Chapter 450
What kind of man does he think he is, throwing his weight around?‘ thought Michael, fumeing inwardly.
Xander sensed something and turned back, feigning surprise. “Marquis, still here?”
As Xander turned around, the dark fury in Michael’s eyes vanished instantly. He bowed respectfully and said, “I, your humble servant, take my leave.”
Michael reluctantly stepped out of the pavilion, his heart twisted into a painful knot of resentment.
‘Xander! Xander!‘ Michael seethed inwardly, his mind burning with resentment.
‘One day, when I finally hold the reins of power, I’ll make Xander pay!‘ Michael vowed to himself.
Suddenly, a voice called out, “My lord,” reaching Michael’s ears.
Michael watched as Willow limped toward him, his eyes flashing with undisguised impatience.
Willow’s arrival instantly drew a sea of disapproving gazes.
Someone in the crowd murmured, “That’s the Marquis of Somers‘ wife? Why’s she limping like that?”
“I heard she even missed the auspicious hour on her wedding day. She’s practically an ill omen. Do you think the plague has something to do with her?”
“Shh! Do you have a death wish?”
The whispers faded, but their smirks remained. Each one dripping with malice.
Michael felt his face burn with humiliation. As Willow approached, he snapped, his voice edged with displeasure, “What are you running around for? Go back at once.”
Michael’s disdainful look instantly doused the flame of Willow’s eager enthusiasm.
Her heart shattered into a thousand pieces.
Willow’s eyes welled up with tears as she implored, “My lord, I’m here to help you.”
Nona brought the finished face masks to Michael, ostensibly speaking up for Athena, but in truth, she was harboring her own ulterior motives.
Nona had discreetly perfumed her sleeves beforehand. Holding out the masks to Michael with affected concern, she said, “Lord Osborne, these masks made by Lady Willow can prevent plague infection. She was so worried you might catch the illness that she dragged her injured body here to deliver them personally.”
The perfume scent drifted into Michael’s nose, and he turned his head away slightly in distaste.
Michael knew women often scented their clothes. Though he disliked it, he restrained himself and didn’t let it show to Nona.
Michael turned his attention to the masks. “You’re saying these can prevent plague infection?” he asked skeptically.
“Yes, Lord Osborne, I…” said Nona.
“Yes, my lord,” Willow interjected softly.
Nona and Willow spoke simultaneously, but Nona abruptly cut herself off mid–sentence.
Willow shot Nona a warning glance, and Nona, wisely taking the hint, promptly retreated behind her.
Willow held up the mask for Michael to see and explained earnestly, “The plague is spreading so quickly because it’s transmitted between people. If everyone wears a mask, we can contain the infection. With fewer new cases, wouldn’t it be much easier to treat the sick?”
Michael’s eyes lit up slightly as he picked up the mask and tried it on, but he didn’t feel any immediate difference.
“My lord, with the plague raging like this, why not let them try these masks? What if they work wonders?” Willow urged gently.
Michael’s brow furrowed slightly. He thought, ‘Willow has always been different even when she was a child.
‘Both gunpowder and glassmaking are her inventions.
‘Maybe these masks could actually work wonders.’
Michael nodded in agreement. “Have these masks distributed to everyone and ensure they all wear them.”
Willow let out a relieved breath. “My lord, I promised I’d help you, and I always keep my promises.”
The confidence in Willow’s eyes left Michael momentarily transfixed. It reminded him of how Athena used to look at him with that same adoring gaze.
But in the end, he had let her slip away.
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