Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 506

"What happened?"

The ballroom was still buzzing with music and laughter when Jade heard the news. She rushed straight to the manor's first-floor lounge, only to find Mila curled up on the couch, her face deathly pale. Jade's expression darkened instantly as she shot a glare at Forrest, who was crouched beside Mila.

"Mrs. Sutherland, here's what happened..."

Forrest, who had already pieced together most of the story, spoke first. But he chose his words carefully, deliberately leaving some things unsaid. After all, he wasn't sure how much of a shock the old lady's heart could take right now, and it was probably best not to mention that Lysander was alive-not yet.

"...That's the gist of it. There was a man in a black cloak at the ball. I can't say if he knew Mila, but he was unbelievably rude-just grabbed her and forced her to dance. After that, well, she's been like this."

"That's it?" Jade's eyes narrowed in suspicion.

Of course, such behavior was outrageous—and Jade was furious-but knowing Mila, there was no way a pushy stranger would leave her this shaken. Something wasn't adding up. Mila looked downright terrified, not just upset.

Forrest pressed on. "Mrs. Sutherland, could I take a look at the manor's security footage and the guest list? I want to find this man."

"Of course we need to find him!" Jade snapped. Even if Forrest's version felt incomplete, this was enough to enrage her. Someone had dared target her Mila, and right in her own home, no less! The nerve!

one leaves. Get the staff to check every guest, one by one. I want that man in the black cloak and the grotesque mask found. If anyone complains, tell them I demanded it. Say he insulted me at my own event. If they're not involved, I'll see to it that

ma'am," the

at the door, frowning in thought. "I'll

of the titled families in the country. If tempers flared, things could spiral fast—a minor incident could easily turn into a scandal if

to Forrest, who immediately caught her meaning. "Don't worry, Jade. I'll stay

stepped out of the lounge and closed the door, she said quietly to the butler, "Send a maid

a test for Forrest. The music and the flowers were just dressing. But now, with

on the couch, her mind in chaos. There was no longer any doubt the man in the ghastly white mask streaked with red had been Lysander. Before tonight, she could almost convince herself otherwise, hide behind denial

now now that fragile veil had been ripped

was alive. Really,

might burst from her chest. Panic, confusion, and a jumble of other emotions crashed over her like

everything he wanted. He'd used her to convince the world —and Cossio-that he was dead. His

hadn't breathed

quiet life for herself, to mind her own business and keep her own little world safe. Couldn't he just leave her alone and disappear, as if they'd never

right did he have to come back? What did he want from her now? Was this some kind of warning? But warning her

to the faint mark his lips had left on her hand.

the way