As each finger was cruelly broken, the agony that surged through her body revealed the truth—her nanny and maids had betrayed her long ago. When her sister confessed to carrying her husband's child, Miranda realized that their prior kindness had been nothing but an act in a sinister play. When her gentle husband, a man she had once loved, directed his new lover to claim her life, she understood she had been nothing more than a stepping stone to his ascent to power... Twenty years in this mortal world, and she was merely a puppet manipulated by others. Yet, fate, in its mercy, offered her a second chance. This time, it was her turn to consign those deceivers to hell! Although she returned only to exact vengeance, how did she unwittingly capture the interest of a powerful magnate this time around? Watching the delicate yet resilient girl, the Duke turned to his subordinate and said “Remove the filth that marred her eyes. Feed it to the dogs."
View MoreMeeting Lady Fitzroy’s expectant gaze, Miranda understood that she was not only worried about the Fitzroy family but also about Wensley. Clearly, she was feeling lost and uncertain. So Miranda said, “No need to fret, Madam. This situation isn’t entirely without a way out. Though the plan is clever, the key still lies in Steven’s identity. Whether it’s the real Steven or this imposter, if someone can recognize him, the whole scheme will fall apart on its own.”At first, Lady Fitzroy’s eyes lit up as Miranda spoke, but after hearing the full explanation, she felt a wave of disappointment.Everyone knew the crux of the matter was Steven’s identity. But the real Steven was far away in the city of Jasendale, and it would take at least two months to get there and back. By then, the Fitzroy family would have been the subject of endless gossip in the capital. By the time the information arrived, everything would be settled.Miranda nodded and analyzed further, “I believe the best way to resol
Lady Fitzroy was startled and hurriedly asked, "What do you mean by that?"If marrying Wensley offered no advantage, she would have a reason to convince everyone to call off the engagement."Before, there was something I couldn't figure out—why did the other side go to such great lengths to handpick Steven? After much thought, I realized there was more to it," Miranda, pulling Wensley back beside her, sat in front of Lady Langley and analyzed, "If we go by Wensley’s father’s logic, marrying Wensley into that family would indeed win a reputation for keeping one’s word, which might even aid Lord Fitzroy in his promotion to Prime Minister. But think about it, Madam—if this whole thing was aimed at Lord Fitzroy, planned so meticulously, how could they leave such a glaring loophole that would end up benefiting him, turning a disadvantage into an advantage?"Lady Fitzroy and Lady Langley exchanged a glance; this was something neither of them had considered.The Fitzroy family had only thoug
Hearing these words, everyone fell silent. Yes, that person only needed to stir things up for two months. If they could create turmoil in the capital during that time and tarnish old Mr. Fitzroy's reputation, it would put him at a disadvantage in the struggle for the premiership. Their goal would be achieved. Lady Fitzroy felt a sudden pang in her heart. If they wanted to avoid impacting her father-in-law’s reputation and future, then Wensley’s marriage... It was all because of that useless, muddled father of hers, who had caused such confusion and still didn’t realize his mistakes!At this point, the situation was no longer just about Marcus and Lady Fitzroy; it involved the entire Fitzroy family.Consequently, old Mr. Fitzroy summoned his disciples to discuss the matter together.Lady Langley and Miranda, being outsiders, felt it inappropriate to eavesdrop, so they made excuses to take their leave from the Fitzroy residence.As they back to the Croyso estate, Lady Langley contemplat
"But can Miranda, at such a young age, really be so perceptive about court affairs? Could it be that she's overthinking things?" Lady Fitzroy hesitated. This matter involved both Marcus’s foolishness and their daughter’s marriage, and she didn’t want to alarm her in-laws, fearing it would worry them. Still, after thinking it through, she realized the truth would come out eventually. Since Miranda was so certain, she decided to trust her.With that, Lady Fitzroy took Lady Langley, Wensley, and Miranda to meet with the elder Lord Fitzroy.Lord Fitzroy was in his study when he heard that these younger people had come to see him again. Surprised, he made his way to the sitting room, where the group had gathered. Noticing the anxious expressions on their faces, he waved for the servants to leave before asking, "What’s going on?"Lady Fitzroy then recounted the entire incident and Miranda’s suspicions.Outside, the scent of damp earth from the recent rain drift
