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The next day, Evelyn was busy with some paperwork in the sitting room, trying to focus on her duties. Her mind, however, kept drifting—Bastian's cryptic warnings, the silence from Nathaniel, and the ever-growing shadow of General Vale.
She dipped her pen into the inkwell with steady fingers, though her heart drummed with unease. The doors creaked open.
Cassandra Vale walked in, her boots clicking sharply against the floor. She was dressed in crisp military attire, her posture as stiff and commanding as ever.
Evelyn raised an eyebrow but said nothing, returning her gaze to the document in front of her.
"Lady Eleanor," Cassandra greeted smoothly, her smile almost too sweet, yet carrying an undertone of mockery. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."
Evelyn looked up, keeping her expression even. "Not at all, General Vale. How can I assist you?"
