Beauchamp continued his story, his voice steady despite the weight of what he was revealing. "I took advantage of the silence and darkness to slip out of the house unseen. The usher who'd let me in was waiting by the door. He led me through the back corridors to a private entrance on Rue de Vaugirard."
He paused, meeting Albert's desperate gaze. "I left with mixed feelings, my friend. Sorrow for you, but also... admiration. For that noble young woman pursuing justice for her father. Whatever enemy struck this blow against you, Albert, they're just a tool of fate."
Albert buried his face in his hands. When he looked up, his eyes were red and wet with tears, his face flushed with shame. He grabbed Beauchamp's arm with trembling fingers.
"My life is over," he said, his voice breaking. "I can't just accept this as fate like you can. I need to find out who's doing this to me. When I do, one of us will die. I'm counting on your friendship to help me, assuming you don't despise me now."
