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Chapter 39: The First Clash of the Ladies

ผู้เขียน: Sunara
last update ปรับปรุงล่าสุด: 2024-08-10 02:12:11

The next day, in accordance with his promise, the Earl of Croyso brought over a few maids for Miranda to choose from. Miranda selected a few plain-looking girls and assigned them to stay by her side for menial tasks. However, what was even more unexpected was that the Earl invited Lady Langley to the estate for lunch. No one knew what kind of agreement the two had reached, but on the surface, it seemed that they had reconciled their differences.

Over the years, it was publicly stated that Lady Langley and the late Countess Anna had never gotten along, which was why the two families had little contact. But in private, everyone in the Earl's household knew that it was because the Earl had always blamed Lady Langley for Anna's death. For the past ten years, Sophie Croyso, as the second wife, had controlled the Earl’s household and had completely severed ties between the two families. Now that the Earl had stepped in to reconcile the relationship, did this mean the winds were changing? Sp
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  • Revenge of the Betrayed: The Domineering Duke Falls for Me   Chapter 40: An Initial Display of Power

    “I’ve heard that the previous tutor was problematic, corrupting these young ladies of noble birth. I have a list of new tutors here, recommended by Lady Fitzroy. They are said to be quite good. The Earl mentioned that he would send someone to invite them soon. To ensure you don’t miss anything important due to your lateness, I’m informing you once more!”Lady Langley’s voice was as cold and clear as jade. She first criticized Lady Croyso for her poor management of the estate, having hired an unsuitable tutor. Then, she pointed out Selena’s disgrace at the banquet, mentioned her own connection with Lady Fitzroy, and finally, emphasized that the Earl had already agreed to her suggestions. She was merely informing Lady Croyso, striking at each of Sophie Croyso’s vulnerabilities.Miranda hadn’t expected Lady Langley’s words to be so sharp, raising an eyebrow slightly.Lady Croyso was surprised as well. A decade had passed, and although their positions were now reversed, Lady Langley still

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2024-08-11
  • Revenge of the Betrayed: The Domineering Duke Falls for Me   Chapter 41: First Encounter with a Prince

    "My lord..." Sophie·Croyso called out timidly."Are you so eager to make her suffer?" Earl Croyso sighed deeply, his expression darkened. "I know you've endured a lot in the past, and Julie Langley has never been easy to deal with. But now, you are the one in charge of the household. You should exhibit the etiquette and respect that your position demands. Aren’t you afraid that your petty tricks and vulgar language will make you a laughingstock? Sophie, since my return to the capital, you’ve repeatedly disappointed me. I truly don’t understand what happened to the sensible woman you once were."It was the first time Lady Croyso had heard such harsh words from the Earl. Tears welled up in her eyes. "I’m scared... afraid that Lady Langley will bully me as she did before, so... so..."Earl Croyso shot her a stern look. "You have Selena, so it’s understandable that you can't care for Miranda as if she were your own daughter. I won't hold that against you for now. But Miranda is still young

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2024-08-12
  • Revenge of the Betrayed: The Domineering Duke Falls for Me   Chapter 42: An Insight Beyond Her Years

    Hidden behind the tall counter, the figure emerged, dressed in a green gown embroidered with delicate yellow plum blossoms at the collar—fresh and graceful. Her raven-black hair was adorned with white jade flower-shaped ornaments, and a delicate netted veil partially obscured her face, adding a touch of mystery to her appearance. Beneath her finely arched brows, her eyes shimmered like black mercury against a backdrop of white, clear and enchanting, a contrast so striking it was mesmerizing.Even the young gentleman, known for his discerning taste, couldn’t help but gaze at her with admiration, his eyes now filled with curiosity and intrigue.Seeing such a delicate beauty emerge, Quintina’s instincts flared with hostility. “That’s right,” she snapped. “If you dare try to brush me off again with some excuse about not having silver thread, I’ll tear down your shop!”Miranda, however, remained gentle in her tone. “May I ask, my lady, what is it that you intend to embroider with the silve

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2024-08-13
  • Revenge of the Betrayed: The Domineering Duke Falls for Me   Chapter 43: The Shameless Miss Selena

    Miranda paused and turned back, her voice soft and gentle, “Sir, do you need more thread? I can assist you.”“I’m not here for thread,” the young nobleman replied with a warm smile. His fine attire and graceful demeanor made him appear even more distinguished, a picture of elegance and refinement. “I have another matter I’d like to request your help with. Would you be able to assist me?”Miranda was uncertain of his intentions. She had a habit of avoiding situations she couldn’t control, and was about to politely decline when the young man continued, “My name is Zachary, and this is my cousin, Quintina. We mean you no harm, so there’s no need for concern.”“Zachary? Isn’t that His Highness the Prince?” a surprised voice suddenly called out from behind. Moments later, Selena appeared at the doorway, hurried to the counter, and curtsied before Zachary. Her pink dress, adorned with floral patterns, only enhanced her delicate beauty. In a sweet, lilting voice, she said, “Selena greets Your

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2024-08-14
  • Revenge of the Betrayed: The Domineering Duke Falls for Me   Chapter 44: The Countess Stirs Trouble Again?

