayed an undeniable air of authority—a side of Tristan she didn’t know, yet it felt natural and fitting.
Discovering this new side of Tristan was unexpectedly pleasant. She happily continued her meal.
***
“I heard you wish to sever ties with your family.”
As soon as they moved to the drawing room, Tristan got straight to the point, not commenting on his changed appearance.
Serene likely guessed this was the reason for the Bayarden family’s extended absence from public life. It was enough that an outsider knew only this much; there was no need to reveal more vulnerabilities.
Seeing Tristan and Serene sitting across from each other, Maya felt a bit tense.
‘Well then…’
How would this conversation go? Maya found herself imagining their exchange, struggling to shake a feeling of apprehension.
‘Thank you so much for last time, Grand Duke.’
‘It was merely my duty.’
‘How could you be so thoughtful…’
Just thinking about it made her stomach twist.
‘It’s probably better if I don’t watch.’
Maya abruptly stood up.
“I’ll excuse myself.”
“No!”
“What will happen if you leave, Maya?”
With Serene’s resolute voice and Tristan’s refusal, Maya had no choice but to sit back down.
‘But I don’t want to see them getting close…’
She was the only one who worried over such trivial matters, unaware of how unfounded her concerns were.
Serene and Tristan barely spared a thought for each other, both just eager to conclude their dealings.
In fact, they were both focused on Maya, who sat between them, anxiously observing.
‘I’d like to talk more with the Grand Duchess when this is over.’
‘I’ll finish up quickly and then relax with Maya.’
Tristan finally got to the heart of the matter.
“What sort of help are you seeking from House Bayarden?”
Though the family had been away from the capital for some time, its honor remained intact.
And with the records they now possessed, Tristan was well aware of the weaknesses of most noble families. It would be wise to handle these secrets with caution, as he was sure they were being tracked.
But with a few plausible excuses or convincing evidence, it could all be written off as coincidence.
Serene took a deep breath and spoke.
“I want to take my father’s place.”
She didn’t just want his position—she wanted to remove him altogether. Being able to voice this long-held ambition was thanks to the confidence Maya had given her.
‘Besides, we both hold leverage over each other.’
With sharp intuition, Serene realized that the Grand Duke’s unusual circumstances were the reason he had yet to make his debut in high society.
“You mean you want to become the head of the Baker family?”
“Yes.”
If Count Baker retained his position, Serene would spend her life being led by him. Now it was her turn to lead.
“I understand it may sound rather far-fetched,” she added, acknowledging the unusual nature of her ambition.
“Far-fetched? No, it suits you well.”
Maya, imagining Serene as head of her family, offered sincere praise, bringing a blush to Serene’s face—she hadn’t expected encouragement.
Serene carefully explained her situation.
“My fa…”
She stopped herself.
“No, Count Baker claims to want this, but he has no real intention of handing down the title.”
The Count’s usual remarks were nothing but bravado. He was entrenched in the aristocracy’s narrow-minded belief that power should only be passed to a male heir.
“Have you prepared to bring him down?”