"Lady Fitzroy, I think Aunt Langley is right—this whole thing seems very suspicious," Miranda pondered aloud. "Even if Mr. Marcus was careless in handling things, that Steven is questionable too. Putting aside whether his identity is real or not, if he truly wanted to curry favor with Lord Fitzroy, a senior scholar in the Privy Council, he should have made a formal proposal. Acting like this won’t win the Fitzroy family over; it’s more likely to offend them. Isn’t this bringing shame to the Fitzroy name rather than trying to build connections?"Lady Fitzroy angrily agreed, "Exactly! Who does business like this? I think he’s nothing but a swindler!"“If he’s a swindler, it’s likely for money. He’d target wealthy families—why risk deceiving a senior member of the Privy Council?” Miranda asked thoughtfully.Hearing this, Lady Fitzroy began to calm down, her dark brows furrowing deeply.She was usually a sharp and decisive person, but this situation involved her own daughter, and her husba
Wensley's father, Marcus, was a scholar in charge of compiling books at the royal palace. He often felt frustrated and unappreciated, leading him to seek solace in drinking and revelry. A few days ago, he encountered a middle-aged man who claimed to be the lord of a southern city, named Steven. The two quickly became acquainted over drinks, and before long, they were spending every day carousing together.A few days ago, in a drunken haze, they somehow decided to arrange a marriage between their children, promising Wensley to Steven's son. They even left a written agreement as proof.Yesterday, Steven showed up at their door with the letter, saying he was there to discuss the marriage.Lady Fitzroy was furious upon hearing this. Not only had Marcus arranged their daughter's marriage without consulting her, but Steven himself seemed highly suspicious. He was a complete stranger, with an unclear background. How could a city lord spend his days drinking with Marcus instead of attending to
Old Mr. Fitzroy was a very thin and gaunt old man, around fifty years old, with graying hair and beard. He looked somewhat stern and unapproachable. However, he greatly valued Mrs. Fitzroy, his daughter-in-law, and consequently also liked his innocent and sweet granddaughter, Wensley. Hearing that her friend was present, a faint smile appeared on his face, and he suddenly asked, "Miranda? Is she the daughter of Lord Croyso?"Upon hearing her father's name, Miranda quickly stood up and said, "Yes, he is my father.""Oh my, so you're his daughter, and you got injured in my residence. This is terrible! You must speak well of me in front of your father when you return. Don’t let that overprotective man chase me around half the capital with his sword." Old Mr. Fitzroy chuckled, as if remembering something amusing. "These old bones of mine can’t withstand his fuss!" This was because Miranda had accidentally twisted her ankle on the way here."Huh?" Miranda was taken aback, not quite underst
That day, Lady Langley come to visit Miranda at her home. Just as she arrived, she happened to run into Earl Croyso, who was returning from outside.As a matter of etiquette, Earl Croyso invited Lady Langley to join him in the drawing room. The two sat opposite each other, the room bathed in the soft light of the late afternoon. The air was heavy with unspoken words and lingering tensions from years past. Breaking the silence, Croyso glanced up from his cup, his voice calm but detached. “It seems the Fitzroy family has encountered some difficulties. You’re close with Lady Fitzroy, aren’t you? If you have time, it might be a good idea to take Miranda with you to visit them tomorrow.”Lady Langley, who had been stirring her tea absentmindedly, froze for a second before lifting her head. The news struck her sharply, concern flashing across her face. “What’s happened?” she asked, her voice edged with worry.Croyso leaned back slightly, setting his cup down on the polished mahogany table.
“I would love to, but it’s impossible to find anyone as beautiful, gentle, understanding, and tolerant as you, Mother. No one else catches my eye. So, I’ll just have to keep looking,” Reginald said, his tone playful. Yet, as soon as the thought of marriage came up, a fleeting image of Miranda’s charming and ever-changing expressions flashed through his mind.“You! All the children your age have already married. Even Zachary, who’s always been at odds with you, I hear he’s recently taken a liking to a young lady and is planning to propose to the Queen. What about you? When will you let me hold my grandchild?” Lady Liudmila cast him a reproachful glance.“Zachary is getting engaged?” Reginald was momentarily surprised, then chuckled. “That fellow fancies himself the future king, always so high and mighty. I wonder which family’s daughter he’s set his sights on?” Suddenly, a memory of that assassination attempt surfaced—Zachary badmouthing him to Miranda. Reginald’s heart tightened abrup
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