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Chapter 170: Is There Anyone You Favor?
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2024-12-20 20:15:40In the study, Lord Croyso let out a long sigh, sitting back in the rosewood armchair with his hand propping up his forehead, as if reluctant to say much.
Seeing this, Miranda did not rush to bring up the matter regarding Prince Zachary. Instead, she rose and walked to the nearby tea table, picked up the teapot, and poured her father a cup of tea. Holding the cup with both hands, she offered it to Lord Croyso, “Father.”
Lord Croyso looked up, took the tea, and sipped it lightly. A faint smile crossed his lips as he said, “Miranda, have a seat.”
Yet, there seemed to be a trace of bitterness in that smile.
Miranda poured herself a cup of tea as well, slowly sipping it as she sat down. The room was silent, filled with a faint sense of heaviness and oppression.
Lord Croyso leaned back in his chair without saying a word.
He was truly disappointed.
In the past, he had s
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Revenge of the Betrayed: The Domineering Duke Falls for Me Chapter 171: The Engagement Was Announced
Earl Croyso said, "You should know, the best way to take the initiative is to settle a marriage for you before the Queen makes any move. This would silence both her and Prince Zachary. If you have someone in mind, as long as they are of good character and ambitious, their background doesn't matter. I will arrange it for you."Miranda was taken aback. "Father...""I'm serious, not joking." Earl Croyso looked into her eyes, his expression sincere and gentle. "In the past, I was often away and neglected the thoughts and feelings of you and your sister. I hope it's not too late to make up for it now. Miranda, this concerns your lifelong happiness. Trust me this time, will you?"Miranda had never imagined her father would say such words to her. Marriage was always considered a matter of parental arrangement and matchmakers. She couldn’t deny that she was moved, but...In this life, her only thought was revenge—against Sophie, Selena, Hans... As for anything else, she never thought about it
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-22Revenge of the Betrayed: The Domineering Duke Falls for Me Chapter 172: Jealous?
Marjorie had been appointed by the Dowager Queen to assist the Queen, offering counsel over the years and gaining her trust. Hearing Marjorie's firm and reasonable argument, the Queen nodded. Deep down, she harbored resentment toward Miranda. "A mere thirteen-year-old girl has ensnared Zachary so thoroughly. Who knows what seductive tricks she used? If Zachary hadn't gone to The Heaven Lounge to see her, he wouldn't have encountered that shameless Lila, who caused such a scandal and got Zachary grounded! Even at a glance, Miranda has brought nothing but trouble. She’s surely an ill omen—I can’t trust her near Zachary."As she spoke, a eunuch arrived to report that Miranda had become engaged to Fulton Sheffield.The Queen froze, stunned and furious. What was this? Even if she disapproved of Miranda as her daughter-in-law, that was her decision to make. For Earl Croyso to act first and arrange an engagement for Miranda was an insult to her son, kicking Zachary while he was down. The Que
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-24Revenge of the Betrayed: The Domineering Duke Falls for Me Chapter 173: The Belated Realization of Love
Reginald returned to his room, locked himself in the study, and ordered his guards to stand watch outside. Only then did his expression completely change, revealing an unprecedented mix of anger, frustration, and confusion. It was as if he were being roasted over a fire, with a faint, sharp pain twisting around his heart, gripping it tighter and tighter with every beat.Miranda was engaged… to Fulton. A girl of only thirteen, engaged already?He himself was twenty and still unmarried. What was the rush?Fuming, Reginald paced, but even he couldn’t make sense of his anger. After all, it wasn’t uncommon for engagements to happen at such a young age between nobles, or even for betrothals to be arranged in childhood. So why did the news of Miranda’s engagement leave him so agitated, so miserable? Lady Liudmila’s words suddenly flashed through his mind, and he froze, as though struck by lightning. Slumping into his chair, he stared blankly ahead. Could it really be as Lady Liudmila had sai
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-24Revenge of the Betrayed: The Domineering Duke Falls for Me Chapter 174