    Lady Langley frowned, clearly displeased with Selena’s sycophantic display. “Selena, stop your nonsense!”“Lady Langley, it's rare for His Highness to ask for our help. If we refuse too much, wouldn’t that be a slight to him?” In front of Zachary, Selena affectionately took Lady Langley’s arm, playfully pouting. “Besides, it’s His Highness’s cousin who wants this snow wolf robe. We’re all women, and close friends often exchange clothes and jewelry. What’s the harm in that? Moreover, if my embroidery skills are exceptional and it becomes well-known, it would bring honor to the House of Croyso, wouldn’t it?”Zachary was far from convinced by her flattery. Seeing her exaggerated demeanor, he doubted she was truly skilled in embroidery. Remembering the rumors from the flower-viewing banquet, he grew even more disinclined toward her. He was about to refuse when a thought crossed his mind, and his gaze briefly rested on Miranda. A cunning glint flashed in his dark eyes, and he smiled, noddin

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2024-08-15
  • Revenge of the Betrayed: The Domineering Duke Falls for Me   Chapter 45: Weighing the Pros and Cons, Persuading the Steward

    Lady Langley glanced at Selena, who was lost in her thoughts, captivated by the Prince’s attention. Seizing the opportunity, she suggested to Miranda that they visit the storeroom together, leading her niece away discreetly. Selena, still immersed in her reverie, did not notice their departure. Once they reached a quiet spot, Lady Langley turned to Miranda and asked, "What’s going on?""Miss Selena’s belongings have gone missing," Miranda explained calmly. "I’ve heard that several valuable items have been stolen. Her maid has been making quite a scene, claiming that the thief must be one of the servants you brought from your agency. She also implied that because you took Selena out today, this incident was able to occur. With the Earl away and the head steward out shopping, there's no one in charge, so the situation is escalating."At this point, the Earl’s wife's plan became clear.A few days ago, the Countess mentioned that Selena was short on help and suggested that Miranda could pi

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2024-08-15
  • Revenge of the Betrayed: The Domineering Duke Falls for Me   Chapter 46: Miranda's Governance, What a Tactic!

    However, he wasn’t foolish. When the Countess came, Lady Miranda’s words would likely lose their authority. Most of what was decided would be undone, so he remained silent with a faint smile.“There’s an old saying: ‘Fortune favors the bold.’ You can’t hope for both safety and success; life doesn’t work that way. Opportunity knocks but once. You should think this through carefully.” With the bait already set, Miranda smiled lightly and left.After returning to her room, Miranda changed her clothes and freshened up. She then headed to the front hall with Molly and Silvia. The Countess had already arrived, sitting quietly. Everyone involved in the matter had also been summoned.The Countess said, “Miranda, why didn’t Lady Langley return with you? Something so serious has happened in the manor, and she thinks she can avoid trouble by hiding away?”Miranda replied calmly, “Please don’t be upset, Madam. Lady Langley was exhausted after I took her out for a whole day. I felt sorry for her,

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2024-08-16
  • Revenge of the Betrayed: The Domineering Duke Falls for Me   Chapter 47: The Recovery of Lost Items

    Jack lowered his head in a deep bow, though his mind was roiling with turmoil. He finally understood what Miranda had meant earlier by "an opportunity." Just from this brief interaction with Miss Miranda, it was clear how clever and strategic she was. Moreover, she was currently the Earl's favorite, with her status in the household rising rapidly. As these thoughts churned in his mind, Jack made a silent decision and discreetly signaled one of his men to leave the front hall."Well, I’ve said everything that needed to be said—"At that moment, a maid at Selena's side rushed in and announced, "Miss Miranda, the Master has returned. Miss Selena has recounted the entire situation, and the Master wants you and to meet him in his chamber!" This news sent a ripple of tension through the room. Even Jack felt a pang of regret, but the man he had sent was already out of reach. All he could do was hope that Miss Miranda would be able to handle the Master.Mi

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2024-08-17

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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

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