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?

noticed he'd already leaned back, eyes half

Marguerite had no desire to stay

get out. The space was cramped, and she

an abrupt stop. Marguerite lost her balance

her wrist, steadying her. With a gentle tug, she tumbled right into his

nerve in her body seemed to spark, her

"Sit properly."

rumbled in her ear. Mortified,

"Buckle your seatbelt."

this time gruff and

She hastily fastened her seatbelt, then turned to face the window,

of what just happened was seared into her bones, impossible

bus arrived at

of Hayes' long-awaited dream: Nina's tent hotel. Its ivory dome glowed, with a transparent top perfect

up the mountain. They'd have to hike up the

up the slope. Hoping to ditch Silas, Marguerite

close to Margot, the two kids giggling as

matter how fast Marguerite walked,

silently just behind her, and every time she looked

take a photo of Marguerite. She tried to refuse, but

wanting a picture of

his heels. Instead of joining, he sat down on a bench beneath a tree, legs crossed, stubbornly refusing

on, Dad, get up! It's

not taking a

were so blunt that even Margot

What was going on?