Behind the iron gate of the Villefort estate, hidden among towering chestnut trees that cast shadows across the manicured grounds, Maximilian waited. His heart pounded as he scanned the garden path, desperate for any sign of her approach.
Finally, footsteps crunched on the gravel. But instead of Valentine appearing alone as expected, two figures emerged from the tree line.
The delay had been unavoidable, Madame Danglars and her daughter Eugénie had dropped by for an unexpected visit that stretched far longer than Valentine had anticipated. Not wanting to break her promise to Maximilian, Valentine had suggested a garden walk to her guest, hoping he'd at least see her and understand she hadn't forgotten him.
