All Chapters of The Ugly Duckling: Rise of the Forsaken Wife: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

The training was postponed, but Danice used her time in the hospital to deepen her knowledge about the high society. Thanks to the information that Designer Li provided, she and Butler Hans now had a clearer picture of the hierarchy of power among the elites.“You’ve offended the Roans again. I’m sure they’ll retaliate,” Butler Hans said, his voice edged with worry. “And this time, their plot might be even trickier.”“We have no choice but to face them.” Danice gazed out the window, her eyes firm with resolve. “The Roan family and I have been at odds from the very beginning.”If she hadn’t taken this step, she would have been humiliated and devoured by them that day. Surviving one confrontation only meant bracing for their fury in the days to come. She and Butler Hans would need to be even more vigilant to withstand the Roan family’s endless schemes.The trouble Danice anticipated arrived sooner than expected.That afternoon, Danice received an unexpected visitor.Yvette entered in a

Danice smirked. “Ah… you must be my so-called father. For a moment, I thought we were sworn enemies. We clearly haven’t met, yet you look at me as if I slaughtered your family.”Richard looked at her with disgust. “What an ill-mannered child. There are jokes you shouldn’t make.”Danice no longer cared to converse. She brushed past him. “I’m not interested in talking with hostile people. And as for your warning—you don’t even deserve to nag me like that. It’s Grandpa who provided for me, not you. Remember, you’ve been absent my entire life. You have no right to discipline me.”“Danice!” Richard reached for her arm, but she slipped away. Danice’s reflexes, honed from a week of nonstop training and fight challenges was fast. She was grateful it came in handy now.Richard hand caught only air, and his gaze darkened.“How dare you ignore me? You’re new to the family, so you must not know—but as my daughter, you belong to the first branch. I have every right to discipline you. The mess you

Danice was finally discharged. Designer Li warmly welcomed her with a table full of dishes.During the meal, Danice shared her progress in studying high society. Designer Li was impressed. "You managed to master all that while in the hospital? I underestimated you."Danice, suddenly praised, grew shy for a moment. She was not used to being praised and she did not know how to react. "...I wasted so much time in the hospital. We only have a month, and the deadline is coming up.""Even after the month ends, you're always welcome here to ask for my advice. You're my niece, after all."Danice was taken aback, her heart warmed by Designer Li's kindness. "If that's the case, Aunt, I won't be polite. I'll come here often."Designer Li chuckled. "You'd better."The two enjoyed their meal. As dessert arrived, Danice shared the career she dreamed of. "Aunt, if I want to be an actress, which school should I go to?"Designer Li thought for a moment. "Hmm... There are many acting schools in the cap

It was supposed to be a warm family dinner—a time to ask about one another’s lives and share small stories as they bonded. But with Danice seated at the head of the table beside the old man, the other branches felt suffocated just watching.Vanessa glared with vicious eyes as Danice cut the shrimp into smaller pieces and placed them on her father’s plate. Seeing the once-unbridled child bonding so naturally with Head Master Roan made her worry that he might favor Danice over her own daughter.Her concern was shared by the other branches. None of them could stomach the thought of Danice gaining the Head Master’s favor.“Ah, right. I heard Sophia received a recommendation for the international workshop next semester. The show she starred in was a success, and the director loves her. Congratulations,” Felomina said at last, breaking the heavy silence and trying to draw the old man’s attention away from Danice.Vanessa’s eyes lit up, seizing the chance to boast. “Oh, you heard about it? S

It was late at night. The rhythmic beat of the heart monitor in the master’s bedroom echoed softly. Butler James watched as Danice carefully tucked the sleeping Head Master Roan beneath the blanket. Her movements were gentle, careful--as if the old man was a fragile glass.Butler James had been present at dinner and had witnessed everything that unfolded. The headmaster, without meaning to, had stirred trouble for the Third Young Miss. If Head Master Roan were still at the peak of his health, he would never have been so tactless. But the man before them now was no longer the same.Butler James sighed. He knew Danice had been keeping a low profile, carefully avoiding trouble and concealing her plans so the other branches wouldn’t interfere. Yet tonight, the headmaster had exposed her intentions without realizing it. Even so, Danice showed no hint of blame or irritation. There had been a fleeting look of helplessness on her face, but no trace of resentment.Even now, she remained at her