Chapter 161
He sighed softly and leaned back in his chair. “I never meant to hide my identity from you. It’s just… I’ve always been in the public eye as the head of a medical organization. That’s how people know me. My royal title has always been secondary.”
I watched him closely, seeing the honesty in his expression. “I understand, Carlos,” I said gently. “You don’t need to explain. I don’t blame you for anything.”
He seemed relieved. “Thank you, Doris. That means a lot.”
The evening passed quickly, and soon it was time to leave. Carlos insisted on walking me
back to my residence.
The night was cool, and the stars above seemed brighter than usual. We walked in
comfortable silence, the sound of our footsteps blending with the soft rustling of the trees.
As we reached the entrance to my quarters, a figure stepped out of the shadows. It was *Chief Superintendent Marry. Her sharp eyes landed on me first, then flicked to Carlos. Her
expression was cold, almost disapproving.
Carlos immediately straightened, his demeanor shifting to one of quiet authority. Marry
studied him for a moment before addressing me, her voice clipped.
“I wasn’t aware we had company today, Princess.” She didn’t even attempt a smile, and her
words were sharp and judging.
“Chief Marry,” I greeted, keeping my tone polite.“Doris,” she replied curtly. “You’re out late.”
I stood tall, trying to appear calm. “I was invited to a tea party at the palace.” Her eyes
narrowed slightly. “I see.”
Carlos stepped forward, his tone steady but firm. “Chief Marry, I hope there are no issues with Doris being in my company.”
Her gaze remained on him for a moment. Then, with a stiff nod, she said, “Of course not,
Giving Up My First Love For Secret Research: Second Chance at Happiness
82.5%
1
Chapter 161
Your Highness. Have a good night.”
She walked away to call some maids to take Cyrus in, without another word, her posture
rigid.
Carlos turned to me, his expression softening as if he had already sensed her displeasure. “Don’t let anyone question you,” he said quietly. “You deserve respect, no matter what.”
Before I could say anything, three maids arrived to take Cyrus in. Mary followed closely behind them, her expression cold and distant.
She gave the maids sharp, impersonal instructions to be careful with Cyrus, her tone clipped and indifferent.
As she turned away, Carlos stepped forward, his gaze steady as he sensed Mary’s attitude
toward me.
“Mary,” he began, addressing the Head Steward, “Princess Faye invited Doris to join us today, along with me. She was a guest there. I trust that it is clear.”
*Mary, who had been treating Carlos with the utmost deference, turned to me with a sharp
look.
Her voice was icy as she said, “Miss Doris, are you aware of the royal rules? It is highly improper to approach the prince in private like this without permission.”
Her words were direct and sharp, but before I could respond, Carlos interrupted, his voice was sharp like a blade. “That’s enough, Mary,” he said, firm and unwavering.
“You have no right to belittle her or treat her with such disrespect. Doris is here as an honored guest, and all these young women are noble maidens.
“They are here to learn etiquette, knowledge, and refinement not to be demeaned or insulted in such a manner by you.”
Mary’s face turned pale, and she took a step back, clearly unprepared for Carlos’s sharp
rebuke.
(
ch: Second Chance at Happiness
82.7%
Chapter 161
The other girls in the room exchanged glances, their eyes lighting up with admiration. I could feel their silent gratitude for Carlos’s defense, as if they, too, had longed for someone
to stand up for them.
Carlos continued, his tone resolute. “I invited Doris to be my guest today along with Princess Faye. You have no right to manage this matter.”
Mary hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line as if struggling to hold back her retort. Finally, she muttered an apology and stepped aside, her head bowed in submission.
Carlos turned to me, his expression softening. “Doris, take Cyrus and get some rest. You’ve had a long day,” he said gently.
I nodded, grateful for his support. Just as I was about to leave, another figure entered the
hall.
It was Chief Steward Liza, her posture stiff with authority. Liza was one of Queen Luna’s most trusted attendants, and her arrival instantly commanded the room’s attention.
“Your Highness,” Liza said with a respectful bow toward Carlos. “I am here to deliver a message from Queen Luna. She has requested to see Miss Doris immediately.”
My heart beat faster upon hearing that Queen Luna wanted to see me. Why?
Carlos’s face flushed slightly, but he quickly composed himself. “Then I will accompany Doris,” he said, his tone resolute.
Liza raised an eyebrow. “Your Highness, with all due respect, I do not advise that. The Queen specifically requested Miss Doris to come alone.”
