The moonlight streamed through the tall windows of Duke Harrington's estate, casting silver beams onto the polished marble floor. Evelyn sat quietly in her room, her fingers tracing the rim of a delicate teacup. Though she appeared calm on the outside, her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.
Everything had changed the moment she stepped back into the empire. Though she had returned with a new identity and allies, her heart still ached from the betrayal she had faced.
A soft knock on her door interrupted her thoughts. She straightened. "Come in," she said.
Duke Harrington entered, his expression unreadable, though his sharp eyes seemed to notice every small detail. "Lady Everly, I trust you're settling in well?"
Evelyn offered a polite smile, masking her true emotions. "Yes, thank you, Your Grace. Your hospitality is most generous."
