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He waved cheerily at the man as the carriage pulled away. Then, he finally heaved a sigh of relief.

It’s over.

For the first time in a rather long while, he knew that he and his wife were safe.

CHAPTER 27

“Take me to the Dowager Duchess’s house… in London,” Ava instructed the driver before climbing into the carriage.

The carriage lurched forward as it slowly pulled out of the estate.

Ava had her mind set. It was about time she paid a visit to her mother-in-law. She had a number of questions for the woman—and a request.

The memory of her husband going up to the door and the heartbreak she had felt flashed through her mind. She remembered how she had followed him and witnessed his mother slapping him, a murderous look on her face.

No mother would look at her son in such a manner.

And even after Edwin had caught her and dragged her out of the house, she still caught a glimpse of the disdainful look on his mother’s face.

The woman had lookedmadwith anger.

This is why Ava had decided to pay her a visit.

The carriage rolled to a stop in front of the now-familiar house.

Ava stepped out of the carriage.

It is about time for the Dowager Duchess and I to get acquainted properly.

Ava took determined steps towards the front door and stopped in front of the butler, who immediately announced her presence.

“Her Grace, the Duchess of Gillingham!”

At that, she finally entered the house.

She had lingered at the door the first time she had been there and watched the events unfold. But now, she was ready to face the dragon.

A maid approached her. “Your Grace, Her Grace has requested that you wait for her in the drawing room.”

Ava followed the maid into the drawing room. She could not help but look around. The gaudy furniture and dark curtains did not quite impress her. If anything, they reminded her of the decor she had stripped off her drawing room before she renovated it.

She ran her hand over the cushion she was sitting on—it was damask.

She shook her head in disapproval. Everybody knew damask was of inferior quality for furniture. It did not quite have a long lifespan.

“I take it you do not approve of my taste,” a firm voice noted.

Even though Ava had never heard the Dowager Duchess’s voice before, she instantly recognized it even before she whipped her head around.

The older woman stood by the door, looking rather impassive as she regarded her. She was wearing a dark blue dress, a stark contrast to Ava’s colorful pink one.

“Duchess,” Ava greeted, forcing a smile.

The Dowager Duchess slowly entered the room. “You did not quite answer my question.”

Ava noted how the older woman did not bother with pleasantries.

“I find the decorations to be different from what I am used to. But they are stylish, nevertheless.”