Mirabel's Punishment Scene
"Hey, let me go!" Mirabel struggled as the guards dragged her, her voice echoing through the halls.
"Let her go! What are you doing?" Tracy shouted, trying to pull her free. One of the guards shoved her to the ground. Mirabel's heart clenched—she tried harder to fight, but they only tightened their grip and hauled her outside.
They threw her to the ground in the front yard. Dazed, Mirabel lifted her head—and froze when she saw Rose, Bella, and Angelica waiting. Madam Kira stood beside them, her face conflicted.
Angelica sneered. "No excuses. She dared to raise her hand against my maid. And isn't it the rule? Whoever fights will be punished?"
Kira opened her mouth, but no words came.
"As punishment…" Angelica's smirk widened, "…fifty strokes of the cane."
"No—you can't do this!" Mirabel's voice cracked in disbelief.
"Oh yes, I can." Angelica's eyes glittered with cruel satisfaction.
The guards forced Mirabel down. Tracy rushed forward, screaming, but two men held her back. The whip cracked in the air—
"AH!" Mirabel's cry of pain tore through the courtyard.
"Stop! Please!" Tracy screamed, her voice breaking.
Then—a deadly silence.
Lucian's voice, low and lethal, cut through the air. "What is going on here?"
Everyone froze. His presence alone felt suffocating, every step he took toward them dripping with murderous aura.
"Lucy—" Angelica began, but he silenced her with one look.
"I don't care what she did. Who gave you the right to touch her?" His voice was sharp enough to slice flesh. The guards dropped to their knees in fear.
"Sir, we—we're sorry—"
"You're all fired," Lucian barked. Marcello instantly stepped forward, signaling men to drag the guards out.
"And lock those three up," Lucian ordered coldly, pointing at Angelica, Rose, and Bella. Their pleas turned into screams as they were pulled away.
Lucian knelt, gathering Mirabel gently into his arms.
"Lucian, what are you doing? I can walk. Put me down—there are so many people watching!" she whispered, struggling in embarrassment.
His lips curved into a dangerous smile. "If you don't behave, I'll kiss you right here in front of everyone."
Her eyes widened. Mortified, she buried her face against his chest, going still.
Lucian chuckled, carrying her away like a precious treasure. The crowd was left in stunned silence.
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Tracy & Daniel POV
Tracy sighed in relief once Mirabel was safe. But then her fingers brushed her chest—her chain was gone. Her parents' last gift. Her eyes widened. Daniel's room… when I pinned him down earlier…
She bolted for his quarters, slipping inside quietly. Empty. She searched frantically until her chain glittered under the desk. Just as she grabbed it, the door creaked open.
Panic shot through her veins. She ducked under the desk, holding her breath.
Daisy entered, her eyes scanning the room before she sat in Daniel's chair—the very chair Tracy was hiding under. To anyone else, it would look like Daisy was waiting for him, maybe even trying to seduce him.
Moments later, Daniel walked in. His eyes narrowed at the sight of Daisy in his room.
"Daisy. Didn't expect to see you here. What's the problem?"
As he spoke, a familiar fragrance filled his nose—soft, floral, intoxicating. His gaze shifted slightly downward. That scent… it's her.
Beneath the desk, Tracy lifted a finger to her lips, pleading silently for him not to expose her.
Daisy tilted her head. "Is something wrong, Daniel?"
"No," he said smoothly. "So… why are you here?"
"It's been two years since we last spoke. I thought we could… talk." She leaned forward, her eyes soft.
Daniel gave her a polite smile, but inwardly he smirked. God must really be on my side tonight.
He pretended to drop his pen, crouching down. His gaze locked with Tracy's—her eyes blazing with warning. He only smirked, brushing his hand lightly against her cheek before pulling her face toward him.
And then, without hesitation, he kissed her.
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