Revenge of the Betrayed: The Domineering Duke Falls for Me

With a splash, the garden pond erupted, scattering water droplets into the air and startling the birds skimming its surface."Oh, the paragon of gentleness and virtue, the esteemed lady of the Dickson family, the dignified countess by imperial decree."Selena stood on the bank, looking down with a smug, seductive smile at Miranda struggling in the water."Look at you now, how pitifully bedraggled you are—truly heartbreaking!""Why?" Miranda gasped as she surfaced, only for the murky pond water to rush into her mouth.She had come despite her recent grief of losing her child, to comfort her sister, who had divorced.Fearing that even the slightest glamour might offend, Miranda had chosen her attire with care—plain, understated, without a hint of gold.Such thoughtfulness, such affection, she never imagined it would end with Selena pushing her into the water."Why?" Selena peered down at the disheveled Miranda, whose hair clung to her pale, desperate face.A giggle broke from her lips, "

Miranda observed Greta’s plea for help with increased confidence and began crying out loudly, “Madam, please save me, someone is trying to beat me to death!”Countess Sophie Croyso raised her eyebrows in surprise, “Is there such a thing?” She looked around but avoided looking directly at Miranda, her face full of anger.“Never mind the reputation of the Croyso estate, Greta has been serving Miss Miranda faithfully and diligently since she was a child, always earning Miss Miranda's trust. Even if there was something wrong, she should be properly taught, not cruelly beaten to death. Isn’t this damaging Miss Miranda's dignity?”Mrs. Wilson stepped forward and said, “Countess, it was Miss Miranda who gave the order.”Originally, Miranda only instructed Greta to slap herself twenty times, but after Greta’s crying and Sophie’s anger, coupled with Mrs. Wilson’s reporting, the story was twisted.It now appeared as if Miranda wanted to kill Greta, which not only tarnished the kind reputation o

"I understands that Father has my best interests at heart. If the Marquis family breaks the engagement because they are dissatisfied with me, then even if I were to marry into their family, they would not treat me kindly. If it is due to some misunderstanding, then such a family, which cannot discern right from wrong, is not worth relying on," Miranda explained calmly and logically, her words perfectly hitting the mark in Count Croyso's heart.She then added sorrowfully, "I'm merely saddened to have brought shame upon Father!"Looking at his innocent daughter, Count Croyso's heart was filled with affection.He gently said, "It is not your fault, my dear. It is the Marquis family that has gone too far! Humph, that heir Andrew is not a good match either—arrogant and narrow-minded due to being spoiled. He does not deserve my daughter! Rest assured, I will find you a better match in the future!"Even if the Marquis family has now connected with the Empress Dowager, he will still seek just

In the study, a meticulously crafted iron incense burner, shaped like a crouching lion, sat majestically on the table. Its head was held high, as if surveying the entire room, with wisps of fragrant smoke curling from its open mouth, creating an atmosphere of mystery and tranquility. "Stand before me!" commanded Lord Croyso, seated in a chair of purple-black rosewood, his expression dark and his voice low but commanding. Though outwardly calm, those who knew his temperament understood he was seething with rage. "My Lady, do you know your crime?" The Countess immediately stood, her face a mask of confusion, flawlessly feigning innocence. "I do not know what wrong I have committed, my lord." "A fine tale of cutting flesh to heal, a paragon of benevolence and compassion!" Lord Croyso sneered, his anger rising uncontrollably. "Do you think me so easily deceived? Let me tell you, the

 “Miranda, I’ve come to chat with you. Don’t be annoyed!” Early in the morning, Selena arrived at Miranda's room. She was adorned with a lustrous pearl necklace around her neck and dressed in a vibrant red gown embroidered with golden patterns of intertwining branches and flowers. Her radiant appearance starkly contrasted with the sickly, pale Miranda lying in bed, making her look even more dazzling.Selena felt triumphant. What did it matter that Miranda was the legitimate daughter of an earl? She had been rejected by her fiancé, and her looks were inferior to Selena’s. In the future, she would be nothing but someone for Selena to trample underfoot! Miranda smiled faintly and said, “It’s so early, Selena. I haven’t even had breakfast yet.” A patient who hadn’t had breakfast, yet Selena was here already. Was this really a visit to see how she was? Clearly, it was to make her feel