Chapter 512
Chapter 512
Chapter 512
“That tramp ran off to the Viscountess’s place!” one of them spat. “If we don’t get her back, Madam will skin us alive, Go report now
It turned out that ever since Belle stepped into Athena’s manor, she had been under surveillance.
The lackeys, not daring to waste a moment, rushed back to the Beckham residence.
The two lackeys, in a desperate hurry, nearly collided with Leonard the moment they reached the front gate.
He had just stormed out of his wife’s courtyard, his face ashen
fury.
“The gall of her! I’ve kept her well–fed
I comfortable, and she
ared to run away!” he shouted.
Leonard stormed in, seething with rage. The two lackeys froze in terror, not daring to breathe as they stood aside.
He glared at them, both confused a
and barked, “Where is Belle p>
The terrified lackey dropped to his, our author
off p>
with a thud, stammering in terror, “Lord, please don’t be angry! Madam just scolded Belle a bit, and she ran
“Just a bit of scolding? Do you take me for a doddering old fool?” Leonard barked.
“Spare me, sir! This isn’t my fault!” the terrified lackey pleaded.
Leonard had always known that his wife mistreated the concubines, but because exposing it would tarnish his reputation, he chose to turn a blind eye.
He simply looked the other way, unwilling to risk his own image by speaking out.
Now that one of the concubines had fled, this family scandal could no longer be concealed.
After some deliberation, he decided he must have Belle brought back.
Leonard’s brows knitted into a furious knot, his eyes blazing with anger. At this moment, he still hadn’t realized the gravity of the situation.
In his mind, that foolish Belle was just being childish, throwing a tantrum and running off because she felt wronged.
He composed himself, then barked, “Go. Bring that woman back to me now p>
“Spare me, Lord Beckham!” the lackey pleaded, trembling. “Belle has fled to the Viscountess’s mansion, I was utterly powerless to stop her p>
Leonard’s eyebrows shot up, a creeping unease surging within him.
Leonard collapsed heavily into his chair, a vicious glint flashing in his eyes. “Someone, bring me Seren now!” he yelled.
Seren was the maid who spent the most time with Belle.
Moments later, a scrawny young maid, trembling like a leaf, was ushered before Leonard.
The maid, pale and shaking, stammered out the truth before he could ask. “Forgive me, my lord! Miss Belle… she went to the Viscountess. Said she had something to tell her. That’s all I heard, I swear I don’t know more p>
“Snitching?” A cold dread crawled up from the soles of Leonard’s feet.
He prided himself on being an upright official, with no skeletons in his closet,
He struggled to think what secrets Belle could possibly expose. Unless… it was that incident from years ago.
1/2
Chapter 512
A cold sweat broke out on Leonard. The thought hit hard. ‘Does that bitch know? About the murder p>
He turned to the lackey, forcing his voice to remain steady, and asked, “ Is the Viscountess at home p>
Outwardly, he feigned compostire, but inwardly, panic gnawed at him.
He silently prayed that his
s wouldn’t come true.
The lackey shook his head blankly.
after Belle went in, the Viscountess left the city with her people p>
“She left the city? Which way din
go?” Leonard demanded, his voice urgent.
“She… she went northwest, my lord,” the lackey stammered.
With a resounding crash, the cup shattered on the floor.
No longer able to maintain his facade of composure, Leonard stumbled toward the door in frantic strides. “Someone! Saddle my horse at once, I must leave the city p>
Athena and her retinue galloped at breakneck speed down Peace Street, their horses‘ hooves pounding against the cobblestones. Startled townsfolk scattered in alarm, diving out of the way as the mounted party tore through the thoroughfare.
Someone gasped, “Oh, isn’t that the Viscountess? Why is she galloping out of the city p>
“And she’s brought so many people with her! They all look so rushed. I hope nothing is wrong,” another onlooker added.
The street chatter caught the attention of the
tavern patrons.
When Michael looked up, he caught only a fleeting glimpse of Athena’s fading figure.
After a moment’s thought, he pulled out a silver coin, tossed it onto the table, and rushed out after her.
AL
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.