The Lady Nun Vows Revenge by Caroline Rowland

The Silent 231

Chapter 231

Gabriel froze mid-step. His gaze sharpened like a blade as he turned back to Eliza and said, "Nolan's having one of his episodes, isn't he? That's why he isn't here."

Eliza renuined calm on the outside, but inwardly, she scoffed. So, he really does know about Nolan's condition. No wonder he came charging in like this the moment 1 left the palace.

In truth, just yesterday, she'd asked Nolan to help her stage a little drama-create the illusion that something had happened to Sophie at the Benevolent Palace, just enough to rattle Gabriel into making the first move.

But before she'd even finished outlining the plan, Nolan had offered his own suggestion-"Why not let him think I've gone mad again?"

"You know about my condition, Nolan had said with a wry smile, "so does Gabriel.

If he thinks I've truly lost it inside the Benevolent Palace, there's no way he'll stay sitting."

Eliza had hesitated, "If we go that far, won't the rumors spread? Everyone will know about your illness."

simply said, "You think they don't already know? They just don't dare say it

was Bortenland's most decorated war hero. No one could deny what he'd done-leading campaigns, winning decisive battles, forcing foreign

him, like Gabriel, never dared to mention his illness. Not because they didn't want to-but

Nolan? That was asking to be drowned by a sea of righteous outrage from the entire kingdom. So Nolan

that was how today's carefully calculated performance at the Benevolent Palace

clinic, Eliza kept her tone detached. "Episode? I don't know what you're talking

cold laugh. "If he's fine, then why

lying. I was your father for lifteen years-did you really think I wouldn't know when you're hiding

out loud. You? Understand

can fool everyone else, but you won't fool me. Out of respect for the years we spent as father and daughter. I'll give you one last chance. Come with me now-quietly. Otherwise, I'll make sure every filthy secret between you and

world to see."

for the

his mouth, Eliza's expression shifted. Her eyes widened

she whispered, loud enough to carry through the entire from hall. "How could you say something so vile