Veil of Deception Chapter 8: The Duke’s Suspicion

Chapter 8: The Duke’s Suspicion

The Whitmore Ball – Grand Ballroom

Lucia’s heart pounded as Duke Alexander’s piercing blue eyes locked onto hers.

His grip on her wrist wasn’t painful, but it was firm—unyielding.

A slow realization flickered across his face, and Lucia’s breath caught.

Does he recognize me?

She quickly lowered her gaze, remembering her disguise. She was just a maid. He had no reason to suspect her.

Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL

(softly) Forgive me, Your Grace.

Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL

She attempted to step back, but his grip tightened ever so slightly.

Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML

(low voice) You don’t belong here.

Her pulse spiked. Had he seen through her disguise?

Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL

(feigning innocence) I… I was only serving drinks, my lord.

His gaze studied her, sharp and calculating. Then, slowly, he released her wrist.

Lucia dipped her head, stepping away as casually as she could, though her legs felt unsteady. She needed to blend back into the crowd, keep listening—

But before she could move, a familiar voice sent a chill down her spine.

Lord Blackwell

(chuckling) I must say, the Whitmores never fail to host the finest gatherings… though it is a shame about the Sinclairs.

Lucia’s body went rigid.

She turned her head just slightly, enough to glimpse a group of noblemen sipping brandy nearby.

Lord Blackwell.

Her stomach twisted. That voice…

It was one of the voices from her nightmares.

Shadows. Fire. Laughter.

A flash of pain shot through her head. Her vision blurred. The heat of flames, the scent of burning wood—

Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL

...

Her fingers clenched into fists.

She staggered slightly, but a strong hand suddenly steadied her.

Duke Alexander.

His brows furrowed as he looked down at her, concern flickering in his expression.

Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML

(quietly) What’s wrong?

Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML

Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL

...

Lucia swallowed hard, shaking her head. She couldn’t speak. Not here. Not now.

But as she looked past him, at Lord Blackwell’s smug face, one terrifying thought solidified in her mind—

He was there that night.

To be continued..

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