June had initially worried that Reginald might scold her, but to her surprise, he said something completely unexpected. She was instantly overjoyed, her gaze toward Miranda filled with provocation. “Miranda, did you hear that? Even Lord Reginald says my manners are better than yours. Shouldn’t you be thanking me properly? From now on, I will make sure to train you well so you won’t embarrass yourself again!”Upon hearing this, a sharp glint flashed through Reginald’s jet-black eyes before transforming into a mesmerizing brilliance, captivating and bewitching.Princess Gina silently stared at the ground, inwardly cursing June for her reckless arrogance. She had been set up so highly, yet she still dared to be this brazen—she deserved whatever was coming her way! She was merely a distant niece to the queen, only managing to speak in front of Her Majesty thanks to her connection with Quintina. And now, she was already getting carried away. A person like her should be taught a lesson soon
With a splash, the garden pond erupted, scattering water droplets into the air and startling the birds skimming its surface."Oh, the paragon of gentleness and virtue, the esteemed lady of the Dickson family, the dignified countess by imperial decree."Selena stood on the bank, looking down with a smug, seductive smile at Miranda struggling in the water."Look at you now, how pitifully bedraggled you are—truly heartbreaking!""Why?" Miranda gasped as she surfaced, only for the murky pond water to rush into her mouth.She had come despite her recent grief of losing her child, to comfort her sister, who had divorced.Fearing that even the slightest glamour might offend, Miranda had chosen her attire with care—plain, understated, without a hint of gold.Such thoughtfulness, such affection, she never imagined it would end with Selena pushing her into the water."Why?" Selena peered down at the disheveled Miranda, whose hair clung to her pale, desperate face.A giggle broke from her lips, "
The icy lake water, the murky scent, the blood flowing down her face, the heart-wrenching pain...In a daze, Miranda didn't know where she was. She seemed to hear someone speaking and finally, in a daze, opened her eyes."My poor Miss Miranda," Mrs. Wilson, who had been nibbling on roasted chestnuts, saw her awake and quickly changed her expression.She pushed the plate aside, came forward to hold the weak Miranda in her arms, and began to wail."The marquis' family has called off the engagement. A girl who has been rejected by her fiancé has no future. Miss Miranda, you are not as beautiful or charming as Miss Selena. How will you live in the future?" She kept crying, not caring about how hurtful her words were.The marquis' family called off the engagement?Miranda was confused. Wasn't she pushed into the lake by Selena, dying? The icy, muddy feeling still surrounded her, along with the bone-deep hatred...She looked around in a daze. What she saw was a familiar yet strange bed cano
Miranda observed Greta’s plea for help with increased confidence and began crying out loudly, “Madam, please save me, someone is trying to beat me to death!”Countess Sophie Croyso raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Is that so?" She glanced around, avoiding Miranda, her face filled with anger."Regardless of the Croyso estate’s reputation, Greta has served Miss Miranda faithfully since childhood. Even if she made a mistake, she should be corrected, not beaten to death. Isn't this damaging Miss Miranda's dignity?"Mrs. Wilson stepped forward and said, "Countess, it was Miss Miranda who gave the order."Miranda had only ordered Greta to slap herself twenty times, but with Greta's crying, Sophie’s anger, and Mrs. Wilson’s report, the story twisted.It now seemed as though Miranda wanted Greta dead, tarnishing the Croyso estate’s reputation and making Miranda appear cruel and ungrateful.All eyes turned to Miranda.Beneath pale blue curtains, Miranda leaned weakly against a lavender pillow,
“Miss, Miss...”In a daze, she seemed to hear someone calling her urgently. Struggling to open her eyes, Miranda found it was already midnight.The surroundings were silent, and the moonlight poured in through the window like liquid silver, mingling with the flickering candlelight.The room was empty, except for the faint scent of unfamiliar herbs in the air, indicating someone had been there but had long since departed.She felt something unusual on her wrist. Looking down, she saw a small note pressed against it.After reading its contents, Miranda burned the note in the lamp.Her pale, sickly face remained expressionless as the flickering candlelight cast shadows across her features, making her look like a ghost, shadowy and somber.***“Miss Miranda, when the Earl comes, you must cry and beg to save this marriage. If you’re rejected, no good family will want you. I’m only saying this for your sake,” Mrs. Wilson lectured while styling her hair and applying makeup.Miranda’s reflecti
