Chapter 76 – A Web of Lies

Verbena sat back down, her fingers gripping the armrest of the chair as the echo of Theodore's footsteps faded.

Her heart was still pounding.

What the hell was that?

She was playing this game with full confidence, yet for a split second, she had felt… uncertain. Shaken.

The look in Theodore's eyes wasn't just anger—it was something else. Frustration, desperation… an almost pained restraint.

And that terrified her more than any threat he could have made.

But she wasn't going to let this shake her resolve.

She took a deep breath and picked up the book again, flipping through the pages absentmindedly. Her mind, however, was already racing.

Someone had leaked information about the estate. And now, she was the prime suspect.

Which meant she had two choices:

1. Find the real traitor before Theodore does.

2. Let the suspicion ruin her.

There was no third option.

She had come too far to be crushed by this.

—

Meanwhile, in Theodore's Study…

Cassius stood before Theodore, watching as the Duke stared into the crackling fireplace, his expression unreadable.

"You hesitated," Cassius finally said.

Theodore's fingers tightened around the glass in his hand. "I know."

"You never hesitate," Cassius continued, arms crossed. "But with her, you—"

"Enough." Theodore's voice was sharp.

Cassius sighed. "She's dangerous, Your Grace. If she really is working with Belmont, she's been playing you from the start. You can't afford to let your feelings cloud your judgment."

Theodore's jaw clenched. "I don't let my feelings control me."

Cassius didn't look convinced.

"Then prove it," he challenged. "Find out if she's guilty. And if she is…"

His voice trailed off, leaving the rest unsaid.

Theodore closed his eyes for a brief moment before turning away.

"I will," he said. "One way or another."

—

The Next Morning – A Secret Unveiled

Verbena knew she didn't have much time. If Theodore was already suspecting her, then soon, others would, too. And once the nobility caught a scent of scandal, it would be nearly impossible to clear her name.

She needed to act first.

Slipping into the servants' quarters, she moved quietly, her sharp eyes scanning the halls. If someone was passing secrets to Belmont, then the most likely culprit wasn't a noble—it was someone overlooked.

And she had a feeling she knew exactly who.

Her eyes landed on a young maid named Martha.

Martha had been with the estate for years, but lately, Verbena had noticed something odd—whispers in the hall, disappearing for long periods, and a nervous energy whenever anyone mentioned security.

Verbena stepped closer, her voice low but firm. "Martha."

The maid flinched, turning quickly. "Y-Yes, Madam?"

"Where were you last night?"

Martha paled. "I—I was in my chambers, milady."

"Really?" Verbena took a step forward, eyes narrowing. "Then why did I see you leaving the east wing?"

Martha swallowed hard. "I—That's—I was just—"

Verbena's lips curled into a knowing smirk. "I'll give you one chance to tell me the truth before I take this to the Duke."

Martha trembled, eyes darting around as if searching for an escape. Then, suddenly, she fell to her knees.

"P-Please, Madam! I had no choice! I—I only passed along a letter! I didn't even know what it was about!"

Verbena crouched down, gripping Martha's chin and forcing her to look up.

"Who were you working for?"

Martha hesitated, then whispered, "Duke Belmont's informant."

Verbena's stomach twisted.

Belmont had spies inside the estate.

And Theodore didn't even know yet.

Her mind raced. If she told Theodore now, would he believe her? Or would he think this was a convenient scapegoat to clear herself?

One wrong move, and she could make things worse.

Her fingers loosened from Martha's chin.

"I'll deal with you later," she murmured before standing up.

She had to figure out her next step—fast.

Because for the first time, she realized…

This wasn't just about proving her innocence.

This was about survival.

—

End of Chapter 76