Bound by fire, Claimed by love

Evelyn had surrendered.

Not just to the kiss, to the way Damian held her as if she was the most precious thing in his world, but to the undeniable truth—she loved him. And there was no taking it back.

But love, as fierce as fire, always attracted the cold winds of opposition.

Far away from the quiet moment they had stolen, Lady Celeste sat in the grand halls of Ashbourne Manor, her expression unreadable as she listened to the hushed whispers of her trusted confidantes.

"She's dangerous," one of them murmured. "A wildfire that will consume him. You must act before it's too late."

Celeste's fingers tightened around the delicate porcelain teacup in her grasp. She had seen the way Damian looked at Evelyn, the way his hardened edges softened in her presence. It was unacceptable.

Her son was meant to rule, not to be distracted by love.

"She needs to be removed," Celeste finally said, her voice as cold as steel. "But not by force. No… we will make her leave on her own."