Now that Howell somehow made himself known, he was not sure how to move forward. Anyhow, the mission was getting someone to become more popular than Lady Serena. The question was who? Then, he recalled Ms. Emily Evans. Thinking about it, it was she who tipped him that information which led him to have such luck. Perhaps luck would find him again if he were to stick with her and make her the muse of his articles.

She was a very nice girl, and she was also very talented. He would be happy to help her gain fame, and at the same time, he will be able to do his job. It was two birds in one stone, and he felt that he was such a genius for coming up with that solution.

--

Charlton was too busy to read about all the articles which came to be from the opening of Benz-motors. However, he was still bound to find out about it.

On the 20th of July, after their newly selected composer signed his contract, Edward decided to ask if he has read the news published by Esquire. Seeing that he didn't have an idea, Edward rummaged through his drawer, then finding the copy, he handed it to Charlton.

Charlton read it from top to bottom, and after, he cursed. His first thought was to find the writer and give him a clear warning. How dare he imply that Serena was more fitting to retire? He wanted to give the sorry excuse of a man a lesson. However, he knew that he should not act out of the heat of the moment. Esquire was owned by duke Tristan Geralt, the father of the second queen.

Aside from that, there were several people who knew that Serena was engaged to Geoffrey, so the news should not be so surprising. It's good enough that his name was not mentioned. He took a deep breath to calm himself. What if this was a ploy by their family?

What if he were to attack and they find out that he did it? Most likely, Geoffrey will not do anything about it as obviously, he also wishes for Serena to retire so that he will be able to marry her sooner. The second prince's family might not know, but perhaps for Geoffrey, they were doing him a favor. He must also consider the fact that Geoffrey already gave him a warning a number of times which means that he's suspicious.

He sighed. He could only hope that Serena would not take this matter to heart. Anyway, knowing her, she would be irate but prove them wrong.

--

A week after the event, Emily was surprised to see that Mr. Howell Jones has been waiting for her outside the orphanage she frequently visits.

"Good afternoon Ms. Emily, do you still recall me? We've met before during the audition at Columbia's. I'm Howell Jones." He introduced.

Emily was a smart girl. From the moment she saw him, she already recognized him. While walking, she has thought of many possibilities as to why he was there. She decided to bet that he's there because his article might have made him famous, and he's there for more news. Well, if he wants to take advantage, she might as well use him to hers. They both can benefit, but she must have the upper hand.

"It's you! I could not believe that you used that information to besmirch Lady Serena. I dislike dishonest people. I could not believe that I'm seeing you again." Emily exclaimed.

"Wait, wait, let me explain. I did not do that with that purpose in mind Ms. Emily. I apologize greatly, but my boss was the one who forced me to do so. It was a slip of the tongue that I mentioned it to him and he said that he will fire me if I do not write about it." He explained, while thinking that young innocent and kind girls like Emily should bite to that.

Emily knew that the man was lying through his teeth, but she can play along. She furrowed her brows, "But, you should have lived in honor… you told me that…"

"Please Ms. Emily, I am the first son of a family 6 without a father. My mother and my siblings can only rely on me to earn a living. I cannot afford to lose my job, so please do understand." He appealed. He was saying half-truth, so he was a little less guilty playing with Emily's sense of empathy.

Emily wanted to roll her eyes and just say, cut the chase man, no need for the theatrics. However, she pretended to nod her head, as if sympathizing with his plight.

"Then… why are you here? You can live without approaching me again. I can live with the guilt alone." Emily said.

"No Miss Emily, you are completely innocent about that. So please don't think that way. Actually, I'm her to apologize to you. I hope that you will have it in your heart to forgive me."

"What else can I say, you did it for your family… although I still feel cheated, I too can understand your plight as I myself have younger siblings…" she said, her eyes tearing up.

Howell thought that there was no girl kinder, lovelier, and more innocent than Emily. He put it in his heart that he shall do everything he can as a writer to help her get the popularity she deserves in the music industry.

"You are far too kind… Miss Emily. To be honest, aside from apologizing, I am here to ask you for a favor… please I hope you will give it some consideration and accept."

Emily wondered what it could be. "I don't know. What is it?"

"Because of the information, I have been granted a special column in Esquire, and since I know that I owe it all to you, I wish to repay you as much as I can. You are the reason that I have been given the opportunity, so I believe that it's only right for me to use this chance to let the readers have a glimpse of your talent. Ms. Emily, I wish to write about you and help you achieve the title queen of the music industry, for no one deserves it better than you do. Would you let me?"

--

TBC

AN: Hi everyone! If you have time please give my new novel, 'traversing through time to find you' a try. Would mean a lot to me. Thank you!