The next day Audrey requested a private meeting with Austin in his study. The moment she walked through the corridors, the castle buzzed with whispers.
The last time she had been in Austin's study, he had shouted at her about castle operations. But this time there was complete silence.
The servants in the corridor exchanged nervous glances. Lady Pemberton found an excuse to walk past twice, but no one knew what was happening inside. Half an hour later, the door finally opened.
Audrey stepped out first and looked transformed. Her confidence, which was slightly shaken, was back, and she smiled as if she had won something she didn't have to fight for.
Austin came out ten minutes later, looking cold and distant. He walked down the corridor without looking at anyone and went straight to Maren's office.
By afternoon, Audrey had taken control of the narrative. She sat beside Austin at lunch, her hand resting lightly on his arm, smiling warmly.
