This was the Ninth Master they were talking about! And the voice sounded like a young woman, definitely not Dowager Beatrice or Alaina Sylvester. Oh my God. Was the Ninth Master in a relationship? And who was this girl, so bold that she could not only capture Gordon's heart but also seemed to be the one in charge?

The executives exchanged looks of utter disbelief. Even more shocking, their boss, upon hearing his name used so casually, didn't get angry. Instead, a faint smile touched his lips, like a glacier melting in the spring sun. If they hadn't seen it with their own eyes, they would never have believed it was Gordon.

Gordon, about to send a voice message back, suddenly remembered where he was. He looked up at the finance manager. "Continue."

Two words. Cold and crisp. Just like that, the ice king was back, and the previous moment felt like a collective hallucination.

The finance manager, startled, resumed his presentation.

Gordon held his phone with one hand, listening to the report while typing a reply to Caitlin: [Like father, like son. It's normal.] He even added a cute emoji.

Half an hour later, the meeting ended. The moment Gordon left the room, a flurry of whispers erupted.

"Who do you think was messaging the Ninth Master?"

"Isn't it obvious? It must be his girlfriend!"

"But I thought he was against marriage."

"That doesn't mean he can't be in a relationship! Didn't you hear how that girl talks to him? Maybe she's the one who can make him break his own rules and finally settle down."

"No way! Absolutely not! This is the Ninth Master we're talking about. When have you ever seen him go back on his word?"

"I agree, it's impossible."

"It wouldn't matter if she was a goddess from heaven. No woman can change his mind."

This was Gordon, a man who had seen battlefields and walked through hell. A man like that wouldn't abandon his principles for a relationship like some lovesick teenager.

The vice president, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "You can gossip about this in here, but not a word of it leaves this room. Do you understand?"

The boss's private life was a minefield. The fact that there were no rumors meant Gordon wanted to keep this relationship private. If word got out from them, their careers would be over.

"Don't worry, Mr. Barrett. We would never spread rumors about the Ninth Master."

Gonzales Manor.

10:00 AM.

Though the tea party wasn't scheduled to start for another eighteen minutes, Leonore had already arrived, dressed in an elegant white gown. "Ann," she greeted with a smile.

"Leonore, you're here," Ann said, walking over to her. She was wearing custom- made boots that, while a bit bulky, made her limp less noticeable.

Leonore handed her a gift box. "A little something for you."

"Thank you." Ann accepted it with both hands.

Leonore glanced around. "Where's Daniel? Hasn't he arrived yet?"

"No, not yet."

"By the way, Ann," Leonore said, her voice dropping, "I've been hearing some nasty rumors lately."

"What kind of rumors?" Ann asked, her eyes narrowing.

Leonore leaned in closer. "People are saying Daniel would never be interested in you. They're saying he's abroad right now and has no intention of confessing his love to you."

Ann scoffed. "Haters are

everywhere. Pay them no mind."

They were just jealous. But what good would jealousy do them? It couldn't change the fact that Daniel was in love with her.

Leonore nodded. "You're right, Ann. They're just jealous. When Daniel confesses

to you today, they'll be eating their words."

The next eighteen minutes passed quickly, and the tea party officially began. Ann's friends started to arrive in droves.

"Congratulations, Ann! I heard Miss Palmer is coming to personally deliver the signet to you today! I'm so envious!"

Ann, though secretly reveling in the attention, feigned indifference. "Miss Somerset, it's just a signet. Nothing to make a fuss about."

Petty Somerset smiled. "No wonder Leonore says you're so down-to-earth! Ann, I really have a lot to learn from you." She then changed the subject her tone Mis.

1.n

"By the way whores to net

sly.

Gonzales? Didn't you say she also knows Miss Palmer? Why isn't she here for such an important occasion?"

The question drew everyone's attention, and a wave of snickers rippled through the room.

"Maybe she doesn't actually know Miss Palmer and is too embarrassed to show up."

"Yes, that must be it. She's chickened out."

"With her background, how could she possibly know someone like Miss Palmer?"

The chatter was music to Ann's

ears, but she maintained her facade

of the kind, understanding sister "Please don't say that. My cousin

"Pleat She's probably just

sn't like

held up by something important."