Enduring the dinner with the nobleman was no easy task for Victoria. The man seemed determined to fill every moment with stories about his life—his family's sprawling estate, his latest hunting expedition, and even his opinions on the city's political climate.
Victoria, however, couldn't have cared less. Her mind was focused on the bigger prize: the slave auction and the information it could provide. That focus gave her the strength to smile politely, nod at the right moments, and even laugh softly at his jokes, no matter how dull they were.
The worst part was the timing. The auction wouldn't start for another three hours, which meant she had to endure the nobleman's company for what felt like an eternity. Every minute dragged on, but Victoria kept her composure, reminding herself why she was doing this. She had to play the part of the interested, wealthy noblewoman, no matter how exhausting it was.
