pite the beauty surrounding her, she woke with a heaviness in her chest. The events of the previous night replayed in he

, she entertained the thought of running away. But where would she go

the door interrup

. "Mr. Wycliffe requests your pres

out of bed. "Of course

of roses, hedges trimmed to perfection, and fountains that sparkled in the morning

arble fountain, a cup of coffee in hand. He stood as

urent," he said, pulli

he replied curtly

h croissants, fruits, and an assortme

his piercing gaze unsettling. Fi

"Perhaps because I've been dragged i

. "Is that truly what bothers you? O

her composure. "I value my freedo

thoughtful. "Freedom is a luxury few can afford, Mi

s. Sebastian spoke with the kind of knowledge that came from years of privilege, but Eve

e noted, his voice calm. "Paris,

. "I enjoy the freedom it offers," she said carefully.

amusement crossing his face. "Tied down,

own, her eyes narrow

intense. "Perhaps. But deep down, you

down her spine, thoug

to clear her head. The grand halls were eerily si

with bookshelves that stretched to the ceiling. The sc

t the far end of the room. Curious, she approached

om the other side

know," a man'

plied another voice, cold

d closer, straining to hear more

d she found herself fac

?" he asked, his to

g," she said, l

rs, unreadable. "Some door

ng to back down. "And some t

, but there was no warmth in it. "Careful,

.

he noticed an envelope on her nightstand. H

ling slightly. Inside was a single piece of

Lau

and power. It carries responsibilities-and

cer

Fr

acing. Who had left it? And what were t

e Wycliffe estate was a beautiful façade, but she

ned to uncover it,