The echoing voice in the corridor brought them both back to the present moment. Damian watched with mocking eyes as Lydia skillfully detached herself from his warmth. Yet Lydia felt as if she had just emerged from a grueling battle. The truths had forced her back into her mask of composure.
"What are you doing here, Lydia? I've been looking everywhere for you for hours!"
As Amelia Cameron approached them, she noticed Damian and her frown deepened.
"The princess downstairs has turned pale from waiting for you!"
Damian responded to his cousin with a smile that would only further infuriate her.
"My dear cousin, your thoughtfulness is truly heartwarming!"
Seeing the exasperated expression on Amelia's face, Lydia intervened, knowing she couldn't handle any more excitement tonight.
"My lady, you said you were looking for me. I hope nothing has happened to dampen your spirits."
"Other than seeing Damian?"
"I will do my best to deserve such a lovely compliment, my dear cousin."
At that moment, Lydia felt a strong desire to leave them both and run away. Unfortunately, she was now in a position to control her impulses.
"Thank you for the offer to accompany me, my lord. As you can see, with Lady Cameron by my side, it is impossible for me to get lost in the mansion, so I won't take up any more of your time."
Lydia said this without looking at Damian, so she easily ignored his scrutinizing gaze.
"As you wish, Miss Lockhart. Good night to you. And to you, my dear cousin..."
Amelia watched Damian bid them farewell with a gentlemanly gesture, her eyes filled with enmity. She remained silent until she was sure he had completely disappeared.
"How do you approach Damian, Lydia? Are the rumors true?"
Lydia responded to his heated demeanor with remarkable calmness. She felt her heart, which had been racing with excitement just a short while ago, now hardening.
"What rumors, my lady? The ones about Lord Darrington using me to fuel his relationship with the princess?"
Her cold tone and demeanor left Amelia bewildered.
"So, you do know! Then why did you come here?"
In truth, she didn't know. She had just guessed. All of this had to happen for her to foresee that her childhood friend would be this cruel to her.
"I simply wanted to see Reyes Lake again."
The irony in her voice made Amelia almost laugh for a moment.
"Ha ha ha! What a wonderful timing you've chosen! Unfortunately, you're as pure-hearted as Leon... Anyway, we should go now."
When Lydia managed to catch up with Amelia's brisk pace and walk alongside her, she found the opportunity to ask why she had been looking for her.
"My father wants to see you."
"Duke Cameron?"
"The one and only... When preparing the guest list, he personally insisted on adding your name. Although it's likely that Damian requested it from him. You know my father can't refuse his requests! So, what I mean is... Despite the rumors, I don't want you to think that I invited you here."
"Thank you, my lady."
Lydia expressed this with genuine gratitude. Despite being cousins with Damian Darrington, Amelia Cameron managed to be his complete opposite. This was also why she was not popular in society.
When Amelia handed her over to her father's servant and left their side, Lydia had to wait alone for the duke. She hadn't touched any of the refreshments offered to her. Fortunately, Duke Cameron appeared in the room without making her wait too long.
The Duke of Reyes must have been the person who most resembled Damian in appearance. They shared the same hair and eye color, and their facial features were quite similar. The biggest difference between them was the duke's understanding and kindness in his demeanor.
He was never known to be assertive.
"Miss Lockhart, please don't stand on ceremony. I am aware that it has been a long time since we last met, and I ask for your forgiveness in this matter. I have neglected my duty towards your father."
Lydia was taken aback by what she heard. Unlike the Duchess and her mother, she had never thought of her father's friendship with the duke as close.
"I appreciate your kindness, Your Grace, but I don't think there is anything to be done, so please don't worry."
Duke Cameron smiled.
"Actually, there is. The reason it took me so long to see you was to make sure of this. Now I can ensure that your father's legacy is handled properly. All that is needed is your agreement to cooperate."
Lydia knew from a decade of experience that the inheritance matter was not a case that could be resolved so easily. She couldn't help but let her voice reflect her doubt.
"Please forgive my curiosity, Your Grace. Have you obtained any evidence that would weaken the claim of the person who claims to be my relative?"
"It would be more accurate to say that I have found a way to strengthen your claim. Now tell me. Are you determined to claim your father's inheritance?"
Lydia was aware that the duke was looking for the real answer on her face. She didn't hesitate.
"Yes, I have no qualms about doing what needs to be done."
The Duke seemed to have found the answer he was looking for, his smile this time was more relaxed.
"I am very pleased with the trust you have placed in me, Miss Lockhart. Rest assured, I will do what is necessary on your behalf. I will keep you informed of any developments."
Even though Lydia thought it was worth coming to the Reyes mansion just to hear these words, the uneasy feeling still lingered within her. Nevertheless, the possibility of rejecting the duke's offer was already nonexistent for her.