Eloise’ POV
“Do you have any leads? Any idea who attacked you?”
I shook my head weakly, the motion sending a sharp pang through my temple. “No,” I admitted, my voice laced with frustration and defeat. “I didn’t see his face… didn’t even have the chance to catch his scent. He came out of nowhere, like a shadow, and before I could prepare myself, he was on me.” I paused, groaning softly as the wound on my abdomen throbbed with a dull, persistent ache. “I should’ve been ready. I should’ve—”
Zoe’s worried eyes met mine, and I could see the guilt swimming in them, though she had nothing to feel guilty for. Still, I pressed on. “I should’ve worn the corset,” I murmured, almost to myself, the words bitter in my mouth.
For a moment, the room fell silent. Rufford’s expression remained neutral,
