The door closed behind them with a soft thud, and silence settled over the study. His eyes stopped on the girl at the back—nervous, quiet, her hands clenched tightly in front of her. Millie Cartwright.
He straightened his back and spoke firmly. "You are aware of why you are called here, right?"
Millie looked up quickly, startled. She swallowed a lump in her throat and nodded, voice barely above a whisper. "Y-Yes, Duke."
His stare hardened. "I expect an honest answer. If you try to lie, you know what will happen."
Millie's heart pounded louder in her chest. Her knees trembled, but she stood her ground and gave another small nod. "Yes, Duke."
The Duke leaned slightly forward, his expression now far more serious than before. "You… who are you?"
The room felt heavier.
