Chapter 84

"I held you in high regard, marquis. But now, I'm embarrassed for you." Claude's footsteps echoed in the greenhouse.

Gilliard sat at the table alone, eyes closed as the attendants bustled about to clear the dishes. "I love my daughter, my lord."

Claude snorted at the audacity of the marquis's declaration. "That's why you made this mess?"

"If I didn't, my wife would've persisted in her attempts to hurt Camellia. She might even be successful. I… I am terrified of what she'll do next," Gilliard choked out, clasping his trembling hands. It seemed like a plausible facade to Claude, which only made him regard the marquis scornfully.

"You're sending Camellia to Gaior out of fear, not love."

"It's for her own good. There is no other option," Gilliard answered, slowly opening his eyes. "Just look at today's banquet. If I hadn't ended it when I did, something irrevocable would have happened."