CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FOUR –THE NATURE OF LOVE

Charlotte stepped inside, her chin held high, her eyes blazing with determination. Lady Griffith sat at her desk, her posture regal and unruffled, a small smile playing on her lips as she regarded Charlotte with a calculating gaze. "Ah, Charlotte," she said, her tone dripping with false sweetness. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" Charlotte took a step forward, her hands clenched at her sides. "Lady Griffith," she began, her voice trembling slightly with the force of her emotions. "I have come to address the matter of your interference in my personal life and your manipulation of Richard's feelings." Lady Griffith raised an eyebrow, her expression one of practiced innocence. "I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about, my dear. I have done nothing but look out for the best interests of this family." Charlotte scoffed, her anger rising to the surface. "Don't play coy with me, Lady Griffith. I know about your encouragement of Mr. Atwell's advances, your attempts t