The servants had watched in silent horror as her trunks were carried across the estate, and whispers of her audacity spread like wildfire.
Benedict had heard them too, and the knowledge had sent him spiralling further into despair. How could she desecrate his mother's memory so brazenly? And why was no one stopping her?
How could his father... How could he do this?! The answer was as plain as it was infuriating: no one dared. Anna had somehow won over the Duke's favour, and with it, the implied authority to do as she pleased.
Her boldness was backed by the Duke's indifference, leaving the servants powerless to intervene. Even those who had served the late Duchess loyally for years were forced to bow their heads and follow Anna's commands.
