The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation (Valeria) novel Chapter 427

ELLIOT

"And if he is an inspector, he's here to verify whether the Duchess is truly a supernatural being—because that’s what that drunk caretaker claimed," he stated. "Of course, I didn’t believe him."

He quickly added that last part when I raised an eyebrow—his life depended on whether I was satisfied with his answer.

"But no one ever saw the asylum warden again! I searched for him for days! He was in charge of the Duchess's twin sister, and now that 'inspector' is here, right near the Duchess."

He concluded, sharp as ever.

"Don’t worry, you’ve done an excellent job." I opened the drawer of my desk and pulled out a small leather pouch filled with gold coins.

"This is for your services—and for your silence," I placed it on the table, fixing him with a threatening stare.

He nodded firmly. The message was clear: open your mouth, and I’ll slit your throat.

"Besides, are you interested in working for me directly? As one of my private spies?" I offered, watching his stunned expression.

He had proven himself capable—and this was also a way to keep an eye on him.

In the end, he left after accepting the offer. Tomás would handle the contracts. I took a sip of my drink, gazing out the window at the vast garden.

That vampire knew Katherine’s secret—that she was impersonating her sister.

Fate had led me to cross paths with that disgusting bastard, and now it was clear how he had uncovered my little witch’s secret.

*****

KATHERINE

A few days later, I took advantage of the fact that Elliot had reluctantly gone to handle some business in the northern fields.

He didn’t want to leave me alone, but I convinced him that nothing would happen in just a few hours without his watchful eye.

Behind his back, I planned for that so-called inspector to find me “vulnerable,” just as he wanted.

Under the shade of the willow tree in the garden, I sat on a bench, reading a book in a seemingly “careless” manner.

I knew full well he was watching me from the arched entrance.

The constant trickling of water from the fountain and the rustling of the turning pages filled my space.

I waited for him to finish acting like a perverted stalker—because the first thing he’d lose would be his eyes.

His soft steps on the grass signaled that he was finally approaching. A tall shadow loomed over my bowed head.

"Mr. Max?" I lifted my gaze, feigning surprise.

"Call me Ambrus, Duchess," he corrected, removing his hat and revealing his black hair.

I had to admit, he was handsome—attractive to any woman. Except to me. I knew very well that he was nothing but a rotten apple.

"I don’t find it appropriate to address you informally, Mr. Max. What brings you here? If you’re looking for the Duke—"

"No, no, I was actually looking for you, Your Grace. May I sit beside you?" he asked, playing the gentleman.

"Wait…!" He reached for my wrist, but I pulled it back sharply, letting a folded piece of paper slip from inside the book—on purpose.

He bent down to pick it up, and I could clearly see his body stiffen, his attention completely absorbed by the symbols scrawled on the parchment.

"This…"

"Thank you for picking it up," I snatched it from his hands, feigning a fear I didn’t feel, and quickly tucked it away.

"I’ll get in touch with the former Duchess. I’ll cooperate as much as I can. I’ll let you know."

And just like that, I hurried toward one of the many gardens of my castle.

A cunning smile curled on my lips.

I had thrown the bait. He knew now—I had Bella’s journal, and I could decipher it.

If only he knew the “flourishes” that woman had written about him, she had even described him physically…

She had truly loved him at first—but something happened. Something tied to that ritual that tore them apart forever.

Many parts of the journal were illegible, making it difficult to learn from her wisdom.

Bella ended up marrying another man and dying from something that wasn’t mentioned in the journal—or at least not in the parts I had read.

But one warning was crystal clear:

«Stay away from the Vampire Salvatore!»