Bride Behind the Mask novel Chapter 754

Frederick returned the smile, locking eyes with him. Beneath the calm surface, there was an undercurrent only the two of them could feel.

After setting Teresa down, the little tyke immediately turned to embrace Maurice's legs, her pout reaching new heights, utterly adorable.

"Daddy, didn't you say mommy and Mr. Frederick were coming over? I waited all last night. How come I only see Mr. Frederick, but no mommy?"

Maurice cast a thoughtful glance at Frederick, then affectionately pinched Teresa's chubby cheeks, softly explaining, "Sweetie, mommy had some things come up, she couldn't make it today."

"Oh, so it's just the three of us for dinner?" Teresa sounded a tad disappointed.

"Yeah." Maurice lifted Teresa into her booster seat, then turned to Frederick, suggesting, "Shall we talk over dinner?"

"Sure."

The trio sat in an odd triangle, with Frederick and Maurice facing each other, Teresa at the apex. Being in his territory, Frederick noted everything from the armed guards outside the villa to the seating arrangement inside, all subtly displaying Maurice's power.

Yet, curiously, Teresa held the position of power, seemingly against the rules but deeply meaningful.

Frederick understood the dynamics well; Teresa's attitude towards him and Maurice would decide whether today would be a mere showdown or a deadly duel.

But death wasn't Frederick's fear. His only fear was for his daughter's life.

This might have been a dinner, but except for Teresa, neither man had touched their food.

Frederick drained his wine glass, setting it down with a notable clink.