Since her betrothal was announced, Miranda’s days had been unusually calm. Apart from the occasional teasing remarks from visitors and the times Lady Langley and Lord Croyso summoned her to discuss the dowry list, life was peaceful. Even Selena, who Miranda had expected to cause trouble, was strangely subdued. Selena paid her respects to Lord Croyso each day at the appointed time but otherwise shut herself in her chambers without a hint of disturbance. When their paths crossed, Selena appeared demure, even faintly conciliatory, with none of her previous haughtiness. This transformation left Miranda quietly vigilant, wondering what new schemes Selena might be plotting.Word had reached her that Selena had spent a long time in her father’s study for a private discussion. Yet Miranda did not believe, even for a moment, that Selena had turned virtuous.The early summer sun bathed the estate in warmth, and the garden bloomed in full splendor. Through the soft red veil of her window, Mirand
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-27Revenge of the Betrayed: The Domineering Duke Falls for Me Chapter 175: A Love Veiled in Secrecy
Lifting the beaded curtain, Miranda stepped into the inner chamber. A man sat at a carved round table, dressed in a plain teal robe with subtle patterns. His appearance was unremarkable, yet he carried an air of detachment that made him seem aloof and somewhat melancholic. He inclined his head toward her and gestured courteously. “Please, take a seat, Miss Miranda.”Miranda seated herself, her expression thoughtful. “Mr. Brandon, I did not expect to meet you here.”“Nor I,” Brandon replied with a faint smile, his demeanor softening slightly. “I must thank you, Miss Miranda, for pleading on my and Martha’s behalf before Lord Reginald. Without your help, I would not have had the chance to resolve things.” Pouring her a cup of tea, he added, “This is Eugene tea, a rare treasure worth its weight in gold. Please, try it. It is my small token of gratitude.”Miranda took a sip, savoring the rich, mellow
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-27Revenge of the Betrayed: The Domineering Duke Falls for Me Chapter 176: The Bait Was Set
Miranda didn’t notice anything unusual about Brandon, her concern fixed on Martha’s health. “Have you consulted the best physicians? There might still be hope.”Though Brandon preferred Miranda keep her distance from Martha, he was touched by her sincerity. Shaking his head, he replied, “Even the royal physicians, summoned through Prince Zachary’s connections, have examined her. Their verdicts were all the same. Over the years, I’ve sought every renowned healer and taken Martha wherever there was hope, but the outcome never changed. That she has survived this long is already a miracle.”“I see,” Miranda said softly, her expression darkening.“Enough of these dreary topics,” Brandon said, shifting the subject. “I must apologize. Though Circle Trading has partnered with Jovanna for years, I only heard the owner came from humble origins. I had no idea of any connection to the Croyso family. Speaking of which, it seems there’s an issue with some goods?”Jovanna was the name Lady Langley us
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-28Revenge of the Betrayed: The Domineering Duke Falls for Me Chapter 177
When Miranda returned to the shop, she revealed nothing of the truth. She merely explained that the faulty goods from Circle Trading had been reimbursed at cost and assured everyone that such issues would not happen again. She urged them not to worry. Meanwhile, the servants she had sent to other merchants returned with their findings: two customers who had purchased goods from Jovanna in the past fortnight had also received faulty items. Fortunately, they hadn’t yet used them and hadn’t noticed any issues. Jovanna’s proactive effort to replace the goods and offer compensation surprised them and left them singing the shop’s praises.Hearing this, the steward wiped his brow in relief. If not for Miranda’s foresight, these two incidents could have spiraled into a bigger problem. Reflecting on her poise and strategy at such a young age, his admiration for Miranda deepened.With Jovanna’s affairs settled, and the day’s work done, Miranda returned home early to rest. As Molly helped her ch
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-29Revenge of the Betrayed: The Domineering Duke Falls for Me Chapter 178: An Unexpected Kiss
That night, after Miranda had taken a bath and changed into her nightwear, she was just about to fall asleep when she suddenly realized the window was left open. Since she didn’t like having others close by while she slept, her maid, Molly, stayed in the outer room. Miranda didn’t bother calling her in. She got out of bed herself, intending to close the window. Just as she reached out her hand, a shadow flickered before her eyes, and a dark figure leaped through the window, staring straight at her.Startled, Miranda instinctively moved to call for help while reaching for the scissors nearby. But as she got a clearer look at the intruder, she exhaled softly in relief. “Lord Reginald, what are you doing here?”Before she could finish her sentence, a shadow loomed over her. Before she could react, Lord Reginald pressed her down. Amidst the chaos, her lips suddenly brushed against something cold and soft. Alarmed, she opened her eyes wide, and her mind went blank with a deafening roar.It
