Lady Adut Mali Pemrose, the fiery and infamous Duchess of Westhaven, has spent the last year scandalizing Bridgerton-era England with her unconventional wit, bold fashion choices, and refusal to remarry. Widowed and delightfully free, she’s content with ignoring society’s expectations—until a surprise encounter with her late husband’s valet's son flips her carefully curated world on its head. Lord Theo Stowell, once a humble servant, has inherited an unexpected fortune and a mysterious title that thrusts him into the glittering but ruthless aristocracy. Back from his mysterious 6 years in Japan with his best friend, Luke Cho, Theo has charm in spades, but navigating the rules of the ton requires more than a quick wit and a dashing smile. Desperate to avoid humiliation, he seeks help from the one person audacious enough to teach him how to play their game—the scandalous duchess herself. Adut reluctantly agrees, intrigued by the challenge of transforming the earnest and devilishly handsome Theo into a society darling. But what begins as an amusing project to distract herself from her loneliness quickly spirals into something far more dangerous when stolen glances and playful banter ignite an undeniable attraction. As Theo dazzles the ton under Adut’s guidance, rumors swirl, tempers flare, and jealousy brews among England’s elite. When a rival suitor challenges Theo’s worth and Adut’s reputation teeters on the edge, the pair must decide: Is their love worth risking the wrath of society?