---- 315.


    AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET CLOSER TO KATHERINE "No, not that elegant dress.


    Pack more practical things.


    Yes, yes, that riding outfit is fine." I instructed the two maids packing my essentials for this crazy trip.


    I walked toward the window while they carried out their duties.


    The night had deepened outside, so dark that nothing could be seen beyond the shadows cast by thergenterns.


    Where was the Duke, and why hadnt he returned yet? Aheavy concern weighed on me.


    Was he at his mistresss house? I needed to find out who she was.


    She was surely a beautiful woman, one who matched his status.


    Is he in bed with her right now? I raised my thumb to nibble on my nail.


    Anxiety churned inside me, the insecurity gnawing at me that she could get pregnant and threaten our position here.


    All Thad left was my fathers old housenot even the farnd.


    Rosse had sold everything.


    We would be left with nothing.


    Suddenly, through the nights mist, I heard the distant neigh of a horse galloping up the entrance path.


    Without even blinking, I saw him emerge from the deepest darkness, controlling the animal with an iron grip.


    Icouldnt help but notice the detailhis hair was wet, and his shirt was half open.


    ---- His overall appearance was disheveled and, lets be honest, incredibly sexy.


    Iclenched my teeth, thinking he could very well have juste from fucking.


    That she had just enjoyed him,pletely naked, moving between her spread thighs.


    Ugghh, damn cheater.


    I knew perfectly well that he was bound to Rosse and that their marriage was nothing but a facade, but it still pissed me off.


    He jumped down from the saddle, handed the reins to the stable boy, and strode toward the castle with powerful steps.


    But just when I thought he wouldnt stop, he hesitated for amoment and lifted his head.


    I tensed, trying to hide behind the curtain, but it was useless.


    My eyes locked onto histhose piercing icy blues that seemed to glow in the dark.


    The Duke immediately lowered his gaze and continued on his way, his expression dark.


    By His Majesty, Im going to have to find a way to vite that man.


    Ipressed my fingers to the bridge of my nose, feeling the onset ofa headache.


    Thankfully, the maids finished quickly, and I was able to go to bed, though I barely got any sleep.


    Ishould be spending my time trying to win over my daughter, not going on atrip with the Duke...


    ---- Although, wait...


    Instead of tormenting myself over this, I should take this opportunity to get close to him.


    Yes, yes, this was an opportunity, not a problem.


    With a goal set in my mind, I finally managed to fall asleep.


    ook The Next Morning...


    "Nana, I need you to take good care of Lavinia.


    I already told the housekeeper and the butler that you re in charge of her affairs," I whispered to her in the sitting room outside my daughters quarters.


    "Go in peace, I take care of her.


    I know how to handle her." Isighed and nodded, my gaze shifting to her closed bedroom door.


    "I just got here, and I already have to leave her again..." "Its only for a few days.


    Dont be so dramatic.


    Take the chance to get closer to the Duke, but do it subtly," she advised.


    "Thats exactly what Ill do.


    Im going to say goodbye," I sighed before heading toward Lavinias room.


    I didnt even knock.


    I knew I wouldnt be weed.


    I turned the handle gently and stepped inside.


    I found her reading a book, reclining on the divan by the window.


    Lavinia was a child who seemed far too mature.


    She had received a rigorous education since birth, but at the same time, my heart ached because I knew that her maturity was just a shield.