Semua Bab Revenge of the Betrayed: The Domineering Duke Falls for Me: Bab 321 - Bab 330

Reginald stepped forward at an unhurried pace, positioning himself squarely between Miranda and Gavin, blocking the latter’s view of her. A faint, careless smile played at the corners of his lips as he spoke in a voice as smooth as silk:“Who I am is of no consequence. What matters is that she is not someone you can lay claim to. She will never be your betrothed—much less your wife. You’d do well to abandon that foolish dream before it humiliates you.”Gavin’s eyes burned with sharp curiosity as he assessed the man who had appeared out of nowhere. Then he said, calmly but with challenge in his tone, “Words are wind. Let your hands speak for you.”With a sudden burst of movement, Gavin leapt forward like a hawk diving from the sky. His hand swept into a palm strike mid-air, his voice ringing out: “If I’m to be accused of wishful thinking, then prove to me you’ve earned the right to say so!”His attack came fast and precise, the air whistling in its wake.“Child’s play,” Reginald replie

Reginald strolled up leisurely with a half-smile. “Top floor’s clear now, isn’t it? I suppose I can claim it for the evening.”Once the viewing gallery was tidied up by the attendants, Reginald and Miranda finally made their way up. He pushed open a tall arched window, and a crisp night breeze swept in, cool and bracing. Each leaned casually on one side of the window frame, gazing out at the distant view.The night was deep, with no stars or moon in sight. The sky stretched out like dark velvet soaked in ink—shadowed and mysterious.By day, the capital city bustled with life and noise. But by night, it slumbered like a great beast, stripped of its glamor and noise, laid bare in a rare moment of peace. Even with the laughter and music from the Veil Festival still drifting up from the streets, the night air lent everything a strange, dreamlike stillness, making the quiet feel even deeper.From above, the flickering lamplights below looked like scattered stars across the dark landscape.

Reginald had always known it was a one-sided affection—his feelings for Miranda were his alone. As for how she felt about him...But still... did she really have to treat him so differently?Reginald knew he was in no position to compare himself to Miranda’s father, but the frustration swelling in his chest left him so flustered that the words slipped out before he could stop them.Miranda froze in place, stunned by his outburst. It took her a moment to gather herself before she murmured, “You’re right. It was my fault. I never should’ve dragged you into my mess, never should’ve let you take the risks meant for me... Even now, being here with me, alone in this room—if anyone were to see us, your reputation would suffer.”It felt as though a bucket of cold water had been poured over her head. Her mind suddenly cleared with frightening sharpness, reverting to the detached state she once relied on to survive. She realized then how far she had let herself slip—how dangerously relaxed she'

“Miranda, I’m sorry, I just…” Reginald’s brain had completely shut down. In a daze, he rubbed his forehead like the fool he was, trying to recall the sensation from just now. That kiss… the sweetness of it felt oddly familiar, like he had tasted it somewhere before…Seeing the way he stood there, clearly savoring the memory, Miranda felt her face burning. She dared not meet his gaze. She turned quickly, wanting to leave.Reginald rushed to block her path. “Miranda, I’m sorry—it was all my fault. Please don’t be angry…” At this point, he had reached the point of no return. There was no way he could let Miranda walk away again. This might be his only chance to lay everything out.Like a cat that had stolen a taste and now tried to behave sweetly, he softened his voice and said patiently, “Miranda, I admit, I was wrong to have your father feign illness. I put Lord Croyso in danger. But think about it—he’s your father. He loves you deeply. What could matter more to him than you? That’s wh

The very next day after the Veil Festival, Gavin appeared before the city court to lodge a formal complaint. He claimed that his father, Steven, had never left Jasendale, and had certainly never arranged any marriage on his behalf. To support his claim, Gavin brought a portrait of his father and requested members of the Fitzroy family to verify the identity. Upon seeing the painting, they confirmed that the man who had previously claimed to be Steven was in fact an impostor. Gavin pleaded for the court to clear his father's name and restore his honor.Naturally, the case reignited public discussion surrounding the Fitzroy family's recent marriage scandal. Whispers that had only just begun to fade were once again on everyone’s lips.Lord Fitzroy, known for his upright character, openly admitted that the previous engagement involving Miss Jenny had been arranged by the family itself. He explained that the arrangement had been made precisely because they suspected the so-called Steven’s