After reading the letter, Selvaris staggered back, her face paling as if she'd been struck. For a moment, she seemed on the verge of collapse.
Then fury ignited in her eyes.
"That bastard… he dares threaten me, the Duchess of the South? I will—"
Her maid hurried forward, placing a steadying hand on her arm.
"Ma'am, please. Calm yourself. Think clearly. Your daughter… she's still trapped. We must act carefully."
Selvaris shuddered, swallowing hard.
Slowly, the fire in her eyes cooled to a sharp, calculating glint.
She looked down at the bloodstained letter once more, lips trembling.
"One hundred thousand gold coins... nearly my lifetime savings," she whispered bitterly.
"I saved it all… for Selina's future. Her bright future."
Tears welled and spilled down her cheeks.
"What did she do wrong?"
The maid stifled a snort, her gaze flickering with silent judgment.
Who told you to send her there, greedy woman?
But she masked her thoughts behind a veil of concern.
