Bella's POV
When I locked eyes with him, those cold, piercing stares of mine made him stumble backward like I'd slapped him.
But Jasper was no amateur—years grinding through the Ministry Ministry had sharpened his edges. Within a heartbeat, he'd buried that flash of panic behind his usual mask.
His sleeve whipped as he turned away with a sharp snort. "Complete garbage."
I'd never seen him crack like that before. The always-in-control heir showing fear over something I'd said? It lasted barely an instant, but I caught every bit of it.
A slow smile spread across my face. "Bullseye."
Moments ago, I'd been fishing. Now I knew for certain.
Jasper was drowning in some mess that demanded serious cash to fix. Otherwise, this proud duke's family wouldn't be scrambling for money like common thieves. Generations of legacy doesn't just crumble overnight.
But here they were, circling my dowry like vultures. They were desperate.
