---- It seemed Nanny had locked the inner doorssomething she ---- never did.


    She flung them open and stormed toward the wardrobe, oblivious to the disarray of her jewelry box and the shadow lurking behind the heavy curtains.


    "what fucking bad luck!" Francis cursed internally, peering through the dark fabric at the woman rummaging behind the wardrobe.


    He had wasted precious time, thinking hed walk away with a fortune, only to realize this woman had nothing but cheap knockoffs and worthless trinketsher sister wore jewelry of far greater value! The "pauper" Duchess had crouched down,pletely unaware.


    Tt was now or neverhis chance to strike and escape before it was toote.


    Katherine''s fingers stretched to their limit, feeling behind the wooden panel, one knee pressed into the carpet, her head tilted to the side, nearly against the wall.


    "Mmm..." she grumbled in frustration at the elusive notebook.


    Then, something caught her eye.


    Was that one of her bracelets under the bed? How had it rolled there from the dresser? Acreak behind her put her on high alert.


    she withdrew her hand from the crevice slowly, avoiding any sudden movements.


    Someone was creeping up behind hershe was sure of it.


    ---- The whistling of the wind and the attacker''sbored breathing made her react, throwing herself to the side just in time.


    CRACK! An object smashed against the wall, shattering into pieces.


    Shards of ss scattered in the air, droplets of water sshed everywhere, and flowers tumbled down like a macabre spring scene, making it clear that someone had been aiming to smash the bedside vase over her head.


    "you!" sprawled on the carpet, Katherine immediately recognized the man who had ambushed her.


    "STOP!" Francis decided to make a run for it.


    He couldn''t waste more time dealing with this lunatic or he''d be surrounded within seconds! But he had barely taken a few steps when Katherine pounced on his back like a wild animal, wing at him with vicious fury, yanking his hair with a blind rage surging through her.


    WHERE IS MY DAUGHTER, YOU BASTARD?! WHERE IS SHE?! GIVE ME BACK MY BABY!" Her voice cracked with anguish.


    Take the jewels, the gold! TAKE IT ALL, JUST GIVE ME MY LITTLE GIRL! She roared between sobs, her tiny fists raining blows on his head and back, trying to scratch at his eyes.


    Something inside her was on the verge of exploding.


    Erancis struggled like a trapped beast, thrashing with such desperation that he seemed willing to break himself just to escape the Duchesss furious grip.


    ---- He screamed as something burned the skin on his nape, like a branding iron searing flesh.


    With time running out and no better options, he charged backward with all his strength, mming Katherine''s body against the wall.