NARRATOR

Katherine composed herself at lightning speed, dabbing her face with a handkerchief—thankfully, she hadn’t broken down sobbing like Magdalena.

She tried to slip away, but in the end, some guests caught her and brought her back to the hall for one of the evening’s main games.

*****

Elliot had settled his business with Brenda, putting her in her place.

What the hell was that nonsense about love and feelings?

He wasn’t an idiot. Elliot knew very well that what truly drove that she-wolf was her interest in his wealth and title.

With disgust, he wiped the traces of her lipstick from his mouth, along with her irritating scent that still clung to his nose.

He didn’t want Kath to suspect anything—or worse, misunderstand.

He considered placing more spies around Brenda, just in case. He didn’t trust her in the slightest.

"Baroness Hildaly, good, I’ve found you," he strode toward the woman, who was ordering a drink. "Where is my Duchess?"

Elliot scanned the small catering lounge.

At the