Chapter 69: The Grand Duchess Arrives

The descent was smooth. Too smooth, if Lucas was being honest.

He hadn't expected the estate to have a landing strip. And not just a cleared field or some vaguely reinforced patch of grass—but an actual, paved private runway, trimmed by manicured hedges and discreet floodlights, like something out of a royal military compound trying to pass for a family vacation home.

He stared out the window as the wheels touched down, and the estate unfolded beneath the wingtip—black stone and golden light, sharp architecture framed by dark pine and symmetry. The kind of place built to impress diplomats and intimidate in-laws.

He turned his head, his gaze cutting toward Trevor.

"You have a runway."

Trevor unbuckled his belt, calm as ever. "It's efficient."

"It's excessive."

Trevor didn't argue.