CHAPTER THIRTY

The sound of Duncan and Hailey's voices filled the air as they approached the palace, giggling and making small talk. Hailey had just threatened to smear chocolate on Duncan in jest after he had made fun of her for getting it on her blouse.

"Do you know you are awfully bad at eating chocolate for someone who claims to love it as much as you do?" Duncan said with a laugh.

Hailey chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh, really? You should have seen me when I was a kid. I was a chocolate-eating pro. This is just a minor setback."

They were so engrossed in their light-hearted talk that it took them a couple more steps to see Lisa waiting for them outside the palace. Her expression was irritated, and her arms were folded across her chest.

They immediately stopped laughing at the sight of her. Ignoring the tension in the air, Duncan smiled and moved forward to greet her with a sweet tone "Hey, Baby," he extended his arm to embrace her. But her eyes blazed with wrath as she shoved him hastily away.