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-31
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Revenge of the Betrayed: The Domineering Duke Falls for Me Chapter 271: The Breakout
Seeing the man's attire, the burly warrior beside him immediately realized that this must be one of their brothers who had gone to the palace to assassinate someone—now back and enraged, looking for a fight. But upon hearing the words "His Highness is dead," his heart was struck with unspeakable shock, his mind going blank for a moment.Stepping forward, he shielded Miranda and raised his sword to block the masked man’s saber.“Calm down! The commander said this woman might still be useful. Don’t go against his word!”But before his words had even finished, the situation changed in a flash.The masked man abruptly twisted his blade, slashing toward the burly warrior’s neck with lightning speed. The angle was vicious and sudden—nearly impossible to guard against.The burly man had assumed this was merely a furious comrade; it never occurred to him that he would suddenly turn his blade on him. Let alone defend himself—he was still in stunned disbelief even as the blade sliced across his
Revenge of the Betrayed: The Domineering Duke Falls for Me Chapter 270: Miranda Taken Hostage
The man in black twisted Miranda's arm with one hand and held a dagger across her with the other. He jerked his chin toward Molly, signaling her to open the door. His grip on the dagger only tightened.Molly glanced worriedly at her miss before stepping forward to open the door.Standing outside was the regal and elegant Queen Dowager, flanked by Margaret and others—Selena stood nearby.The moment the door opened and the Queen Dowager saw Miranda being held hostage, her expression changed drastically. She shouted, “Who are you? How dare you seize a noble lady? Release her at once!”“Oh, how dearly the Queen Dowager treasures this Miss Croyso,” the man in black sneered. “Good. If Your Grace doesn’t want anything to happen to her, then cooperate and help us get out of the palace. With your seal, I don’t suppose it’ll be difficult? Once we’re somewhere safe, we’ll let her go. How about that?”“Your Grace, you mustn’t!” Margaret cried urgently. “These assassins are after His Majesty’s lif
Revenge of the Betrayed: The Domineering Duke Falls for Me Chapter 269: Assassins
Hearing those words, Miranda finally let out a breath of relief.The fact that the King was willing to assign her tasks meant he had accepted her explanation.Of course, the King would not so easily trust her loyalty; she would still need to prove herself through her future actions. But at least, for someone like her—cornered by the Queen Mother with no way out—there was now a glimmer of hope ahead.As long as the King truly intended to oppose the Queen Mother, and as long as she could assist him in bringing her down, Miranda would be able to regain her freedom and no longer live under the Queen Mother's control."I understand. I will strictly follow Your Majesty's instructions," Miranda replied. "I used an excuse to leave earlier, and I cannot be away for too long. If there are no further orders, I shall take my leave."The King watched Miranda’s retreating figure in silence.Because of that familiar face, he couldn’t help but pay her a little more attention, though he did not show i
Revenge of the Betrayed: The Domineering Duke Falls for Me Chapter 268: King's Trust
"Miranda?"The King, who had just risen to his feet, slowly sat back down, frowning slightly. After a moment, he said, "Let her come forward."Guided by Giles, Miranda approached gracefully and knelt in salute. "Greetings, Your Majesty."The King studied her closely, trying to guess her intentions. "You asked to see me. What is it you wish to say?""I..." Miranda hesitated, carefully choosing her words."Your Majesty's teachings remain engraved in my heart. Yet, in this world, eight or nine out of ten things do not go as one wishes," Miranda answered calmly, her head bowed. Slowly, she lifted her gaze and caught sight of a sheet of paper on the table. Daringly, she picked it up with a gentle motion. The King silently watched her actions."For a piece of paper," she said softly, "its greatest wish would be to remain pure and untouched — neither stained by ink nor creased by water. Yet once a hand reaches out and soaks it in ink or water, the paper has no strength to resist."She did no
Revenge of the Betrayed: The Domineering Duke Falls for Me Chapter 267: Playing Chess with the King
