Constance stared at him in stunned silence, her lips parting as if she could not quite believe what she was hearing.
"So you're chasing me away because of that woman?" she demanded, her voice rising as her brows pinched together. "Has she suddenly become more important than I am? Do you even know what she did to Marianne? The things she said to me? You know I'm not that heartless. I punished her because she deserved it! She disrespected me–!"
Caelan's reply sliced cleanly through her outburst.
"I am aware of what Marianne accused her of," he said calmly, not needing to raise his voice. "I may not be home often, but that does not mean I lack eyes and ears in this household. Before being your nephew, I am the Duke of these lands. Do not forget that, Aunt."
He stepped closer.
