Bride Behind The Mask (Frederick and Marguerite)

Chapter 894

Hayes and Margot exchanged glances, hope flickering in their eyes-just as it did in Marguerite's.

But Marguerite herself wasn't even sure what she was hoping for.

Would he say Violet's name? Surely, he would.

Yet, at that very moment, the man's gaze rested openly on her, as if trying to give her the answer without a single word.

Maybe she was just imagining things. Flustered, she broke eye contact, just in time to see him hand the card back and say the final name aloud.

"Manley."

A name no one expected.

Marguerite burst into laughter. It wasn't either of the names she'd guessed, not even close, but for some inexplicable reason it put her in a good mood.

Hayes and Margot both deflated. Margot, half-annoyed and half-anxious, shot the man an exasperated look.

"Dad, why'd you pick Manley? He's not even here! You're supposed to name someone who's actually in the room!"

He stared back at his daughter, face unreadable, saying nothing.

Aberdeen glanced at the two cards, then gave a regretful sigh. "Well, that was a bust. Let's try again next time. The rules only count for adults who are present!"

With that, Aberdeen returned to his seat. Hayes and Margot grumbled quietly, sulking as they deliberately plopped down together.

Uh-oh.

Did that mean she'd be sitting next to Silas now?

Marguerite noticed he'd already leaned back, eyes half closed,

seats farther back. Marguerite had no desire to stay squeezed in beside him,

with her seat by the window, she'd have to squeeze past him to get out. The space was cramped, and she hesitated, trying to figure out how to slip

the bus jerked to an abrupt stop.

hand caught her wrist, steadying her. With a gentle tug, she tumbled

second, every nerve in her body seemed

"Sit properly."

rumbled in her ear. Mortified, Marguerite slid away, stiffly

"Buckle your seatbelt."

again, this time gruff

to face the window, squeezing her

of what just happened was seared into her bones, impossible to

bus arrived at the

hotel. Its ivory dome glowed, with a transparent top

the mountain. They'd have to

parents were already leading their excited kids up the slope. Hoping to ditch Silas, Marguerite

Hayes stuck close to Margot, the two kids giggling as

how fast Marguerite walked, she couldn't get

every time she

to take a photo of Marguerite. She tried to

a nudge, clearly wanting a picture of the two

keeping to himself the whole time, now dug in his heels. Instead of joining, he sat down on

Dad, get up! It's

icy. "I'm not

were so blunt that even Margot was taken

What was going on?