"I did not kill him, Eloise. I loved Thomas. I loved him just as I love you and Iris," Clive claimed.

"Then, I fear for my life and Iris’s. I now know that love means nothing to you, so for Iris’s sake, I will keep an eye on you. I know you looked him in his eyes as you took life, yet you feel no remorse to confess to your crimes now. I will never forgive you," Eloise declared.

Eloise didn’t care for apologies.

Enough time had passed for Clive to find his actions wrong and apologise to Eloise, but he remained adamant that he had not done wrong.

"If I had not heard it from your mouth, I would have long believed that you were innocent. I would have called that person a liar and stood on your side because I trusted you. You were my dear uncle who could do no wrong, but I heard you, and you know what you said," Elose said, hoping her words could help haunt Clive.

Clive avoided Eloise’s gaze.

Eloise felt her point was proven by Clive avoiding her gaze. He had been doing it recently, and she remembered the day it started. Knowing that, Eloise was well aware of the day her father had been killed and how long Clive had hidden the truth.

"You cannot bear to look at me, and truthfully, I cannot do the same. You are not welcome at Millie’s home, and I pray you won’t be a fool to think you are welcome at the estate. Not even at the gates to look inside," Eloise said, cutting off Clive.

Clive stepped back as Damien’s gaze terrified him, along with what Eloise said. This wasn’t the niece he was used to.

Eloise was always meek and never one to speak back to her elders. She always listened to him without a second thought.

Clive’s hands were tied, so he started to retreat to his horse. He needed to go to the court, but he was too tired to do so now.

Clive didn’t want to be the one to share the news with Agatha and Iris. Agatha would not be pleased because Eloise stole the dream she so desperately wanted for Iris, and Iris would feel betrayed by Eloise.

Clive clutched his chest, but he dared not shed a tear for Eloise or Damien to see. No matter what Eloise heard, he would maintain his innocence.

’I did not kill Thomas. He was ill and couldn’t be saved,’ Clive repeated the story he came up with.

"I cannot," Clive whispered. His resolve was broken each time he laid eyes upon Eloise.

The haunting feeling would persist for as long as he kept seeing Eloise, who bore a stark resemblance to her father.

Clive mounted his horse and left without more confrontation. He would leave this matter to the court while he avoided Eloise and focused on finding Iris a more suitable husband.

In the end, Eloise was going to need her true family and would come back. Clive had wishful thinking she would return at least once because he still cared for her, but he didn’t know how he could look her in the eye again.

Eloise relaxed when Clive rode off. She hoped the next time she came to face him, she would do better at controlling her emotions.

"You did well," the unexpected compliment came from Damien.

"Did I? I don’t feel as though I said enough. I want to yell at him and beat on him until I feel satisfied, but when he stands before me, I am an emotional mess," Eloise spoke softly.

"That is because you once loved him. You are currently in a position where you think of the love you once held for him, and it is fighting the hate you now hold in your heart. That conflict will soon pass as you realise what an awful person he is. You will get better," Damien said with great certainty.

"Between us, I think you are the one who has the most confidence in me. I hope to prove you right. Before he comes again and with someone from the court, we should go to the estate. I am not in the mood to face my uncle again," said Eloise.

"Say goodbye to Millie. I will wait here for you," Damien said, offering Eloise privacy.

"Thank you. I must also calm her. I won’t be long," Eloise said, retreating inside the home.

Eloise returned to the kitchen, where Millie was cleaning up. "I am well, Millie. I will make sure he doesn’t come again. I will meet with you, but not here, so you don’t need to bear with him."

"I don’t mind if he comes here. Nor, if he brings the town guards here. You have just lost your father, and his life was taken by your uncle. Why must you be forced to speak to Clive? It is not fair to you," Millie said, wishing Clive would stop showing up. "Avoid him, Eloise. You know what he is capable of."

"I know that he could become so afraid that he would kill me, too. Though I don’t want to face Clive, he will keep coming until he is arrested. Fortunately, Damien has guards, so Clive won’t be able to get near me. I will be well," Eloise promised.

"Thank goodness you have married a man capable of protecting you. Listen," Millie drew closer to Eloise. "I know it is not within your heart, but if that man comes up with a way to get rid of your uncle, do not stop him. It might be your best chance to avenge your father and protect yourself."

"I know, I know," Millie repeated as Eloise didn’t seem to agree. "You don’t want there to be a chance he is affected for helping you, but a man like Lord Hawthorne will be fine. I also know you think of Iris, but Eloise, you must think of yourself."

"I know. My love for Iris will never get in the way of my getting Clive to pay for what he did. I love Iris, but I love my father more. He will have his justice. Thank you for being so helpful. I owe you," said Eloise.

"No, you do not. Your family was always kind. If there was a day I had nothing to eat, your father would welcome me to dinner. I’m happy to have fed you now," Millie said, ending a debt she owed Thomas.

"Eloise, I have watched how those siblings acted. Do not let them chase you away, and you shouldn’t allow them to walk over you. You are just as precious."