Chapter 112: The Hidden Mastermind

**Thelma Zane’s POV:** After calming down the enraged Southern Duke, my father turned his attention back to the witch. His voice was steady but carried an undertone of authority as he said, “Now, let us cut to the heart of the matter. You will explain everything.” The witch, her lips curling into a sneer, replied, “Explain what? I already told you—I acted on a whim. I simply wanted to experience the life of a noble lady. Nothing more.” “If you persist with this attitude,” my father said, his voice growing sterner, “then I’ll have no choice but to resort to less pleasant methods. You seem well-acquainted with the war that transpired decades ago, so you must be aware of the interrogation techniques we employed on the battlefield. Call them barbaric if you will, but they were effective. I am not above using them.” For the first time, a flicker of panic crossed the witch’s face. Her earlier confidence wavered as she shouted, “You wouldn’t dare! If you harm me, my lord—my master—w