Chapter 39

Valerie

“Certainly, my Lord, this isn’t what you think.” The carefree one to his left was beginning to seem less and less care-free by the second. He swallowed and looked around at the many guests, the curtain, and the stage where Ava had been.

The cage was hidden now, but it wouldn’t be hard to find.

He laughed dryly. “Surely, this is just a party. No pet business involved.”

Kronos raised an impatient hand to cut him off.

“Lord Mueller,” Lucas’s brother began. His careless voice swept the room, silencing everyone else within it. “Do you think that my father knows nothing of your despicable business practices? Do you believe us to be blind?”

The lord of Baycrest said nothing. His mouth cinched into a tight line and he lowered his head obediently to the Lane brother.

“Hector, go check the vaults,” ordered Lord Kronos.

The brother complied, bowing his head to his father and striding off. Once he was gone, Kronos turned to Marvolo.

“Has the dispute been sorted, or do you require