CHAPTER 271: PAYING OFF DEBTS (3)

Away from the red light district, Edgar’s carriage stopped before a familiar dress shop he had frequented one too many times in the past, thanks to his daughters.

Caleb opened the door for Edgar and exited to look around for any signs of danger.

"Don’t move the carriage since we won’t be here long," Edgar informed the guards.

Edgar intended to keep the conversation about his money short so he could return home in good time.

Edgar walked up to the doors, which he helped to pay for thanks to his investment years ago.

When Edgar opened the door, he heard Erin’s voice.

"We’re about to close."

"Wonderful," Edgar replied.

It was better that no one was around to eavesdrop on their conversation.

The hairs on Erin’s hand stood tall as Edgar’s voice filled the quiet shop. She was afraid to go out to greet him.

Erin knew what Edgar came for. He was clear when he spoke of wanting his money back, but it wasn’t an easy task with the way Dale acted.

Erin panicked as she thought of her husband. Dale was to come here since she was closing early, so they could go home together and finally have a proper talk. One where they weren’t arguing.

"Come out, Erin. There’s only one woman I like to play cat and mouth with. She’s not here," Edgar said, not having time for games.

Edgar walked further into the shop and took a seat.

Erin could try to hide all she wanted, but she wasn’t going to leave without coming across Edgar.

"Erin, you know how much my wife likes for everyone to be present at dinner. There are a few hours before I am to be home, and should I be late, there won’t be a shop for you to return to in the morning," Edgar warned Erin.

It wouldn’t take much effort to burn the shop down with everything in it.

Erin walked out to where Edgar was seated. She had met with him on many occasions, but now that her friendship with Alessandra was no longer the same, Edgar terrified Erin.

Erin gripped the sides of her dress. "I want to send your money," she said.

"Yet I had to come here to get it. You know how I do business, Erin. A wife, four children, and all the strays they bring into our home are not cheap. I cannot have anyone mess with my money," said Edgar.

Erin knew that Edgar didn’t need the money that both he and Alessandra offered her to care for his family. The money Erin received was to make Alessandra an owner as well, so she would have money of her own instead of relying on Edgar solely.

"It is not that I do not want to repay you, but my husband and I have differences on what you should be paid. I am willing to give you all that you ask for, but Dale is thinking it over," Erin shared.

"That doesn’t have anything to do with me, Erin. My wife made a deal with you, not your husband. He annoyed me then, and he does it now. Isn’t this a business you formed with my wife? You’re trying to act like she is not also an owner is something which needs to be addressed," Edgar said, his eyes narrowing in on Erin.

"I have not forgotten how you both helped me-"

"You did. That’s why you distanced yourself and declined to make dresses for them. I was the one who allowed you to stay when your mother didn’t show up in the past. I could have sent you off even though Alessandra loved you, but I thought you would be a good friend," Edgar revealed.

Edgar tapped his leg, keeping himself calm. "It bothers me when it is I who allowed someone like you to stay around my wife. You are not someone who has known her for only a few years. You’ve been here before Elijah was born, and he is going to be twenty-five."

Edgar didn’t do it very often, but Erin had managed to become someone he would consider family. She was far more than a family friend in the eyes of his wife and children.

Though Erin had her moments of bothering Edgar, he did plenty for her.

It wasn’t only Alessandra whom Erin betrayed, but Edgar as well, since he trusted her.

"I am sorry for what I did to your family. I was only thinking of being in a good position with my husband, and part of me didn’t want my business to be affected. I did wrong, I know," Erin said, remorseful.

"And you continue to do wrong by not going to my wife. She is forgiving. Had you gone to her and spoken of your troubles with your husband, she would have forgotten what you did and embraced you. The time for that has passed," Edgar said, only wanting his money now.

Erin looked at the door. Dale could arrive at any moment.

Edgar followed her gaze and realised she had to be expecting someone. Most likely her husband.

"It is interesting how it has all changed. Now the town is questioning what your husband’s brother knew about Simon, and from what I know, it is affecting your shop. How does it feel to have others turn their back on you?" Edgar asked, enjoying the shoe on the other foot.

"It doesn’t feel well. I am going to apologise to Alessandra and all your daughters, but my hands have been tied with the state of my marriage. There is plenty that you don’t know and some that Alessandra is unaware of. I know I am not in any position to make you feel sorry for me," Erin said.

"You shouldn’t have married him," said Edgar.

Edgar didn’t care to get into the affairs of anyone’s marriage, but his own; however, it was evident that Erin had too much to face with Dale.

It was odd since Dale should consider himself lucky to marry a woman like Erin.

"But who am I to speak when Lockwood didn’t like who I chose to marry? We all see something different in the ones we love. Now, my money," Edgar said, ready to leave.

The door opening disturbed the moment, and a frantic Dale ran inside.

"Erin, why-" Dale stopped when he saw Edgar.

Thanks to the flag of a falcon on the carriage, Dale knew it was someone from the Collins family, but he expected to see Alessandra here, not Edgar.

Dale glared at Edgar. "What business do you have coming to see my wife when I am not present? This is not how it should be done. If you have any business with her, come to me. Men should speak amongst themselves."