Moon's Whisper, Heart's Echo

24.The Confession

The crack of porcelain against wood echoed through Nandi's office like summer thunder. She didn't flinch as the tea splashed near her feet, staining the expensive silk of her skirts.

"Such waste," she said quietly, watching the liquid seep into her floorboards. "That set was a gift from the Crown Princess."

"The Crown Princess?" Eun-soo's laugh held a hysterical edge. "Of course. Another noble connection you've manipulated. Tell me, do you practice looking helpless, or does it come naturally?"

"I've been many things in my life, Lady Eun-soo." Nandi's voice remained steady. "But helpless has never been one of them."

"No?" Another cup lifted in Eun-soo's trembling hand. "Then what would you call seducing every nobleman who crosses your threshold? First my husband's brother, then my husband himself, and now—"

"Careful." Nandi's warning carried steel beneath its silk. "You're speaking of things you don't understand."

"Don't I?" The cup flew, missing Nandi's head by inches. "My sister weeps while you entertain Young Master Park. My husband hoards toys for your son while denying me children of my own. The whole capital whispers about the foreign matchmaker who—"

"Who what, exactly?"

Tae-young's voice presented itself as he walked in.

"Young Master Park." Eun-soo's composure cracked further. "I—"

"You'll want to choose your next words very carefully." He moved into the room as he got some tea. "Considering how many noble witnesses just heard you accuse a Crown-appointed matchmaker of impropriety."

"Witnesses?" The remaining color drained from Eun-soo's face.

"Did you think you were being subtle?" Tae-young's smile held no warmth. "Storming through the noble district, screaming about family honor?"

"I didn't—"

"Scream?" Nandi's voice carried quiet authority. "No, you just threw my best tea set and accused me of seduction. Much more dignified."

"You dare mock me?" Eun-soo lunged forward, hand raised.

Tae-young caught her wrist before Nandi could step back. "That's enough."

Footsteps in the doorway announced new arrivals. Jae-hoon stood frozen, taking in the scene – the shattered porcelain, his wife's disheveled appearance, Tae-young standing protectively before Nandi.

"What is the meaning of this?" Jae-hoon's voice carried forced calm.

"Ask the wife you've followed. You knew she was coming here." Tae-young said without turning. "She seems to have quite imaginative theories about Lady Nandi's influence over noble sons."

"Eun-soo?"

"She's bewitched you both!" Eun-soo's laugh held hysteria. "Can't you see? First you, spending every free moment here, buying gifts for her son. And now Young Master Park refuses a perfect match because of her—"

"Control your wife," Tae-young cut in, his voice carrying that particular blend of courtesy. "Before she makes accusations she can't take back."

Behind him, Nandi had begun to detach.

"My love." Jae-hoon moved to his wife, gentle but firm. "You're overwrought. Let's return home—"

"Overwrought?" Eun-soo wrenched away from his grasp. "You defend her even now? When the whole capital whispers about how she's enchanted you? About how you spend more time with her son than—"

"That's my nephew," Jae-hoon snapped, though something flickered in his eyes. "Of course I—"

"Is he?" Eun-soo's voice dropped to a deadly whisper. "Are you sure about that?"