Chapter 72: Caught in the Act

**Thelma Zane’s Point of View** “I didn’t mean it! I really didn’t!” My words tumbled out in a flustered rush, each attempt at explanation making things worse. Eventually, I clamped my mouth shut, realizing that sometimes silence was the only way to salvage a situation. Maxine, ever the opportunist for teasing, materialized in my mind. Her voice was full of mockery and amusement. “Seriously? Even a junior high school girl wouldn’t be this clueless. Silly Thelma! Hahaha!” I ignored her as best I could, focusing instead on the far more pressing matter at hand—Duke Frank’s reaction. His initial shock was palpable, and for a moment, I feared he might shatter the delicate porcelain coffee cup he held in his hand. “My Lord, I…” I stammered, desperate for the right words but finding none. My gaze darted toward Benard, silently pleading for his help. He opened his mouth, perhaps intending to defuse the tension, but the Duke’s sudden burst of laughter interrupted him. “That’s wonderfu