Leticia, thinking Maria felt sympathy for the girl, quickly advised, "Don’t go feeling sorry for her. Do you know what she’s done recently?"

"What?"

Maria glanced around to ensure no one else was watching before whispering, "I heard from a friend that she saw Miss Pérez sneaking after the Duke of Gonzalez at the Sanchez family’s last banquet, cornering him on the balcony to confess her feelings."

How scandalous! Why hadn’t Simon mentioned this? Maria narrowed her eyes, turning to look at her fiancé, who was currently surrounded by gentlemen.

He suddenly felt a chill run through him and couldn’t help but sneeze.

"Of course, your fiancé, the Duke of...