Chapter 78

Genevieve and Lucas returned to the parlour because of the sound of the falling glass that had caught their attention, the tension between them was still very visible. As they entered, the room fell silent, the remaining guests' eyes fixed on them with a mixture of shock and curiosity. The atmosphere was heavy, the usual murmurs of conversation replaced by an uneasy quiet.

Genevieve's assistant, a young woman, hurried to her side, her face pale with anxiety. "Mrs. Genevieve," she whispered urgently, "your conversation with Mr. Lucas—it was broadcasted. Everyone here has heard everything."

Genevieve's heart sank as she glanced around the room, seeing the stunned expressions on the faces of the guests. Some were whispering to each other, others simply stared in disbelief. She clenched her jaws when she saw some of the women muttering things to themselves.

Nathaniel, standing near the back of the room, seemed lost in thought, his mind clearly occupied with the implications of what had ju