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Killian’s jaw tensed instinctively at the sight of the man, but then his gaze softened. Fiona looked… happy. Genuinely so. For a moment, the weight of his earlier frustrations eased, replaced by the warmth of seeing his sister like this.

Yvette noticed him first, her smile softening as she met his gaze.

“You’re back,” she said, her voice drawing the attention of the others.

“Killian,” Fiona said, standing quickly. “I didn’t realize you’d returned.”

“I can see that,” he replied, his tone wry but not unkind. His gaze flicked to the baron. “Lord Merrick.”

The baron rose immediately, bowing. “Your Grace, a pleasure to see you again.”

Killian nodded curtly. “I trust you’ve been enjoying your visit?”

“Very much so,” Hugh said with a smile. “Your wife and sister have been delightful company, along with the little charming lady,” he added, gesturing to Maisie, who smiled sheepishly.

Killian’s gaze returned to Fiona, who was watching him with an almost pleading expression, as if silently asking him not to ruin the moment. With a quiet sigh, he let go of the tension in his shoulders.

“I’m glad to hear it,” he said simply, his tone measured.

Fiona beamed, and Maisie clapped her hands. “Brother, Lord Merrick told me a story about a cat who stole a lady’s bonnet!”

Killian raised a brow, his lips twitching with a hint of amusement. “Did he now?”

As the laughter resumed, Killian stepped back, leaving them to their tea. He walked toward his study, his thoughts swirling.

Perhaps it was time to let go of the investigation, at least for now. Fiona’s happiness was worth more than his anger or pride. And with Yvette by his side, he felt more certain than ever that they could face anything thetonthrew their way.

For tonight, at least, he would let peace reign.

CHAPTER 27

“How do I look, Duchess?” Maisie asked, twirling in her peach-colored dress with an excited smile on her face.

“Wonderful, my darling,” Yvette responded, her smile matching the little girl’s.

They were all dressed for a little family outing to Edward’s house, since he wouldn’t stop complaining about how negligent Yvette had been to him since she married Killian.

“You do not care about your only brother, your only family!” He’d cried out the last time they had met at Lady Hashing’s ball.

“Perhaps I have offended you in some way that makes you stray from me?” he’d said.

Yvette’s jaw had dropped at his words, and his dramatics, not expecting him to have acted like that at such a place.

“You have not offended me, brother. It?—”

“Tell me then, why since your return from Braemore, we have only met at events, balls, soirées, and the like.” Edward had folded his arms. Georgiana, who had been standing beside him, could not believe her eyes as she watched her husband. She’d placed her hands on her hips, struggling to stifle a laughter.

“You know how busy I have been with Fiona,” Yvette said softly, but as she said the words, she realized it was exactly what Edward was talking about. His face also said it all.

“I now realize my mistake, and I shall make up for it.” Yvette had said immediately, but Edward raised a brow.

“We shall come and visit.” Yvette added, and Edward smiled.

Today was the day they had set for the visit, and Yvette couldn’t lie, she was very much looking forward to it.

She had always anticipated their visit to London because she couldn’t wait to spend some time with her brother.

Living as a family of three with Killian and Maisie had taught her something about family. Being around family was the one thing Yvette cherished more than anything.