Duke Caius sat in the drawing room of Verniges Manor, sipping his tea and gazing out at the beautiful garden. The sight of Mabel playing with Sullivan couldn't escape his watchful eyes.
Each time she saw her laugh because of that boy, he felt an inexplicable urge to intervene and separate the two of them.
It was a perplexing situation for Duke Caius. Mabel was still so young, and the notion that she might already be experiencing romantic feelings towards this enigmatic boy was unsettling. He couldn't fathom how this connection had blossomed.
His loyal assistant, Vincent, had been diligently investigating Sullivan's identity. But thus far, the findings appeared suspicious.
According to Vincent's information, Sullivan was a bastard child of Count Verniges' youngest daughter, abandoned and unwanted. Count Verniges had taken him under his wing.
