Chapter 84

Chapter 84

Lucian’s POV

I moved towards Scarlett, scooping her into my arms despite the ache of doubt clawing at my mind. Whatever else was true or false, she was still my mate, and I would not let a stranger see me question her loyalty. I looked at Gregory with a hardness ! didn’t even recognise in myself.

“The deal is off, Merchant. It would be best for you to leave while you still have the chance,” I said, my voice barely more than a growl, thick with fury and shame. Scarlett’s sobs wracked her body as I held her, but I kept my face cold, my words clipped.

“I didn’t do anything,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “I swear to you…”

I didn’t answer, biting down my own hurt as we stepped into the hallway. A small crowd had gathered, their eyes wide with curiosity and judgment. A deep growl escaped me, and I glared at them, the command clear: Mind your own business. Slowly, they dispersed, but the damage was done. The rumour would spread, and this would be all anyone spoke of for days, maybe weeks. I’d have to investigate now if only to silence the gossip and clear Scarlett’s name-or confirm my worst fears.

The shame and anger mixed into a bitter storm within me. How had they known to come to that room at the exact moment we were there? This had to be a