---- guards.


    sek "There, sir.


    Our spy followed her to that house on the outskirts, right by the wall," Vittorio, the general of the duchys troops, informed Wace.


    They were partially concealed behind a tall fence, watching the two-story house in front of them.


    "Surround it.


    Leave no gaps for an escape.


    If she had the audacity to sneak back into the duchy, she ll have to answer for where His Lordship is," Wace growled, his rage barely contained.


    Too many things didnt add up, and this deceitful woman would have to exin herself.


    Wace knew that her family had ckmailed His Lordship with something he just didnt know what it was.


    They moved in silence, sealing every alley, every exit, every possible hole.


    The civilians who saw them simply quickened their paceno one interfered with His Lordships private guard.


    Wace pushed open the small garden gate.


    White linens swayed on the clotheslines, carrying the scent of freshundry in the breeze.


    Everything looked peaceful, normal.


    He signaled to the men behind him to get ready.


    Lifting his leg, he kicked the old wooden door savagely.


    The door creaked open with a crash.


    "What?!...


    Mr.


    Wace!" ---- The Duchess shot up from her seat, feigning shock.


    "Duchess Rosse, you are under suspicion of orchestrating a trap against the Duke! You are hereby arrested by His Lordships guards and will be taken to the ck Dungeons to confess! WHERE IS THE DUKE OF EVERHART?!" he roared, stepping toward her menacingly.


    Rosse took a step back, her eyes filled with panic.


    "TZ...


    [didnt...


    no..."" she stammered, but her frightened expression shifted in an instanther lips curling into a taunting smirk.


    "The only one getting arrested here is you, you treacherous rat.


    Did you really think you had found the perfect scapegoat? Dont you dare pin your filthy deeds on me!" "How dare you?! Arrest this traitor immediately! Guards! GUARDS! ARE YOU ALL DEAF?!" Wace turned in disbelief and fury, realizing that the men were standing stillnot moving forward.


    In fact, they were surrounding him.


    "Vittorio, what the hell is going on?!" He red at the battle-hardened man, his face unreadable yet imposing.


    "T only answer to Lord Elliot Everhart Viscount, Duke of Everhart," Vittorio said with open disdain.


    Wace couldntprehend the look of disappointment and disapproval in his eyes.


    "The Duke isnt here! Cant you see this woman is the prime suspect?!" "Who said the Duke isnt here?" ---- Suddenly, a cold, deep voice made him go rigid.


    He turned his gaze back to the Duchess, who now wore a victorious smirk the kind that said: Youre finished.