?Chapter 540:


    A deep sinking feeling grew within me.


    “You’re not aware, Miss Dunn? Your friend and servant knocked over the rare herbs I had prepared for His Majesty. I was considering giving them a chance to make amends, but that doesn’t seem necessary anymore,” Antoni said casually before turning to go.


    “You bastard! What do you want?” I asked, blocking his path.


    “I just told you what I want. I want to invite you to the party,” Antoni replied innocently.


    I tasted blood on my tongue and realized I had bitten down hard on my lip. “Alright. I’ll be there. Just let them go,” I said.


    Antoni smiled in satisfaction and handed me the dress and health supplements he carried.


    “You must show up, Miss Dunn. As for your friends, I’ll have them sent back shortly.”


    When Antoni finally left, I tossed the items aside and copsed onto the sofa.


    Should I ask the princes for help? They could protect me. But I dismissed the thought as quickly as it came. Antoni must have already prepared for every scenario beforeing here.


    I was startled out of my thoughts when the door opened. Alice and Evie had returned. Both looked as though they had been crying.


    I immediately rushed toward them. “What happened? What’s going on?”


    The moment Alice saw me, she burst into tears. Evie, too, struggled to hold back her sobs. It took a while before I managed to calm them down.


    “Take your time,” I said gently, trying to reassure them.


    When Alice finally collected herself, she exined, “After we were kicked out by Prince Bryan, we decided to prepare something good for your health. But a servant purposely bumped into us and spilled the herbs she was carrying. She med us for it. That was when Antoni appeared and said the herbs were for His Majesty and…”


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    “Extremely precious. He then had us detained. The dungeon was so dark and cold. I thought we were done for, Makenna.”


    I couldn’t help but feel guilty. Alice and Evie wouldn’t have gotten into trouble if not for me.


    “Don’t be afraid. It’s over now,” I said soothingly.


    I still couldn’t understand what Antoni truly wanted. Was he seeking revenge on me for Kristina and Molly? I had to admit that Antoni’s tactics were indeed underhanded. He had used the excuse of the damaged rare herbs prepared for the king to entangle Alice and Evie—and to prevent me from seeking help from the princes.


    I bit my lip tightly, my wariness and dread of Antoni growing even stronger.


    Makenna’s POV:


    The day of the celebration party arrived quickly. Evie helped me with my hair and makeup. Her nimble fingers soon arranged my hair into an exquisite style. Nearby, Alice still looked remorseful that Antoni had used them to force me into attending.


    “It’s all our fault, Makenna. Don’t go to the party. I’ll take the me,” Alice implored.


    “Don’t say that, Alice. I’m not afraid. He won’t dare to do anything with the princes around,” I said soothingly.


    Despite my brave words, unease lingered within me. I had no idea what Antoni was nning or what his true intentions were.


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