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Yvette was quiet for a moment as she took in the information. She’d never known all these things about Killian, and it surprised her to know how much he’d endured.

“And yet,” Yvette said softly, “you’ve managed to be so much more than he wanted. You’ve built a life, a family. That takes more strength than any of their expectations.”

Killian’s gaze lingered on her, his expression unreadable.

“Perhaps I have a good influence now,” he murmured, his voice low.

Yvette’s cheeks warmed, and she looked away, suddenly aware of how close they were.

“We must return inside now. You need your rest.”

That same week, Yvette and her family were in attendance for yet another ball, but this time, she looked forward to it. Perhaps it was the excitement of seeing Fiona on the dancefloor with yet another gentleman who had taken interest in her, or the excitement of dancing with Killian in public without a whispered rumor following them about.

The grand ballroom glittered with chandeliers and the laughter of theton.

Yvette stood with Fiona near the refreshments, listening to the lively orchestra.

She had hoped the evening would pass with only good things happening, but trouble seemed determined to find them.

Lord Hilfern approached, his polished smile as sharp as his words.

“Lady Fiona,” he began, bowing slightly. “I must commend your bravery in showing your face tonight. Quite bold, considering the whispers circulating.”

Fiona stiffened, her composure faltering.

That was a bold-faced lie. There had been no whispers circulating, at least none that had reached their ears.

Yvette stepped forward, her voice calm but firm.

“Lord Hilfern, I wasn’t aware the ballroom was a place for gossip. Perhaps you’ve mistaken it for the market square.”

Hilfern chuckled, feigning amusement. “I only mean to inquire, Your Grace. Surely you’ve heard the talk of your sister-in-law’s… entanglements. It seems thetoncannot decide whether she’s a temptress or merely naive.”

The air grew tense as nearby guests turned their attention to the confrontation. Fiona’s face flushed, but Yvette met Hilfern’s gaze squarely.

“Entanglements, you say?” Yvette said, her tone deceptively light. “I wasn’t aware you were privy to such intimate details of my sister-in-law’s life. Tell me, Lord Hilfern, is it a habit of yours to spread tales about women more accomplished than yourself? Or is it simply that your own life lacks intrigue?”

A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd, and Hilfern’s smug expression faltered.

Before he could respond, a deep voice cut through the tension.

“Enough.”

Killian stepped forward, his imposing presence silencing the room. His dark eyes burned with fury as he glared at Hilfern.

“Anyone who dares insult my wife or my sister will answer to me directly. This is my final warning.”

The room held its collective breath as Hilfern paled, his confidence waning under Killian’s piercing stare.

Yvette placed a calming hand on Killian’s arm, her touch grounding him.

“Come,” she said softly, “we’ve had enough excitement for one evening.”

Back at Oakbourne townhouse, Yvette retired to her room, her heart still racing from the events of the evening. She was removing her earrings when the door opened, and Killian entered, his expression unreadable.

“Killian,” she began, but before she could say more, he crossed the room in three strides, pulling her into his arms.

“You were incredible tonight,” he said, his voice low and husky. “The way ye stood up to him… I’ve never seen anything like it.”