Chapter 28: Miss Miranda Deals with the Scoundrel

Two quarter-hours passed, yet the cash had not been delivered, and Andrew continued his relentless mockery.

At that moment, Molly, who had gone out earlier, finally returned and whispered something in Miranda's ear. Miranda turned, her eyes glinting with cunning. "Lord Andrew, the cash has arrived. Would you like to count it to ensure none is missing?"

"Of course, I must count it," Andrew sneered, raising an eyebrow. "I wouldn't want to be cheated by any devious means and end up paying out of my own pocket."

"Since that is the case, please take your time, Lord Andrew." Miranda had anticipated Andrew's desire to humiliate her and knew he would say this. She smirked slightly and gestured for the guards outside to bring in the money.

Robust young men in grey uniforms filed in, each pair carrying a basket as tall as a man. There were fifteen baskets in total, and as they were set down with a resounding thud, dust shook loose from the roof above.

Andrew's smile froze on his face, and he sto