THE time Senior Qurique laid bare the long-buried truth, Duke Noxton's world tilted on its axis. In that instant, the old man Qurique surrendered all Chauverthier's wealth to the Duke, as it truly belonged to the only heir of Quadir. As though he had no claim to the Duke's decision, he did not insist that the former Duchess on their bound by honor fulfilling her promise of conceiving an heir. Yet for him, it felt as though the stars themselves had receded. His dream was now fading echoes, threatened with erasure by destiny's indifferent hand. The only fragile hope of Qurique to continue their legacy. And the Duke's newfound love — an unread secret — dwells in the shadow of unspoken expectations. He has not seen her face, yet his pride has already cast its verdict. 'A woman disgrace to our
