My Bratty Wife
Chapter 113 - Hundred And Thirteen

Chapter 113: Chapter Hundred And Thirteen

The room was bathed in a soft, amber glow from the chandelier, its fine design casting dancing shadows on the walls. A man, dressed in a formal attire, stood before the full-length mirror, his gaze fixed on his reflection. His face was partially obscured by a black masquerade mask, its detailed design adding an air of mystery.

"How do I look?" he asked, his voice echoing in the quiet room.

"Very good, my lord," another voice replied, his voice low and respectful.

The man adjusted his tailcoat, smoothing out the creases. "How is Count Edmund fairing?"

"Still devastated, my lord. The duke really helped us in this situation, his intervention made your plans easier." the servant replied.

A flicker of satisfaction crossed the man’s face. "Keep an eye on him. I will tell you when to implement his demise."

The servant nodded, his expression impassive. "As you wish, my lord."

The man turned back to the mirror, his gaze lingering on the mask. "It’s time to make an appearance. Been long I went to a social gathering. The last one being the Carleton ball."

"Yes, my lord," the servant replied.

The man paused, his hand hovering over the mask. "Are you sure the duchess will attend?"

The servant hesitated for a moment before replying. "Yes, she will, my lord. I believe she’s going there to find Baron Carew concerning her mother."

A satisfied smirk spread across the masked man’s face. "Perfect," he said, turning to the servitor. "Prepare the carriage."

As the carriage pulled away from the mansion, the man leaned back against the plush cushions, his mind racing with thoughts of the evening ahead.

———————————

"I’m sorry, ma’am," the guard said, handing her invitation back. "You can’t enter without a partner."

Suzy’s face fell. "I know, but my husband is sick. That’s why he couldn’t make it," she lied, trying to see if being pitiful would give her an entrance.

The guard shook his head. "I’m sorry, but rules are rules."

He continued checking other guests invitations. " Welcome sir, welcome ma’am." He greeted politely.

Disappointed, Suzy turned to leave when a hand reached out and grabbed her arm. She spun around, her heart pounding in her chest, ready to confront whoever had dared to touch her.

But to her surprise, it was one of the guests, a man, his face partially concealed by a black mask. He smiled at her and gently took her by the hand.

"Forgive my partner," he said to the guard.

"I just turned around for a few moments and she was nowhere to be seen. I didn’t know she would label me sick."

The guard gave the man a long, suspicious look. "Is that so?" he asked.

The man nodded, his smile widening. "Yes, indeed. We’re a bit of a whirlwind, you see."

The guard hesitated for a moment, then relented. "Very well," he said. "You may enter."

Suzy and the man walked into the ballroom, the guard’s eyes following them. As they mingled with the crowd, Suzy couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. Finally, she’s in. The rest should be a piece of cake.

When they reached a secluded corner, his hand clasped firmly in hers, far from the prying eyes of the guard, Suzy knew it’s time to leave. She quickly withdrew her hand from the man’s grasp.

"Who are you?" she demanded, her voice a low growl mixed with curiosity and suspicion.

The man turned to face her, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Doesn’t my voice sound familiar?" he asked, his tone laced with a hint of smugness.

Suzy narrowed her eyes. "Are you telling me or not?" she snapped.

The man smirked. "I knew you were feisty, but I never thought you were this feisty." He reached up and removed his mask, revealing a handsome face that sent a jolt of recognition through Suzy.

"We meet again, Cassandra," he said, his voice dripping with irony. "Or should I say, Duchess of Carleton?"

Suzy’s eyes widened in shock. "Evan!" she exclaimed, her voice low to avoid catching unnecessary attention.

Evan chuckled. "I thought you’d recognize me." He paused for a moment, his gaze softening. "Why did you come alone?"

Suzy crossed her arms. "It’s none of your business," she replied, her voice hardening.

"Oh, come now," Evan said, stepping closer. "Surely you can’t be so secretive with me."

Suzy rolled her eyes. "And who are you that I should tell you anything?"

Suzy’s response made him tongue tied. His silence was deafening even for him.

"I just want to know why you helped me get in here." She said, he voice sounding nonchalantly.

Evan shrugged. "Because I thought it would be fun."

Suzy snorted. "Fun? For who?"

" For me." He replied.

"You are kidding, right?" She asked, her face washed with disbelief.

"Not at all," Evan replied.

Suzy thinks to herself "this one must be crazy, I am sure about it." She looked at him and shook her head slightly thinking. " why do i keep meeting them and when will I stop meeting these crazy people?’

She hits her palm on her face trying to remove the irritation from her face.

Evan shrugged. "Oh well." He said, staring at her, his eyes expression serious. "I’m glad you’re safe. I owe you one for helping me out that day."

Suzy nodded, but her expression remained guarded. "Then we are even," she said. "If you will excuse me, I have a lot to do."

"Like what?" Evan asked, his curiosity piqued.

Suzy hesitated. "It’s none of your damn fucking business," she repeated, her voice growing colder.

Evan taken aback by her response replied. "Alright, alright. Sorry. I’ll respect your privacy." He paused for a moment, then added, "But if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out."

Suzy nodded, her annoyed expression softening slightly. "Thank you for your kindness" she said, her voice filled with sacarsm.

With that, she put on her mask, turned and began to walk away, her steps firm and determined. Evan watched her go, a smile playing on his lips. "Interesting," he muttered to himself.

"Ryan..." He paused, watching her fade into the crowd. "Seems like you have your plate full."