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“Now, they have listened to you confess your crimes. And since you have admitted to having sent thugs after me twice, I cannot help but think you will spend the rest of your life in prison.”

Lord Wilbury gasped rather loudly, his mouth falling open in shock.

Now, it was Edwin’s turn to laugh.

“You must see the look on your face,” he said, pointing at the man’s face. “It is simply priceless. Oh, Wilbury.”

The Earl, who had been rooted to the spot, suddenly seemed to regain his senses. He closed his mouth and slowly walked back into his house.

“Now, you do not want to addescapingto the charges, do you?” Edwin taunted.

Lord Wilbury then broke into a run. The constables charged after him.

Edwin chuckled and shook his head as he watched it all unfold before him.

Lord Wilbury had barely reached the door when the constables pounced on him.

“Do you know who I am?” he bellowed as he struggled against them. “I am the Earl of Wilbury. You shall show me respect. I am a peer of the realm!”

The constables all but dragged him back to the carriage. Once they had finally restrained him inside the carriage, they sat on either side of him so he would not escape.

Edwin peered into the carriage so he could have one last look at the man who had nearly taken the love of his life from him.

Lord Wilbury now looked nothing like the man who had confidently confessed his crimes. His shoulders had sagged, and he looked downcast.

“How long do you think it will take for my mother to hear of your arrest?” Edwin drawled.

Lord Wilbury’s head snapped up as he regarded him bitterly. “You are heartless… just like your father!” he spat.

Edwin nodded. “And just like you lost to my father, you now have lost to me.”

Lord Wilbury gave a guttural scream. “You—you—you will pay for this!”

“It must really hurt you,” Edwin said, smiling at him, “knowing that even though my mother has no love for me, she still chose me over you. You truly mean nothing to her.”

Lord Wilbury’s face contorted in anger. “You will pay for this, boy,” he repeated in a low, menacing voice.

Edwin shrugged. “I shall spend many happy years with my wife while you rot in prison.”

“Do not be so cocky!” Lord Wilbury snapped.

Edwin glanced at the constables. “I suppose we all heard him threaten me just now.”

The constables nodded.

Edwin turned his gaze back to the Earl. “Now, I must congratulate you for adding another charge to the one you already have.”

“What?” Lord Wilbury looked around, confused.

“You threatened me time after time in the presence of these fine gentlemen. You certainly do not think you will get away with it now, do you?”

“You tricked me!” he shouted.

Edwin raised his arms in mock innocence. “Now, gentlemen, kindly take him to the station.”

“You will not get away with th?—”

The carriage door slammed shut, cutting the Earl off. However, Edwin could still see him thrashing and screaming.