That day, the King came to pay his respects at the Queen Dowager’s palace. The Queen Dowager ordered tea to be served.A young lady stepped forward, dressed in a gown of pale blue silk—the soft, mist-like color seemed steeped in delicate light, graceful and ethereal. Her hair ornaments matched in hue, adorned with teardrop-shaped tassels that swayed gently with her movements, catching the light like liquid glass. Her skin was fair as porcelain, her features fresh and luminous, like a lotus emerging from clear waters.Her simple attire, serene beauty, and quiet elegance gave the impression of a cool spring flowing through a sweltering day—soothing and refreshing.When the King saw that the one serving tea was Miranda, he paused. His gaze lingered briefly on her attire, on her calm expression, on the faint scent of perfume that wafted near. His eyes flickered with a shadowed gleam as he said with a faint smile, “I heard Miss Miranda fell ill shortly after entering the palace, and has be
Revenge of the Betrayed: The Domineering Duke Falls for Me Chapter 266
Miranda was filled with doubts.Zachary had taken a liking to her and, without even asking her opinion, went straight to the Queen to request a royal marriage decree. The Queen Dowager fancied her and instantly ordered her into the palace as a companion. They were all powerful figures—so why was it that when Reginald liked her, he remained so silent? So composed? Why hadn’t she sensed even the slightest hint of his feelings?Even after hearing about her engagement to Sheffield, he simply vanished from her world. Aside from that one moment—when he stumbled into her chambers feverish and disoriented—he never once made a move. He didn’t even try to interfere with the betrothal between the Croyso family and Sheffield.Weren’t people like them always forceful and self-indulgent in love and power alike? And Reginald, with his flamboyant and unrestrained nature—why had he acted so differently?Her head throbbed. With a shake, she tried to banish the thoughts. There was a clear disparity in s
Revenge of the Betrayed: The Domineering Duke Falls for Me Chapter 265: How Could He Possibly Like Her
In that faintly charged, ambiguous atmosphere, Reginald’s ears suddenly twitched. He had caught the faint sound of footsteps approaching. His expression changed instantly. He gave Miranda a small nod, pulled up his hood, and with a light, soundless leap, landed on the windowsill. With one hand gripping the ledge, he gave a pull—and in the next breath, his figure vanished from sight.Miranda understood at once and quietly closed the window.***It was deep into the night. No stars, no moon—only utter darkness.Miranda lay upon soft pillows, her eyes shut tightly. Beads of sweat gathered on her pale, smooth forehead, soaking into her hairline. Her head moved slightly from side to side, as if trying to shake something off. Her sleep was uneasy.She dreamt of many things from the past.Foolishness from a previous life. The days in the Croyso household, sharing what felt like a mother-daughter bond with her stepmother. Hans’s sweet lies after she married with him—and her naïve, wholehearte
Revenge of the Betrayed: The Domineering Duke Falls for Me Chapter 264: No Path Is Without Danger
“Although His Majesty shows great respect and deference to the Queen Dowager, and her position in the palace seems untouchable,” Miranda said firmly, “if their relationship were truly as unshakable as it appears, then why would she need to use me as a pawn? That alone tells me—they don’t fully trust each other. I’m convinced there’s a rift between them.”Her eyes gleamed with quiet intelligence.“Besides, the Queen Dowager is from House Blackwell. So is the Queen. If Prince Zachary ascends the throne, the maternal family’s power will be overwhelming. Lord Reginald, tell me—could the King possibly feel at ease with that? Don’t you think he might also want to bring down the Queen Dowager and the Blackwell family?”If the answer to all of those questions was yes—then that was her opportunity.Especially when she recalled that moment at the Croyso estate—how the King, upon first seeing her, had lost his composure and shattered his teacup. Yet in the Queen Dowager’s hall, he had greeted he
Revenge of the Betrayed: The Domineering Duke Falls for Me Chapter 263: You Mean… The King?!
“Miranda, what do you intend to do?” he asked cautiously, probing her thoughts.Miranda didn’t answer directly. Instead, she returned the question, “What do you think I should do, Lord Reginald?”“Just as you said, the Queen Dowager is ruthless and cunning. She doesn’t care if she destroys you in the process. So, Miranda, don’t confront her head-on. Evade her, pretend even, let her think she’s won—just don’t suffer for nothing!” That was the real reason Reginald had come today—to warn her. Earlier, he’d gone to the palace to attend council with the King and was granted leave to walk in the royal gardens afterwards. That gave him the opportunity to send Miranda a message, even now, to meet her here in person.Though he’d already passed along a warning through a young eunuch, he had still worried something might go wrong. That’s why he had been hiding near the gazebo all along, ready to intervene if needed.He had seen everything with his own eyes.In the end, it was Selena who suffered
