A MAZE OF GREED

Augustus O'Dell, the current master and descendent of the family was busy bragging about his wealth and profits that he had earned in the overseas trade. O'Dells were not only political heads of the region but were successful traders, running one of the largest business empire in the country. They could easily compete with the royals in the foreign trade and that was the reason why royals kept a good relation with them.

"Oh, Darling!" The voice of the woman ceased their laughs as every head in the group turned to the lady who was walking in their way.

She walked with grace and pride, holding her face high. The woman was in her forties, much younger than her husband. It was not uncommon for men to take younger wives. Her eyes were trained on her husband as she walked, her every step was confident. She was a perfect combination of confidence and elegance.

As soon as she reached near the group, every person bowed their heads in respect. "Hello, Lady Theodora!" The men greeted her one by one.

The woman smiled gently. "Hello, gentlemen! Welcome to the 'great manor'!" She greeted warmly like a good host.

The lady had a powerful aura around her which she carried confidently. She was wearing a golden coloured ball gown with ornaments of diamond emphasising her beauty. The dress hugged her tall and slim body perfectly. Her wavy hairs of nut-brown colour were styled in an elegant bun at the top of her head. A piece of jewellery with a simple design rested on her bun.

Her oblong shaped face had a high forehead that carried a widow's peak. Her face looked gorgeous with the light amount of makeup she had. She had dark arched brows with protruding brow bones. Her cupid's bow-shaped lips were painted in pink colour made her beauty stand out.

Her hazel eyes shifted to look at her husband, Augustus O'Dell. "Darling, I was looking for you and you are here." She said while placing her hand in her husband's hand.

Augustus gave her a glance over from head to toe then met her pretty eyes. "Why were you looking for me? Do you need anything?" He asked in concern.

Everyone was aware of the fact that Augustus was madly in love with his wife, Theodora. Not only she had a great influence on her husband but was the most respected woman in the town. People feared Augustus but they loved Theodora. She was like an idol of kindness and justice for the people.

She smiled at her husband. "No. I don't want anything. I was looking for you because our guests are asking about you. And here you are spending the night while talking with your friends and drinking." Her brows creased in the middle as she scowled at the glass of wine in her husband's hand.

She took the glass from his hand and called a servant. She gave the glass to the servant and gave Augustus a look that said no more alcohol for him tonight. The servant took the glass and left after a bow to her masters.

"Theodora, I just started drinking." Augustus tried to argue with her.

"And you are just done with it!" Theodora arched her left brow that made her husband give up.

"No one argues with Lady Theodora." The men laughed while watching the couple. It was amusing to see a powerful man like Augustus who had no fear to oblige his wife's command without uttering a word. That was Theodora and her influence on him. If it was anyone else to command him then that person would have faced punishment by now but this was Theodora, Augustus beloved wife.

Augustus sighed but smiled at his beautiful wife. "As you say, my love!"

Pleased with her husband's reaction, Theodora excused themselves from the group. She pointed in a direction where the guests were waiting to meet them. The couple walked in that way.

"Love?" He called to get his wife's attention who walked beside him.

"hmm?"

Augustus leaned down and murmured in Theodora's ear that made her blush furiously.

"You look ravishing tonight, love!"