Chapter 72 – The First Strike

The tension in the grand estate was suffocating. Verbena sat in front of her vanity, her fingers tapping rhythmically against the polished wood. The flickering candlelight illuminated her sharp, narrowed eyes—eyes filled with cold calculation.

"He wants to play games? Fine. I'll play too," she murmured under her breath.

After learning of Theodore's betrayal—or at least what seemed like one—her heart had turned to ice. She had spent the last few days carefully gathering information, making her own moves behind the scenes. If Theodore thought she would remain a powerless pawn in his world, he was gravely mistaken.

Tonight was the perfect opportunity to strike.

The grand banquet hall buzzed with nobility, all gathered for a political event Theodore had arranged. It was supposed to showcase his power and solidify his alliances. But Verbena had other plans.

She descended the stairs, dressed in a deep crimson gown that hugged her figure perfectly. Her beauty was undeniable, but it wasn't just her appearance that caught attention—it was the aura of confidence and danger that surrounded her.

Theodore stood near the main table, deep in conversation with the Duke of Montclair. When his eyes landed on her, a flicker of surprise crossed his face, quickly replaced by that familiar, unreadable expression.

"Darling," she purred as she approached him, her voice laced with something unreadable. She reached out and delicately fixed his collar in front of the gathered nobles, her touch light but possessive.

Theodore arched a brow, clearly caught off guard by her sudden display of affection. "Verbena," he greeted smoothly, but there was an edge of suspicion in his voice.

She smiled sweetly—too sweetly. "You seem tense, my love. Shouldn't you be enjoying the banquet?"

Her words were like a blade laced with honey, making Theodore tense ever so slightly.

Before he could respond, she turned to the Duke of Montclair and smiled. "Your Grace, I must say, I find it fascinating how politics work in this kingdom. A single rumor can bring down even the most powerful men, don't you think?"

The Duke chuckled, oblivious to the way Theodore's fingers twitched at his side. "Indeed, Lady Verbena. The power of whispers should never be underestimated."

Verbena tilted her head, her gaze flickering toward Theodore. "Oh, I couldn't agree more."

Theodore's jaw clenched. He knew she was up to something.

She was making a statement tonight—she was no longer the quiet, submissive wife in the background.

And this was only the beginning.

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