401 He stopped pacing and stared out the window, his jaw tightening. The sun was beginning to set, casting an orange glow over the estate. The party would start in a few hours, and he had to be there, had to play his part. But once the party was over, he would make his move. Darwin took a deep bre
402 “I promise I’ll be careful,” he said instead, knowing it was the best he could offer. Lady Margaret pulled back, searching his eyes for any sign of deceit. “Don’t you dare do that again,” she whispered, her voice shaky with emotion. “Fortunately, King Maelstrom was there the last time. You won
403 **The Wettin Estate** The grand ballroom was a symphony of elegance, adorned with crystal chandeliers that sparkled like diamonds against the marble floors. The guests, draped in their finest evening wear, mingled beneath the vaulted ceilings, their laughter and conversation a low hum that fil
404 Darwin’s breath caught in his throat as he recognized the younger Pennington. A wave of memories flooded back—Alexander had disrespected him countless times. First at the park, then at a party, and finally at a restaurant. Darwin’s jaw clenched, the muscles in his face tightening as the anger b
405 **The Wettin Estate - Continued** Darwin lingered near the Penningtons a moment longer, watching Alexander struggle to keep his composure. The memory of their last encounter was still fresh, and he could see the tension in Alexander's clenched fists and the way his jaw tightened with every for
406 "Are you all right?" Margaret asked softly, her voice filled with concern as they walked. "I’m fine, Mother," Darwin replied, though his voice was tighter than he intended. He could feel the tension in his shoulders, the weight of the night pressing down on him. But he couldn’t let it show. No
407 As the evening wore on, Darwin’s unease grew. He noticed several unfamiliar faces among the guests, men who didn’t quite fit in with the usual crowd. Their eyes were sharp, their movements calculated. It didn’t take long for Darwin to realize they weren’t here for the party—they were here for s
408 Darwin chatted politely with guests as he made his way through the ballroom, but his thoughts were elsewhere. He needed air to clear his head and plan his next moves. Spying a set of doors leading to the veranda, he excused himself from the current conversation. The cool night air was a relief