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!

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

ma'am," the

at the door, frowning

personally sent invitations for this ball. The guest list included half the city's elite and most of the titled families in the country. If tempers flared, things could spiral fast—a minor incident could easily turn into a scandal if mishandled. She needed to be there, to keep

glancing back at Mila. Her gaze shifted to Forrest, who immediately caught her meaning. "Don't

and closed the door, she said quietly to the butler, "Send a maid in to keep watch, and have a

test for Forrest. The music and the

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 since she hadn't

that fragile veil had been

was him. He was alive.

Panic, confusion, and a jumble of other emotions crashed over her like a tidal wave. Why had he come here?

her to convince the world —and Cossio-that he was dead. His plan was working

death. She hadn't breathed a word to Cossio. Why

on his betrayal, tried to build a 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

want from her

gaze fell to the faint mark his lips had left on her hand. She shuddered Memories

the