Semua Bab Revenge of the Betrayed: The Domineering Duke Falls for Me: Bab 251 - Bab 260

"You had your chance and refused it. Now you'll learn the hard way!"The thug sneered. "Just a lowly knight, daring to offend the House of William? Because of you, Lord William’s title was reduced. Did you really think you could cross him without consequences? This is a lesson!"Hans laughed coldly."So that’s who you’re with—William, the pompous fraud who tried to bribe me into smearing someone else? Hah! A man that vile and shameless—yes, I offended him, and I’d do it again. If you’ve got the guts, come at me!"With that, the group surged forward, and a fierce brawl broke out.Back at the palace during the confrontation, Earl Croyso had already formed a favorable impression of Hans Dickson—a knight who was upright and proudly unbending. Especially since Hans had stood up to the House of William because of Miranda, Croyso’s goodwill toward him only grew. Seeing him outnumbered now, the earl was about to step in—only to pause, intrigued by the young man’s stance and poise.In a matter

After the encounter at the royal palace, Hans was confident he had made a good impression on Earl Croyso. He had originally planned to take things slowly, building rapport step by step, not wanting to rush the process. But after overhearing that conversation between the two commoners, he couldn’t help feeling restless. If even those two penniless men could see the value of such a marriage prospect, how could the sharp-eyed nobles of the capital not see it too?There were plenty of promising young aristocrats in the city. If one of them made a move first, what did he have to compete with them? In birth, in title, in power—he had none of it.The more he thought about it, the more anxious and excited he became. Finally unable to suppress himself, he laid his plan today—and sure enough, was successfully invited to House Croyso. What he didn’t expect, however, was to run into Miss Selena so soon after arriving at the estate. It was as if fate itself was lending him a hand.He believed that

Miranda and Selena stepped down from the carriage and, under the guidance of palace maids, made their way toward the Queen Dowager’s side hall.The path was lined with lush greenery and vibrant blooms, yet neither girl spared a glance—they each walked with focused silence, lost in their own thoughts.Upon reaching the side hall, the Queen Dowager greeted them with a display of warm affection. Before they could finish their curtsy, she had already waved over her maids to help them up and seated them at her sides, one on the left, the other on the right.Taking Miranda’s hand in hers with a look of loving concern, she said, “You poor child, having suffered two such unfortunate engagements. But it’s all behind you now—don’t let it trouble you. You’re a girl of great fortune. Riches and glory await you. Someone like Sheffield isn’t worth a second thought.”After offering her condolences, she turned to Selena, taking her hand and asking after her with tender care. Anyone who didn’t know be

Miranda recognized it at once—it was Reginald’s handwriting. Her heart skipped a beat.Since Reginald had spoken in such terms, there must be something wrong with the gazebo. It would be wiser not to go. As she pondered, a sudden idea struck her. She feigned having been bumped in the waist, and began to slowly limp toward the bend in the path. Sure enough, Selena and the palace maid who had been leading the way were nowhere in sight. Given the maid’s indifferent attitude toward her, it was unlikely she would come back to look for her. This was the perfect opportunity to shake them off and avoid going to the gazebo.Still, a convincing act required thoroughness. Miranda glanced around and found a servant. She described Selena and the leading maid to him, explaining that she'd been bumped in the waist and slowed down, which was why she lost them after turning a corner. Following the servant’s directions, she made a show of heading after them. Once out of sight, she deliberately turned i

Since the king had made his decision, the matter was settled. The queen cast one final glance at Selena, then looked over at Miranda before curtseying to the Queen Dowager and taking her leave.The Queen Dowager had Selena helped to her feet and brought back to her own palace. There, she offered soothing salves for the bruises, showering Selena with gentle concern and comfort.Already full of grievance, Selena was moved by such kindness, and her sorrow burst forth. She broke into tears, crying uncontrollably in the Queen Dowager’s arms.The Queen Dowager lightly patted her shoulder, letting her cry it out.It took some time before Selena calmed down. She slowly recounted the events.After she and Miranda parted ways, the guiding maid noticed Miranda had gone missing and panicked. After all, she had been entrusted with Miranda's care, and if something happened, she would surely be punished. So she asked Selena to wait at the gazebo while she went to look for Miranda.Selena sat for a w