The next words that left Amari's lips made everyone pause, their thoughts tangled in disbelief.
She let out a soft sigh, then spoke with a calmness that carried weight.
"But my cousin… she's firm in her convictions. She told me that no matter what happens, she will never be the cause of chaos between the two of us. She would rather never marry at all, live and die alone, than ever agree to be with Mr. Clavel. She refuses to become the villain, and more than that, she doesn't want people to think she's nothing but the second choice."
Gasps filled the air.
"My God! Miss Louissa is brilliant!" one reporter blurted, unable to contain his awe. "She knew that if she ever married him, people would accuse her of stabbing her cousin in the back. She'd be condemned."