Chapter 11

Joseph was next on Tiana's list to smash in the head, but the maids at Deer Court were quick on their feet. After she smashed the plate on Irene's head, they immediately called for help, shouting about protecting "Mrs. Quill". A group of them even pinned Tiana down in a flurry of hands and feet. She was dragged away. The last thing she saw was Joseph holding Irene in his arms, his eyes full of lingering fear. When he looked at Tiana, his gaze was dark and complicated. He gritted his teeth and pointed at her, ordering, "Lock that lunatic in the basement! No one can let her out without my permission!" Right before being thrown into the basement, Tiana saw Joseph still cradling Irene, like he wanted to fuse her into his very bones. Blood clung to the corner of Tiana's mouth as she let out a laugh and forced her tears back. All the pictures she'd seen, all the talk from others about the love between Joseph and Irene—none of it compared to witnessing it with her own eyes. Through the c