Chapter 667
Magnus was treated as the honored guest, with Caitlin and her companions standing quietly behind him. The members of the Jonathan family took their seats one by one, cager to entertain him.
“Since His Highness Magnus has come to our home, it is only proper that the Jonathan family offer the very best hospitality,” Nicoletta said smoothly.
“I look forward to it,” Magnus replied politely.
The First Lady, seated nearby, added with a smile, “What a coincidence. I’ve heard Liliana has a special gift for blending teas. Why don’t we let her prepare some for us right now?”
The moment had been carefully staged. Time for her daughter to show off her talents.
Nicoletta quickly ordered the servants, “What are you standing there for? Bring out the full tea set at once.”
Soon, a tea table was set up in the grand hall. Liliana presented a limited–edition Darjeeling from Fortnum & Mason, paired with handmade scones and macarons. With elegant gestures, she began to brew.
All eyes turned to her. Magnus watched as the porcelain cups were filled. Caitlin studied the scene carefully, noting every detail.
When the tea was ready, Liliana carried the cups herself, serving Magnus, the First Lady, her parents, and her elder brother.
“What a fragrance,” the First Lady exclaimed after a sip. “Truly excellent tea.” She turned to Magnus expectantly. “Your Highness, won’t you try?”
Everyone’s gaze followed him. Liliana’s lingered the longest, her heart pounding as she watched him lift the
cup.
Magnus inhaled the aroma, then drank. The flavor was indeed delicate, smooth, and lingering.
“Remarkable. This is a rare blend,” he praised.
Nicoletta’s smile widened, her pride barely concealed.
“Of course, we don’t just have fine tea,” she added. “Our gardens are beautiful too. Perhaps Liliana could accompany His Highness for a walk?”
Magnus sensed her intentions, replying with a light smile, “I wouldn’t want to trouble Miss Jonathan.”
“It’s no trouble at all, Your Highness,” Liliana said warmly.
Magnus rose, and the others followed suit.
“Shall we all go together?” he asked courteously.
But the First Lady intervened. “Better if Miss Jonathan shows you around. Nicoletta and I have matters to
Hector added, “Yes, let Liliana accompany you. My legs don’t carry me far these days, so I’ll return to rest.”
Magnus inclined his head. “Very well.”
Liliana beamed as she led the way. Some family members tried to follow, but Nicoletta cut them off with a look, silently commanding them not to intrude.
At the doorway, Caitlin and Zinnia also moved to follow. But Magnus paused, glancing back at them. “Stay
here. Wait for me.”
Their eyes met briefly. Caitlin understood at once. He was creating an opening for her.
“Yes, Your Highness,” they answered together, watching him leave.
To Nicoletta and the others, it looked as though Magnus wished to be alone with Liliana. That meant, surely, the prince was already taken with her. Liliana herself believed it too, thrilled by the thought of his interest.
Not long after, Nicoletta left with the First Lady under the pretense of showing her the newest perfumes. Hector and the rest dispersed as well.
Caitlin and Zinnia exchanged a glance, then excused themselves on the pretense of needing the restroom. Caitlin slipped into the shadows, keeping a distant eye on Hector. She watched the butler escort him back to his quarters. After waiting until the butler emerged again, Caitlin approached silently.
Seeing no one around, she slipped inside.
The residence was richly decorated, lined with antiques and famous calligraphy. Caitlin moved swiftly through the sitting room and study until she reached the bedroom.
Inside, Hector was trimming a bonsai with small shears. Hearing her steps, he assumed it was his butler.
“Hand me the watering can,” he said without looking up.
Caitlin picked it up and held it out. He reached, only to find it resisted his pull. Turning, he froze. The one holding it was not his butler.
Startled, he stumbled back a few steps. “Aren’t you the prince’s secretary? What are you doing here?”
“Hector… you haven’t forgotten your half–brother Walter, have you?”
The name hit him like a thunderclap. His eyes widened in horror. He fell back into the wingback chair, trembling. She wasn’t a secretary. She was Caitlin.
She had come for him.
“G–guards-”
But before he could shout again, Caitlin was on him, wrenching the shears from his hands and pressing the blade against his throat. Her voice dropped to a deadly whisper. “One sound, and you won’t live to regret it.”
The words stuck in Hector’s throat. His face turned ashen as he stared up at her.
“You’ve already guessed who I am, haven’t you? Yes–I’m Caitlin. The very same Caitlin you refused to see, the one you denied at your gates. Surprised?”
He nodded stiffly, his fear plain.
“Hector, it hasn’t been easy getting here. I traveled halfway across the world to visit family, only for you to slam the door in my face. That wasn’t very hospitable of you.”
She pressed the shears harder, her foot braced against the chair. Hector shrank back, trembling. “Wh–what do you want?”
“What do I want?” Her smile was cold. “Nothing much. Just to talk. About the Jonathan family.”
“It wasn’t me,” Hector blurted in panic, the words tumbling out as if to absolve himself before she even accused him.
Caitlin arched a brow. “Oh? Feeling guilty already? I haven’t said a word about what. And yet you’re so quick to deny it. Tell me, Hector–what is it you think I came here to ask?”