Chapter 4

My carriage stopped before Blackwood Manor. The iron gates were shut tight. Two massive stone lions flanked the entrance, their snarling faces almost alive. Above them, a black plaque with gold lettering read Blackwood Manor.

The sharp, aggressive letters contrasted strangely with the grand wedding procession stretching for blocks behind me.

More and more people gathered around, pointing and gossiping. "Isn't that Mr. Hartwell's daughter?"

"Isn't today supposed to be her big wedding day with Mr. Sterling?"

"Why are they bringing the gifts to Blackwood Manor?"

"Is she nuts? Does she have a death wish or something?"

I paid no attention to their gossip. I took Emily's hand as I stepped out of the carriage. With my head held high, I climbed the steps to Blackwood Manor.

The two guards at the gate stood like statues, blocking my path with their halberds, faces blank and unmoving. "Blackwood Manor is restricted. Outsiders are not allowed," one of them said, his voice cold.

I looked up at them, keeping a polite smile. "Would you kindly let His Grace know that Hartwell family's daughter is here to request an audience?"

One of the guards raised an eyebrow, his eyes full of contempt, like he was looking at a lunatic. "The Duke doesn't see visitors, especially female visitors," the other guard replied.

My smile didn't falter. "I'm not a guest. I'm here to ask for his hand in marriage."

I said it as if it were nothing, but my words exploded like a thunderclap in the quiet street. Everyone drew a sharp breath. Even the two guards, stiff as statues, looked genuinely shocked. Behind me, Emily was trembling so hard she could barely stand.

I turned to face the massive procession behind me and said, "Today, I willingly offer the property my mother left me as my proposal. I seek to marry the Duke. Whether he wants me as his wife or a concubine, it's entirely up to him."

My words carried across the street, loud and clear. The crowd erupted. This was beyond shocking. It was always the man who proposed, never the woman showing up with her own gifts. And she was asking for the infamous Alexander.

Edward must have heard me. He was probably hiding somewhere in the crowd, watching every move I made. I could imagine his face right now, like he'd eaten shit.

That was exactly what I wanted. I wanted him to see how I threw myself into the arms of the man he feared most.

The guards' faces darkened. "Young lady, stop causing trouble. If you don't, don't blame us if we have to use force." They thrust their halberds forward, the tips nearly grazing my nose. But I didn't flinch.

"I'm not here to make trouble. I mean every word. If the Duke won't see me today, I'll stand here until he does."

Then, the tightly shut gates creaked open from inside. A middle-aged man in a gray butler's uniform stepped out. He was lean, with sharp, hawk-like eyes.

He scanned the scene outside, his brows furrowing. Finally, his gaze landed on me, sharp as a blade, like he was sizing me up inside and out.

"I'm Donald Sinclair, the butler of Blackwood Manor," he said, his voice rough. "Miss Hartwell, you should go home. the Duke's marriage is up to His Majesty, not something a girl like you should stick your nose into."

His words carried much more authority than the guards' threats. He was far harder to deal with.

I smiled, meeting his gaze with calm confidence. "Mr. Sinclair, what I'm doing today isn't some impulsive act, and it's not about romance.

"What I bring to the Duke is the full support of the Hartwell family, all the influence from my mother's side, and wealth enough to overflow the royal coffers.

"I'm betting Alexander needs all of this. And I'm betting he won't turn away a woman who brings him value."

Donald's gaze shifted, surprise flickering across his face. He hadn't expected a sixteen-year-old girl to speak so boldly. He fell silent for a moment. The crowd around us went quiet, holding their breath as they watched.

After a long pause, Donald finally spoke. "Miss Hartwell, do you really understand what it means to walk through these gates? Your life, your reputation, everything you are, will belong to Alexander. Once you step inside, there's no way out."

I nodded without a second thought. "I know. I'm here because I want to be. Ever since I made up my mind to come, I never once thought about turning back."

Donald stared at me for a long moment, his expression impossible to read. Then, he finally stepped aside, clearing the way. "Miss Hartwell, go ahead. The Duke is waiting for you in his study. But you have to go in alone."

A surge of joy filled my heart. I knew I'd made the right bet. I turned back and gave Emily a reassuring smile. "Wait for me here."

With my chin up and skirt in hand, I strode into Blackwood Manor, the legendary place rumored to be scarier than the royal palace. Under everyone's gaze, I walked straight into the battlefield I'd handpicked, not for Edward, but for myself.