Damn it, I was kidnapped so the kidnapper can find out whether I’m really an idiot or just putting up an act?
Who is this lame, huh?
Is it too late to pretend to be an idiot now?
Oh, whatever. Here goes nothing.
Her lips curved up in a silly grin as she turned back. However, the silly grin on her face froze in shock when she saw who it was.
I’ve seen him before.
He’s Sir Musgrave, whom I accused of being the intruder.
“Am I wrong?” Stephen asked, as she remained silent.
His sharp gaze was fixated on her.
Nicole felt guilty under his stare. She knew it was useless to continue her act.
Sir Musgrave is a petty man. I framed him once, but he kept an eye on me ever since. He even caught me acting like an idiot!
“Yes, you’re right. I was pretending to be an idiot. But I have a reason for doing so.”
Stephen looked at her thoughtfully. He was certain Nicole was simply playing along because Daphne wanted her to be an idiot. She’s just trying to protect herself.
As she came here with Levant, and he adores her, perhaps they are really in love.
But…
“Did you put up an act so could stay here with Levant?”
“Huh?” Nicole uttered in confusion. I didn’t put up an act to be with Levant. I want to find out who my birth father is.
“I mean, are you in love with Levant?” Stephen demanded sternly.
Nicole pondered about his question.
If I say no, Sir Musgrave will ask why.
If I tell him about finding my birth father, will he think having a scum in his family will affect his reputation and stop me from investigating? He might also throw me out!
Yes, he’s petty enough. I framed him for being an intruder once and he had kept an eye on me ever since. He even abducted me and brought me here.
He won’t allow someone to ruin his family’s reputation.
At that thought, Nicole nodded in response to his question.
Stephen studied her closely. The first time he saw her, he noticed she resembled someone he knew a lot.
Right now, the resemblance was uncanny.
After a brief pause, Stephen asked cautiously, “What do you see in Levant?”
Nicole thought, I need to stay here. I can’t answer ‘his status and power’, can I?
She answered, “His character.”
“Not his status and wealth?” Stephen pressed on.
Nicole furrowed her brows. Can’t a woman fall for a man because of who he is?
Must it be because of his material possessions?
Nicole didn’t like Levant, but she was curious nonetheless.
“If you’re here because of his title, I’m afraid you’re going to be disappointed.”
“I don’t care about that title of his.”
“Levant won’t be the next duke. I can assure you of that. You can decide if you want to stay. Of course, it also depends on whether you’re capable of defending yourself against my wife and Daphne.”
Nicole was surprised at Stephen’s words.
Levant is Sir Musgrave’s only son. Why doesn’t he pass his title to his son?
Is he saying that because he thinks I don’t love Levant and came here for the duchess’ title?
But he seems serious. I don’t think he’s joking.
Well, who the next duke is isn’t my problem. For now, I need to stay here.
“Sir Musgrave, you mean as long as I can handle Daphne and Lady Musgrave, I can stay?”
“Yes!”
“I’m curious. Why are you willing to help me?”
“I want to see if you and Levant can go through all the obstacles and end up together.”
Err…
What is he talking about?
It’s not like that! I have my own reasons!
