NARRATOR

Kath’s eyes were drawn to a shadow beyond the window, near a poplar tree.

They looked like piercing eyes devouring her, sharp rubies glowing in the dark. The dominant aura almost reached out to her, but suddenly…

"Duchess, get up, we’re leaving."

Elliot grabbed her arm, pulling her out of the trance.

He slammed the window shut, his gaze locking onto the same spot Katherine had been staring at—yet now, there was nothing there.

"What? What’s going on? Is there a problem?" Brenda stood up, visibly nervous despite trying to mask it.

"Nothing. I have nothing else to think about. I accept your proposal."

"Oh? Just like that?" She could hardly believe Elliot would accept so easily, but of course, it was still a gift that had practically fallen into his lap.

"Good, I knew you’d help me. Thank you so much, Elliot… I mean, Duke, for remembering the old times."

"Precisely because I remember that we once supported each other…"

Elliot suddenly turned to face her, placing Katherine behind