“Levant,” Daphne called out.
Her gaze fell on Levant before shifting to Nicole. Immediately, it turned malicious.
Levant looked at the woman beside her and greeted. “Mom!”
Nicole studied the middle-aged woman, who still looked great for her age. She was fair and curvaceous; her figure clad in a delicate dress.
“Nicole, meet Lady Portia Musgrave.”
At his words, Nicole bowed down politely. “Lady Musgrave.”
Portia glanced at Nicole and concluded she didn’t like the latter.
After all, Nicole had moved into the Musgrave family’s estate suddenly. It must be because she was after their family’s wealth and status.
“Not everyone can move into the Musgrave Estate. Stop bringing any peasant home.”
Peasant? Is she talking about me?
How rude is that.
Nicole looked up at a stern Portia. Daphne, who was standing behind the duchess, was looking at her triumphantly.
“Mom, Nicole’s my friend. Please don’t say that.”
“Levy, are you talking back to me over this woman?”
“No, Mom. This isn’t how we treat a guest.”
As Levant insisted on defending Nicole, Portia wasn’t about to argue with him. She shot a disgusted look at Nicole before leaving in a huff.
She stared at their retreating backs as her expression clouded over.
Last night, I accused Sir Musgrave of being an intruder. Today, I met Lady Musgrave who seems to despise me. This family and I are destined to be archenemies.
I need to find out who my birth father is and leave as soon as possible.
“Don’t take my mom’s words to heart.”
“It’s fine.”
Nicole shook her head. Let her be. After all, it’s obvious Lady Musgrave won’t approve of Levant going after me.
What more, I have also offended Sir Musgrave last night. Both Sir and Lady Musgrave hate me now.
I haven’t even come up with a plan to make them hate me yet.
As they walked, Nicole spoke, “Levant, I have a question for you.”
“What is it?”
“I think Daphne likes you. Isn’t she your cousin? How can you marry her, then?”
Levant’s expression blackened as he turned to face her. “You’re right. I won’t marry her because I love you.”
“No, that wasn’t what I meant. She knows you are her cousin, but she still wants to marry you. Aren’t the two of you related?”
Daphne resembles Lady Musgrave, so the latter should be her aunt. They are obviously related.
Levant said nothing.
Nicole glanced at him. As he seemed troubled, she didn’t press on.
After a while, Levant told her he had to go back to work and left.
Nicole promptly returned to her room. She wondered why Levant didn’t answer her question.
When she returned to her room, Yoda was already waiting for her.
She immediately urged him to reveal the results.
“You’re not related to her by blood.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes!”
Then who taught her acupuncture?
The maids have no idea, and Levant won’t tell me either. I need to find out myself, then.
Meanwhile, an upset Daphne accompanied Portia back to her room.
Portia sat on her custom-made armchair and sipped on the fresh milk served by her maid. She glanced at her niece and asked, “What’s wrong?”
“Aunt Portia, there’s something going on between Levant and that lady. Do you think he’ll marry her?”
“Marry her? Of course he won’t,” said Portia.
“I think Levant really likes her. She’s different from those socialites who used to fawn over him. I’m terrified.”
