Ⅱ
Few offered help in times of need; many kicked others when they were down.
Malinda had seen far too many people appear under the guise of "helping" someone in trouble, when all they really wanted was to make a fortune.
Among nobles in particular, such people were everywhere.
And now, Malinda instinctively assumed Arthur intended to do the same.
She had no objection whatsoever.
On the contrary, Malinda planned to take a share.
No!
She would work with Arthur and fleece the Countess of South Los for all she was worth.
As for her family ties to the Countess of South Los?
They were distant cousins.
Not close relatives.
Who cared!
As long as they lured that woman into their scheme, Malinda could use her fleet to empty out the South Los Family's holdings in next to no time.
And afterward?
Naturally, she would head overseas with Arthur.
With the South Los Family's wealth, they could easily establish a power of their own overseas.
The thought made Malinda's lips curl upward despite herself.
Arthur rolled his eyes.
He could guess exactly what Malinda was thinking.
If he truly reached the point where he had no other choice, he would certainly do that, but they were nowhere near it yet.
On the contrary, things were looking very promising.
He, Arthur, certainly would not kill the goose that laid the golden eggs.
The Countess of South Los was a very lively little hen!
Not only could she "lay eggs," she could also stand in front of him until he truly came into his own!
How could he possibly raise the butcher's knife against her?
So Arthur declared with righteous conviction-
"Contact the Countess for me.
Pass along my requests.
I think she'll give us a sensible answer."
Malinda had realized her