To be honest, Owen Carter is also very nervous right now, even worried. Because having Logan Bennett impersonate Norton was entirely her own idea, and Miss still doesn't know about it. Although Miss treats her like a real sister, she has indeed overstepped her authority a great deal in this matter.

When the Count was alive, he was bedridden for years, and since the young master Norton was dissolute and reckless, the Count’s estate had long been managed solely by Miss, whose word was law.

But for such a major matter as having Logan Bennett impersonate Norton, if Miss does not approve, then Owen Carter will truly have caused a huge disaster.

Sensing her anxiety, Logan Bennett couldn’t help but smile at her, offering comfort.

This clean and kind smile instantly made Owen Carter feel a strong affection, and after taking a deep breath, she stepped forward and knocked on the door.

“The Count’s estate is closed to visitors. Honored guest, please leave your name, and my master will call on you another day to apologize.” An elderly voice came from inside.

“Steward, it’s me, I’ve returned,” said Owen Carter.

There was a sudden silence inside, then the door quickly opened, and an old man, trembling, asked, “Mr. Carter, where is the young master…”

Owen Carter did not answer, and walked straight into the Count’s estate.

At the same time, the maids and servants inside the estate all came out to greet Owen Carter, their eyes looking behind her.

What they cared about most was whether young master Norton had returned. It wasn’t that Norton was particularly beloved, but because if Norton did not return, then the Tianshui Count’s estate would cease to exist, and with the skin gone, what could the hair attach to? They would all be left homeless.

……

The beauty of the Count’s daughter of Tianshui City, Isabel Norton, was renowned throughout the entire kingdom, on par with Lady Preston.

Years ago, when she was only thirteen, Earl Norton took her to a royal banquet. King Blake Preston once exclaimed in admiration, “All the essence of Tianshui Lake is gathered in your daughter; she truly is the fairy of Tianshui.”

Thus, the nickname “Tianshui Fairy” for Isabel Norton spread, and she became a famed beauty throughout the entire Nu Lang Kingdom.

She was now standing right in front of Owen Carter, dressed in a snow-white long gown, her married woman’s hair bun signifying she was already wed, with a strip of white cloth tied on it, indicating she was in mourning.

She looked haggard and frail, yet was incomparably beautiful, truly like a fairy. The originally stunning Owen Carter seemed to pale by comparison in her presence.

“Owen, you’re back? Where is Norton?” Her voice was a little hoarse, from too much crying.

Owen Carter closed the door, made sure no one else was around, and said in a low voice, “Miss, no matter what I say next, please don’t make a sound, and don’t let a third person hear.”

Isabel Norton’s exquisite face changed, then she nodded.

“Young master Norton is already dead, most likely killed by some energy field in the ruins of the Tianmo Mountains,” said Owen Carter.

Isabel Norton immediately staggered, her dried tears gushing forth like a spring, her jade hand tightly covering her mouth as she sobbed in grief. Then she could no longer stand, collapsing directly into a chair.

In such a short time, she had lost the only two family members she had left, and in an instant, she felt she had nothing left to live for.

“Young master Norton was the family’s only heir. Now that he’s dead, the royal family will seize the opportunity to reclaim the Tianshui City territory. The two-hundred-year foundation of the Suo family will be destroyed in an instant,” said Owen Carter.

Isabel Norton was even more pained, crying, “It’s my fault for not teaching Little Norton well. If I had been stricter and not let him overreach himself in pursuing Lady Preston, he wouldn’t have died, and the Suo family’s legacy wouldn’t be cut off.”

Owen Carter sighed inwardly. With young master Norton’s reckless nature, no one could control him. Although he was somewhat afraid to face this gentle yet strict sister, he could simply stay away from home for long periods.

“Miss, I have found a way to continue the Suo family’s hundred-year legacy,” said Owen Carter, then knelt down straight and said, “But what I did was extremely rash and overstepped my authority.”

Isabel Norton trembled and said, “Speak, get up and speak.”

“I found someone to impersonate young master Norton and return to inherit the title,” Owen Carter said, still kneeling straight on the ground. “I was reckless beyond measure. Please punish me, Miss.”

Isabel Norton was completely stunned, looking at Owen Carter in disbelief.

Chapter 7: Meeting Logan Bennett, Heart Aflutter

“I brought young master Norton’s body back to the capital. In the desolate mountains on the southeastern border of the kingdom, I saved a dying young man, and was shocked to find that he looked very much like young master Norton—his appearance, build, even his voice were all extremely similar. So I made a decision to have him impersonate young master Norton and return to the capital to inherit the title of Count,” said Owen Carter. “At first, he refused, saying he’d rather be poor and true to himself than impersonate anyone. I used the fact that I saved his life to coerce him, and he agreed to impersonate young master Norton for three years.”

Owen Carter really, truly was bold—such a huge matter, and she just made the decision on her own.

“How—how could you do this?” Isabel Norton said in a trembling voice. “No matter how much they look alike, it’s impossible to be exactly the same. People will see through it.”