All Chapters of The Ugly Duckling: Rise of the Forsaken Wife: Chapter 51 - Chapter 60

For the next several days, Head Master Roan had Danice move into the main mansion.The old man, who had been bedridden for so long, seemed suddenly rejuvenated. He no longer needed the bulky medical equipment in his room. Instead, he went out with her—taking her to his favorite restaurants, showing her the places he loved. During those days, Danice was happier than she had ever been.No mocking whispers. No harsh words or disgusted stares. Only quiet, uncomplicated bliss.One afternoon he brought her to a secluded valley where a grand villa stood surrounded by soft green hills. “This was your grandmother’s favorite retreat,” he said, his eyes lingering on the horizon. “She loved to sit here and watch the sunset. She passed away during one of our stays. I’d like to spend my remaining days here as well. Would you stay with me?”Danice didn’t fully understand the weight of his words, but she agreed instantly. Any place with her grandfather was where she wanted to be.The days that fo

The instructors from the Li family's villa arrived and gladly settled into the valley. With their help, Danice resumed her training. Headmaster Roan watched as she practiced dancing, singing, and painting. Sometimes she would pull him into her lessons—dancing with him even while he remained in his wheelchair, singing duets at the piano, or sketching him in ridiculous stick figures. On weekends, Danice studied the fundamentals of acting, while her grandfather watched her from the side.All week, the grandfather and granddaughter were inseparable. Butler James could only watch helplessly as Danice eagerly stole his duties.One quiet afternoon, Headmaster Roan spoke suddenly. "My dear, I'll be away for a while. While I'm gone, I want you to live happily and pursue everything you desire."Danice's heart skipped. She stared at him, startled. "...Are you—""I heard from Dr. Gomez about your visit," he said with a gentle nod. "I must have worried you. Don't be afraid. Your grandfather is str

“Actually, I’m not entering the Starlight Academy for Dancing Arts,” Danice said, her voice steady despite the weight of their stares. “I want to apply to the acting department.”The two people beside Mrs. Johnson exchanged disappointed looks. They thought they were going to watch a good performance. "I am an instructor for dancing department. Why come to me?""You are the only person I can reach out to and has the power to make Starlight accept me. And I also believe in Aunt Li's judgement." Mrs. Johnson arched a brow. “You speak so well. But you should have done your research. I don’t like having my time wasted by empty promises and pretty words. How do you plan to convince me then?”Danice swallowed hard. This was the moment. She held out an envelope.“Allow me to introduce myself again. I’m Danice Roan, daughter of Lilith Juliet Cortez. I found photos of you with my mother back in your university days. It feels shameless to use her name, but for the sake of your past relationsh

Danice glanced at the address on the note. She had expected it to be difficult to obtain, but unexpectedly, Mrs. Johnson had given her Mr. Albrich’s address without hesitation after she inquired about his whereabouts.“I failed my friend once. And I couldn’t defend her when she needed me the most. This time, I’m helping you because of her. But remember—after this, I won’t grant any more favors.”Mrs. Johnson said it firmly, yet Danice sensed that if she ever asked for help again, Mrs. Johnson would still come to her aid, though the latter would hide it behind a show of reluctance.“Danice, are you sure there’s a villa ahead?” Butler Hans panted, leaning against a tree.The sun blazed overhead. If not for the occasional shade, they might have collapsed from the heat.Danice wiped the sweat from her forehead. They had begun their climb at dawn, and now, with the sun at its peak, it seemed they weren’t even halfway.“The locals said the address is at the very top. With Mr. Albrich’s recl

Most of the paintings in the last two rooms carried the initials [A.K.], which Danice assumed stood for Albrich Kingstone. But these [J.A.] signatures belonged to someone else."You've found this room," Mr. Albrich said, appearing quietly behind her.Danice smiled. "I couldn't miss the chance to explore the mansion of a great painter. Everything here is a masterpiece."Mr. Albrich studied the canvas before her. "Perhaps it's fate. Of all the rooms, you found the one filled with my student's work."Danice glanced again at the [J.A.] mark. 'So this artist was his student.'"He's remarkable," she said. "I don't know much about art, but even someone as inexperienced as I am can see it. To capture emotion so vividly and move the viewer—it's as if the painting itself is alive, just like your own work."A small smile broke out of Mr. Albrich's rigid face. He seemed proud. "I'm glad you can see that. My student isn't like most people. Others express their feelings by crying or laughing. But h