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"What are you talking about, Andrew? How dare you bring one of your mistresses to my house and try to convince us that she is your wife?

" Agnes shouted furiously. "Do not repeat that lie again, Agnes.

I shall not allow you to tarnish my honour or that of my wife.

And, besides, you know very well this is my house now—I am the new Baron Norton, master of Parkland.

" Jane did not release her husband's arm.

She sensed how tense he was and knew he needed her support.

She had promised to help him, just as he had pledged to protect her family.

"I do not recognise you as the master of this estate, and still less this woman as the new Baroness.

I want you to leave at once, or I shall call a footman to throw you out!

" Agnes screamed, her voice rising with each word.

She knew she had no legal claim over the estate, but she still hoped to intimidate Andrew, just as she had done when he was a child.

Jane, perceiving how affected her husband was, decided to intervene.

"Madam, please, desist. You know perfectly well that none of what you are saying is true.

If you do not cease this nonsense, my husband will summon the magistrate to resolve the matter.

It would be far better for all involved if this situation were handled calmly, so as to avoid scandal and damage to your reputation.

" Agnes glared at Jane with hatred, though she knew, deep down, that she was cornered.

Still, she decided to play her final card.

"Very well. I shall leave early tomorrow.

But I shall take the daughters of your beloved brother.

I hope you have not forgotten that I hold custody of the girls, and there is nothing you can do.

" "I am sorry, Agnes," Andrew replied firmly, "but you no longer have custody of Clara and Matilda.

The court has awarded custody to my wife and me.

Two men I trust are ensuring their safety, and I shall not permit you near them.

" "You damn ungrateful boy… I shall never forgive you, and—" "Your threats no longer have power over me.

I am no longer a boy, and I am not afraid of you.

And unlike you, I shall never be cruel. For that reason alone, I am granting you a full month to vacate this property.

The day after tomorrow, my wife, my aunt, my nieces, and I shall travel to London.

But we shall return in a month. If you are still here when we return, I shall personally see to it that you are removed from this house.

Now leave my sight before I change my mind and have you removed this very night.

" Agnes opened her mouth to argue, but Andrew and Jane had already turned and left the room.

Her voice, filled with venom, echoed faintly behind them, but neither turned back to hear it.

Moments later, the butler and two footmen informed her that all staff now answered solely to Baron Norton.

Agnes had no choice but to retreat to her chamber, biting back her fury, her mind already plotting revenge.

Meanwhile, Andrew and Jane went directly to where the girls were.

Andrew had decided that his nieces would sleep in his chamber that night, and he would remain at the foot of the bed.

He trusted no one in that house—certainly not Agnes—and feared she might attempt something desperate.

"Thank you for helping me with that horrid situation," Andrew said, his voice calmer but still heavy.

"Your support has been invaluable. It is never easy for me to confront that woman without being dragged back to painful memories of my childhood.

.." "I understand. But you were clear, composed, and honourable throughout.

Andrew, you behaved like a true gentleman under impossible circumstances.

It is time to let go of the pain she has caused and stop granting her the power to wound you.

Your nieces need you now—they need us. And we cannot allow that woman to interfere in our lives ever again.

" Andrew looked at Jane in silence for a moment, then took her hand and kissed it gently.

"You are right, my dear Jane. Now, we must focus on what truly matters—my dear nieces.

" Together, Andrew and Jane entered the girls' bedroom, where Aunt Amelia was waiting.

The three of them sat with the girls and began to tell them about all the exciting adventures they would have in London.

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