"We must not jump to conclusions," James cautioned, though his tone suggested he believed otherwise. "But this certainly provides a compelling motive. Who is the executor or Lord Hollyfield’s will?"
“I am,” she said, an icy chill coming over her. Selina's mind raced, recalling every interaction with Lord Hawthorne since her husband's death. His solicitous manner, his frequent visits, his subtle inquiries about the estate's affairs, about her—all took on a sinister new light.
"I have been such a fool," she murmured, anger and shame coloring her cheeks. “I have been so focused on revenge and finding my target that I latched onto you being the culprit and turned a blind eye to Lord Hawthorne’s overzealous interest in me and the estate.”
James moved to kneel before her, taking her trembling hands in his. "No, Selina. You have been a woman in mourning, one who sought answers for you late husband. There is no shame in that. Indeed, Hollyfield was a lucky man."
His touch, warm and reassuring, anchored her amid the storm of her emotions. She met his gaze, finding strength in the determination she saw there.
"If this is true, he must pay. What do we do now?" she asked, her voice steadier. “How do we prove his involvement?”
James's lips curved into a grim smile. "Now, my dear, I pay Lord Hawthorne a visit. It is high time we had a frank discussion about his... financial obligations."
Selina's breath caught in her throat as she realized how close James was. His hands still enveloped hers, their warmth seeping into her skin. She found herself studying the lines of his face, the determined set of his jaw, the intensity in his eyes that seemed to pierce right through her defenses.
"I... yes, of course," she stammered, trying to regain her composure. "But you will not go alone. I am coming along, for this is my fight. We must confront him together. And I wish to see him paymore than just this debt. I want revenge. I want to see him suffer for what he has done."
James's thumb traced a small circle on the back of her hand, sending a shiver up her arm. He seemed to realize their proximity at the same moment, his eyes widening slightly before he released her hands and stood.
"My apologies, Lady Hollyfield," he said, his voice rougher than usual. "I forgot myself for a moment."
Selina rose as well, smoothing her skirts to give her hands something to do. "There is no need to apologize."
She turned away, ostensibly to gather the ledgers, but truly to hide the flush she felt creeping up her neck.
"We will sort this out and if my hunch is right, I will see that justice is served," James said behind her. “You have my word.”
Selina nodded, though to her shame, her focus had shifted to James and the odd pull she felt between them. How could she feel this way, especially now? Her husband's killer was still at large, possibly the very man who had feigned friendship in her darkest hours. She should be focused solely on justice. On uncovering the truth. And yet...
She glanced over her shoulder, catching his gaze.The heat in his eyes made her breath hitch, and for a moment, she allowed herself to imagine a different future, one where her heart was not torn between duty and desire.
"I should like to call on Lord Hawthorne at once," she said, forcing herself back to the task at hand. "What is our strategy?"
James pointed to an entry in the ledger. "According to these dates, the debt was called in just days before your husband's... accident. As the executor of his will, you are now able to collect on the debt. We will start there."
Selina's heart raced, a mix of shock and vindication coursing through her veins. "And if he refuses, we will call for a constable and have him removed to debtor’s prison," she declared, her voice steely with determination.
"Agreed," James replied, snapping the ledger shut. "But we must tread carefully. Hawthorne is a powerful man, and if he is indeed behind Nile's death..."
"Then we are walking into the lion's den," Selina finished, a hint of fear coloring her words.
His hand found hers, squeezing gently. The touch sent sparks through her, comforting and electrifying all at once. "We will face this together," he assuredher, his gaze intense with resolve. “And I will protect you.”
With one last shared glance, they quit the drawing room and stepped out into the crisp London air, the weight of their mission hanging between them.
Her heart fluttered as they descended the steps of her townhouse, her gloved hand resting lightly on James's arm. The cobblestone street stretched before them, a path leading to potential danger and revelations. She stole a glance at his profile, admiring the determined set of his jaw.
"James," she murmured, her voice soft and smooth, "I cannot help but feel we are on the right course and that, because of it, danger lurks around the corner.”
His gaze met hers, a storm of emotions swirling in their depths. "I believe you are quite right, but do not fret. I have you and I will keep you safe."
His words sent a shiver down her spine, one that had little to do with the early evening breeze. Selina chastised herself silently for the flutter in her chest. This was no time for such frivolous feelings.
As they walked toward the carriage, her mind raced with possibilities. "What if Lord Hawthorne denies everything?" she pondered aloud. "We haveno concrete proof, only suspicions and ledger entries."
“The ledger should be enough to get him talking. We will confront him with the information and see what he says.” James's lips curled into a wry smile. "If he denies it, then we shall have to be particularly... persuasive," he replied, his voice low and rich with promise.
She felt her cheeks warm at his tone, memories of their shared kiss flooding her senses. She pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand. "And if he admits to his involvement?" she pressed. "What then?"
