MARQUESS HARRY In the dimly lit carriage ride home, my temper simmer as I face my wife and daughter. "What have you done, Diana?" I demand, my tone a low growl.

Diana cross her arms, meeting my glaze with defiance. "Oh, darling, I was only trying to teach that brat, Aveline, a lesson. She needs to know her place."

"Father, she deserved it," Emilia chimed in, her voice dripping with spite. "She's nothing but an ungreatful—"

"Quiet, Emilia," I snap, silencing her instantly. "The adults are talking."

Both Diana and Emilia stiffened, surprise by my uncharacteristic sternness. I exhale sharply, trying to rein in my fury, "Do you realize what you've done?" I said, glaring at my wife. "You've ruined the family's image with your outburst. Publicly accusing Aveline in front of all those nobles? Have you lost your mind?

"She provoked me!" Diana argued, her voice rising. "That girl has gotten far too bold. Someone needed to put her in her place."

I shake my head, my frustration mounting. "You could have handled this privately. Do you know what will happen if Aveline decides to use the evidence she claims to have?"

At this, Emilia leans forward, her curiosity piqued. "Evidence? What evidence does she have?" she asked, her tone both skeptical and worried.

"I don't know," I admitted, my voice low but heavy with concern. "But the fact that she mentioned it means she's confident enought to act on it."

Diana waves a dismissive hand. "Oh, please. She's bluffing. That little girl wouldn't dare challenge us in any meaningful way. It's an empty threat.

Emilia's lips curls into a sneer. "How dare she threaten us now? She's far too arrogant."

I turn to them both, my gaze both cold and calculating. "You two need to stop worrying. I have already taken steps to ensure this doesn't escalate further."

Diana tilts her head, suspicious but intrigued. "What do you mean, darling?"

"I've settled it in my own way," I replied, unwilling to divulge the details. "But from now on, keep your emotions in check, Diana. You've embarrassed us enough for one evening."

Diana huffs but relents, leaning back in her seat. "Fine. I suppose you know the best, as always."

I slightly soften my expression as I reaches out to take Diana hand. "Calm down, my love," I said gently, pressing a kiss to her knuckles.

Diana sighs, allowing herself to relax in my reassurance. Emilia, however, I can see that her mind is racing with thoughts and unconvinced of my words.

—————————————————————————————————————————— DUKE EDRIC

I enter the grand halls of my castle after a long day of work at the minister's office. The weariness from dealing with political matters clung to me, but my steps are purposeful. Near the entrance, Sir Derrick, my ever-reliable assistant, stand waiting.

As I approach, removing my gloves, my eyes met Derrick. "Any updates on Aveline?" I ask, my tone even, though there is an unmistakable edge of concern.

Derrick nodded, his expression serious. "There has been an incident, Your Grace. At the event where Lady Aveline delivered her speech, Marchioness Diana of the House of Thorne caused quite a commotion."

I pause, furrowing in disbelief. "Marchioness Diana? What did she do?"

"She disrupted Lady Aveline's speech, publicly accusing her of arrogance and ingratitude. It escalated to a point where Marquess Harry had to intervene to prevent further embarrassment," Derrick explains, his tone calm but tinged with the arrogance for the Thornes.

My jaw tightened. "And Aveline? How did she handle it?"

"She remained composed and stood her ground admirably. However," Derrick continues, producing a sealed letter from within his coat, "there is also this—a letter from Marquess Harry."

I frowns deeply, gesturing for Derrick to follow as we begin walking toward my study room. "Read it."

Unfolding the letter, Derrick read aloud as we walk through the quiet, polished hallways. "Your Grace, while we respect your current guardianship of Aveline Maeve, it must be noted that, legally, she remains a member of the House of Thorne. By law, we retain authority over her affairs and are entitled to appropriate compensation. We kindly request a monthly payment to acknowledge her connection to our family. Failure to comply may compel us to pursue legal action."

I strides slow, my expression darkens with fury. "The gall of them!" I hiss, my voice low but dangerous.

Derrick folded the letter, his gaze steady. "What would you like done about this, Your Grace?"

I stop just outside my study, taking a moment to compose myself. "They are vultures," I mutters. Then with a deep breath, I turns to Derrick. "For now, send them 1,000 gold each month. It's a small price to pay to keep them quiet while I prepare a proper response."

"Understood, Your Grace," Derrick replies, though his voice carries a note of curiosity. "And about Lady Aveline?"

I softens my gaze, though my resolve remain firm. "When Aveline turns 18, the legal age in this country for ladies, I will discuss this matter with her. I entend to give her the choice to formally disown the Thornes and be adopted into the Lytheryss name. She deserves to sever ties with them if she wishes."

"And until then?" Sir Derrick prompts.

"Until then," I say, stepping into my study, "we'll keep them pacified with the golds. But the moment they step out of the line again, I won't hesitate to destroy their standing."

Derrick bows slightly. "I'll handle the arrangements immediately, Your Grace."

I sink into my chair, my hand brushing over the letters and documents on my desk. The flames in the fireplace cast flickering shadows across my face as my mind turns to Aveline. She's been through enough. It's time she had a family that values her, not one that use her.