A lady of Resilience

Chapter 11: The First Move

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Seraphina's pulse quickened as Elias Montrose's smile broadened. There was something chilling about the way he studied her, as though he could see right through her confident façade. Every fiber of her being told her to be cautious, but she forced herself to stand firm, her gaze locked with his.

"Indeed, the game begins," Seraphina said, her voice steady despite the rapid beat of her heart. "I know you've been threatening Lord Ashford. I also know you've been using information about his time in Spain to manipulate him."

Montrose tilted his head slightly, his expression remaining calm, almost amused. "Is that what you think? That I'm threatening Lord Ashford?" He let out a soft chuckle, but it held no warmth. "It's always fascinating how people interpret things, Lady Bellamy."

Seraphina's jaw tightened, but she refused to be swayed by his nonchalance. "You can play coy all you like, Mr. Montrose, but I know the truth. And I want to know what you want. What's your endgame?"

Montrose's eyes glinted as he took a step closer to her, the playful edge to his demeanor fading. "Let's not pretend this is as simple as blackmail or idle threats. You and Lord Ashford are playing in waters far deeper than you realize. The secrets I hold—secrets that could ruin him—are merely the tip of the iceberg."

Seraphina held her ground, her heart racing as Montrose's presence seemed to grow more menacing. "If you think you can intimidate me, you're mistaken. I won't let you destroy Ashford."

Montrose smirked, folding his arms casually. "Oh, I have no intention of destroying him, my dear. In fact, I'd rather keep him very much alive and thriving. He's far more valuable to me that way."

Seraphina's brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"

He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice so only she could hear. "Ashford has connections, influence, and power. But more importantly, he has a sense of loyalty that can be exploited. You see, I don't want his ruin—I want his cooperation."

Seraphina's stomach churned. So this wasn't about money or revenge. Montrose had something far more insidious in mind. She had to keep him talking, had to uncover what he was really after.

"What are you planning to use him for?" she asked, her tone sharp but controlled.

Montrose's expression darkened, though his voice remained silky smooth. "There are forces at work in this city, Lady Bellamy. Forces that are shifting the balance of power. Ashford is a key player in that game, whether he realizes it or not. He has access to people I need, to places I need to infiltrate. I don't need to ruin him—I need him to play his part."

"And what if he refuses?" Seraphina countered, her fists clenched at her sides.

Montrose's smile returned, a predator's smile. "Oh, he won't refuse. Not once he understands the consequences. After all, you've seen what happens when men make poor choices in wartime, haven't you?"

Seraphina's heart sank. He was playing on Ashford's guilt, his deep-seated remorse for the innocent lives lost in Spain. Montrose knew exactly how to manipulate Ashford, how to push him into doing whatever he wanted. It was vile, and it made her blood boil.

"You're disgusting," Seraphina spat, her voice low but laced with venom.

Montrose chuckled, clearly unfazed. "Perhaps. But the world isn't run by good intentions, Lady Bellamy. It's run by those willing to do what is necessary."

Before Seraphina could respond, Montrose straightened, his posture shifting as a group of guests passed by, their eyes lingering on the pair. The mask of civility returned as Montrose offered her a polite smile and a shallow bow.