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London greeted them with its usual clamor. The streets bustled with merchants, carriages, and townsfolk milling about. The cobblestones gleamed faintly under the morning sun, and colorful signs swung from storefronts.

Maisie giggled as she hopped over the cracks in the street, holding Fiona’s hand. Yvette trailed beside them, allowing herself to soak in the peace of the moment.

But the tranquility shattered as they ventured into a busier area.

Whispers began, low at first, like the hum of bees, but soon escalating into cruel clarity.

“Look at them, parading about as if they’ve no shame.”

“That’s the new duchess, isn’t it? Thought she’d never dare show her face again after what happened to her.”

“And the younger one—Fiona, was it? Both sisters-in-law in disgrace.”

“And that poor child! Imagine the life she’ll have if she’s not kept far away from those two scandalous women.”

Yvette stiffened, her hand tightening around Maisie’s. Fiona’s face turned pale, and her lips thinned as she glanced at Yvette. The younger woman opened her mouth, perhaps to retort, but Yvette shook her head subtly.

“Come,” Yvette murmured, steering them away from the crowd.

Maisie looked back at the people, her brow furrowed. Once they were far enough, she tugged at Yvette’s hand. “What’s a scandal?”

Yvette froze, exchanging a brief glance with Fiona.

Crouching down to Maisie’s height, Yvette placed her hands gently on the girl’s shoulders.

“It’s a word people use when they think someone has done something bad.”

Maisie’s nose wrinkled. “But why did they say it about ye and Aunt Fiona? Ye’re both nice.”

“They’re wrong,” Yvette said softly. “Sometimes, people like to talk about things they don’t understand. Scandals are interesting to them. But you don’t need to worry, my love.” She stroked the child’s cheek. “Nothing they say will hurt you or us.”

Maisie’s frown deepened. “So they’re lying?”

“Yes, my darling.” Yvette smiled gently. “But we don’t need to argue with them. We know the truth, and that’s all that matters.”

The little girl studied her for a moment before nodding solemnly. Yvette pulled her into a hug, pressing a kiss to her temple.

Fiona crouched beside them, placing a hand on Maisie’s back.

“Yvette’s right, little one. People love gossip, but it doesn’t change who we are.”

Maisie smiled faintly, glancing between the two women. “Then I won’t listen to them anymore.”

“That’s my brave girl,” Yvette said, standing and taking her hand.

As they made their way back to Oakbourne townhouse, Yvette’s mind churned. Theton’scruelty was sharper than ever, but she was determined to shield Maisie—and Fiona—from it. No matter what it took.

When Yvette returned to Oakbourne House, she could feel her pulse quicken as she made her way through the hallways. She had been thinking about what had happened throughout their walk, her mind constantly racing.

The gossip, the whispers—everything had been too much. She could already feel the tension building, and it only worsened when she heard the sound of Killian’s voice coming from the study. He must have just returned from his outing.

As soon as she stepped into the room, Yvette rushed to him, the words tumbling out of her before she could stop them.

“Killian, you won’t believe what happened. We were walking, and some of thetonspoke so ill of us—of me and Fiona—and of Maisie, too.” Her voice shook slightly, but she forced herself to stay calm.

“They’re still going on about that blasted scandal, both mine and Fiona’s.

Killian’s expression darkened at the mention of the gossip. He clenched his fists, his jaw tight as he struggled to control his temper.