---- Mr, Max?" [lifted my gaze, feigning surprise.


    call me Ambrus, Duchess," he corrected, removing his hat and revealing his ck hair.


    Thad to admit, he was handsomeattractive to any woman.


    Except to me.


    I knew very well that he was nothing but a rotten apple.


    "T dont find it appropriate to address you informally, Mr.


    Max.


    What brings you here? If youre looking for the Duke"" "No, no, I was actually looking for you, Your Grace.


    May I sit beside you?" he asked, ying the gentleman.


    "Dont be nervous, its just to ask you a few questions about the case." He added when he saw me ncing hesitantly toward the gardens exit.


    All part of the actthe typical behavior of a respectable noblewoman married to a Duke.


    "Well, tell me how I can be of service," I invited him, shifting to the far end of the wide bench.


    He sat at the opposite end.


    Sunrays filtered through the tree branches, making his pupils glimmer.


    No matter what trick he used to mask them, the red gleam in his eyes was bing increasingly evident.


    "In truth, the evidence is leading me to an area between this territory and that of the former Duke of Thesio," he began to.


    weave his web.


    ---- "It belongs to the current Dowager Duchess, but in the absence of aman in the castle, I believe receiving me alone would be inappropriate.


    Do you know her? Could you introduce us?" Ah, so here he was, trying to lure me straight to Brendita like a fly.


    Of course.


    Its not as if we get along very well, but Duchess to Duchess, I believe I can facilitate your work," I replied, waiting for his reaction.


    However, his intense gaze lingered on my lips.


    What the hell was wrong with this lustful creep? "Thank you, Duchess, I...


    forgive my insolence..." Suddenly, he leaned in slightly toward mebut I clearly saw the grimace of disgust as he recoiled.


    And this is exactly why I let my wolf slobber all over mehes a natural repellent for perverts Pve heard rumors that, well, life hasnt been easy for you in the castle due to your humble origins.


    The Duke" "Mr.


    Max, I dont know what youve been insinuated, but the Duke and [have a good rtionship.


    And if you''ll excuse me, this conversation has already gone on long enough," I stood abruptly, book in hand.


    "Wait...!"" He reached for my wrist, but I pulled it back sharply, letting a folded piece of paper slip from inside the bookon purpose.


    He bent down to pick it up, and I could clearly see his body stiffen, ---- his attentionpletely absorbed by the symbols scrawled on the parchment.


    "This..." Thank you for picking it up," I snatched it from his hands, feigning a fear I didnt feel, and quickly tucked it away.


    "[''ll get in touch with the former Duchess.


    Ill cooperate as much as Ican.


    ll let you know." And just like that, I hurried toward one of the many gardens of my castle.


    Acunning smile curled on my lips.


    Thad thrown the bait.


    He knew nowI had Bes journal, and 1 could decipher it.


    If only he knew the flourishes that woman had written about him, she had even described him physically...


    She had truly loved him at firstbut something happened.


    Something tied to that ritual that tore them apart forever.


    Many parts of the journal were illegible, making it difficult to learn from her wisdom.


    Be ended up marrying another man and dying from something that wasnt mentioned in the journalor at least not in the parts I had read.


    But one warning was crystal clear: ?Stay away from the Vampire Salvatore!?