Chapter 101  Chapter 101  Dorothy didn’t explain, she just walked to her seat.  Donovan’s face looked ugly. “Dr. Acosta, I was talking to you! What do you mean by this …

Chapter 8  As I looked at Caleb’s crushed expression, all I felt was a growing sense of annoyance. I knew then that I no longer had any feelings for him. …

Chapter 7  So, Julia had been faking her illness all along! I was stunned by this revelation.  Did Caleb know? Did he realize how his so–called innocent childhood sweetheart had …

Chapter 6  I nodded and, following Erin’s suggestion, slapped Caleb twice more. His rage erupted. “Maeve Griffith! Don’t push your luck!”  “Push my luck? It’s just two slaps. It’s not…

Chapter 5  The moment I mentioned that I was calling the police, a flicker of emotion crossed Julia’s  face. She quickly tried to divert Caleb’s attention.  She said, “Caleb, my…

Chapter 4 Author: Perfect Timing Fortunately, I had set my emergency contact to 911.  By the time the ambulance arrived, my consciousness was already fading. The doctor later informed me that…

Chapter 3 Author: Perfect Timing “Do you really think I need your money?” Caleb asked sharply. He yanked my arm roughly, his expression dark.  “How long are you going to keep…

Chapter 2 Author: Perfect Timing Caleb froze. He pressed his hand against my forehead as he sneered. “Maeve, are you saying that you want to break up with me? You’re not…

Chapter 1 Author: Perfect Timing They finally untied me after shaving my head bald.  “Caleb, look at her! She looks like a toad!”  Caleb Ford’s childhood sweetheart, Julia Leclair, pointed at…

Chapter 20 The coldness in Athena’s eyes made Rose tremble with fear. She knew Athena was someone who would follow through on her threats. With a sob, she repeated the words she had just spoken. As soon as she finished, both Eloise and Nicolas’s expressions changed dramatically. Now it was clear why Athena was so angry, and why Rose had been beaten half to death. For a servant to speak ill of her mistress–it was a punishment she had more than earned. Eloise’s face turned pale with fury. “You audacious girl! What right do you have to gossip in the courtyard? You’re no longer welcome here. Someone, take her away and sell her off?” Two servants stepped forward to drag Rose away, but Athena’s sharp voice halted them. “Wait.” A flash of panic crossed Eloise’s face, but she quickly covered it with a smile and reached out to take Athena’s hand. “Good girl, don’t worry. I’ll take care of it. I’ll have her sold off so she won’t dirty your eyes.”  Her meaning was clear: she had handled the matter and didn’t want Athena to pursue it further. Athena pulled her hand back, leaving Eloise grasping at air. With a mocking smile, Athena said, “Lady Eloise, don’t you find it strange? How could this maid have the courage to speak ill of her mistress?” “It’s just a foolish maid who said a few wrong things. Why are you making such a big deal out of it?” Nicolas’s voice was low, and his gaze was filled with disapproval as he looked at Athena. He couldn’t understand why she was treating this situation so harshly. He thought, ‘Willow is seriously ill–why isn’t her older sister showing more concern for her?‘ Athena glanced at Eloise, noting the flicker of unease in her eyes. Eloise said, “Athena, Willow is not as you think. I trust her character. She would never encourage her servants to gossip. “If there’s any fault, it’s that she hasn’t properly managed the servants. For my sake, please don’t make this difficult for her.” Their obvious attempt to cover for Willow sparked a flicker of anger in Athena’s chest. She lifted her head and looked directly at Eloise, her lips curving into a mocking smile. “Could it be, Lady Eloise, that you’ve forgotten about Megan‘” Eloise froze, her face betraying a hint of panic.  Ten years ago, there had been a concubine in the household who, taking advantage of Henry’s favor, had caused trouble by accusing a young, pregnant concubine of an affair.  The accusation led to the tragic drowning of the young concubine, who died along with Her twin children. Later, it was revealed that the young concubine had been wronged. However, Megan Littleton refused to accept it and even tried to burn down the duke’s estate, attempting to steal the family’s wealth and run away. The fire was eventually extinguished, but it caused damage to nearby houses, resulting in two deaths. As a result, officials reported Henry to the king, accusing him of favoring his concubines over his wife and recklessly disregarding lives….