"I understands that Father has my best interests at heart. If the Marquis family breaks the engagement because they are dissatisfied with me, then even if I were to marry into their family, they would not treat me kindly. If it is due to some misunderstanding, then such a family, which cannot discern right from wrong, is not worth relying on," Miranda explained calmly and logically, her words perfectly hitting the mark in Count Croyso's heart.She then added sorrowfully, "I'm merely saddened to have brought shame upon Father!"Looking at his innocent daughter, Count Croyso's heart was filled with affection.He gently said, "It is not your fault, my dear. It is the Marquis family that has gone too far! Humph, that heir Andrew is not a good match either—arrogant and narrow-minded due to being spoiled. He does not deserve my daughter! Rest assured, I will find you a better match in the future!"Even if the Marquis family has now connected with the Empress Dowager, he will still seek just
Miranda smiled firmly and said, “Madam, don’t be childish. Let me apply the medicine. After all, it was my fault you got hurt.” Her insistence made it clear that the Countess couldn’t escape.The Countess, uneasy, discreetly pinched Selena, urging her to intervene. Selena quickly said, “Sister, please sit down. Madam should go back and apply the medicine in her room; it’s bad luck to see blood.”Selena’s concern won Count Croyso’s approval, but Miranda countered, “Madam saved me, and I owe her. I will serve her as my own mother, and no mother would refuse her child’s care.” Her words left no room for rejection. Count Croyso agreed, urging the Countess to accept treatment.The Countess, panicking, cursed Selena’s failure but smiled reluctantly, agreeing to let Miranda help. At that moment, a maid brought the medicine, and the Countess, unable to stall further, prepared to remove her bandages.Suddenly, Mrs. Wilson intervened, suggesting that applying medicine in front of everyone was in
In the study, a meticulously crafted iron incense burner, shaped like a crouching lion, sat majestically on the table. Its head was held high, as if surveying the entire room, with wisps of fragrant smoke curling from its open mouth, creating an atmosphere of mystery and tranquility."Stand before me!" commanded Lord Croyso, seated in a chair of purple-black rosewood, his expression dark and his voice low but commanding.Though outwardly calm, those who knew his temperament understood he was seething with rage. "My Lady, do you know your crime?"The Countess immediately stood, her face a mask of confusion, flawlessly feigning innocence. "I do not know what wrong I have committed, my lord.""A fine tale of cutting flesh to heal, a paragon of benevolence and compassion!" Lord Croyso sneered, his anger rising uncontrollably."Do you think me so easily deceived? Let me tell you, the
June had initially worried that Reginald might scold her, but to her surprise, he said something completely unexpected. She was instantly overjoyed, her gaze toward Miranda filled with provocation. “Miranda, did you hear that? Even Lord Reginald says my manners are better than yours. Shouldn’t you be thanking me properly? From now on, I will make sure to train you well so you won’t embarrass yourself again!”Upon hearing this, a sharp glint flashed through Reginald’s jet-black eyes before transforming into a mesmerizing brilliance, captivating and bewitching.Princess Gina silently stared at the ground, inwardly cursing June for her reckless arrogance. She had been set up so highly, yet she still dared to be this brazen—she deserved whatever was coming her way! She was merely a distant niece to the queen, only managing to speak in front of Her Majesty thanks to her connection with Quintina. And now, she was already getting carried away. A person like her should be taught a lesson soon
"Forgive my ignorance. It seems I haven't been taught manners as thoroughly as Miss June, whose upbringing and decorum are truly exemplary. I must learn much from you, Miss June. But to speak ahead of the princess and inquire about another’s family fortune—how far has one fallen to act so disgracefully? Many thanks to Miss June for teaching me these two rules of propriety. So, may I ask, Miss June, what is your family’s fortune, and how far has it fallen?" Miranda asked with a warm smile, her tone gentle and cordial.She and June were already sworn enemies, so Miranda’s words were sharp and unyielding, leaving no room for mercy.Princess Gina covered her mouth with her sleeve, letting out a soft chuckle, finding Miranda utterly delightful.June, however, was left in an impossible situation. To respond or not to respond—it was equally mortifying. Her face flushed crimson, and she stomped her foot. "Miranda, how dare you be so insolent!""My information is limited, and I truly wasn’t aw
The green-clad maid’s expression turned flustered. She hadn’t expected Miranda to recognize that this winding path wasn’t the one they’d taken earlier. For a moment, she froze in place but quickly recovered and said earnestly, “Miss Miranda, please come with me. I mean no harm to you—this is a good thing, not a bad one. Please believe me!”Miranda enunciated each word coldly: “I’ll ask one more time. Who sent you, and where are you taking me?”The maid hesitated. “I cannot say.”Miranda wasted no further words. She turned and walked away.The maid hadn’t expected Miranda to leave so decisively. Growing increasingly anxious, she stepped in front of Miranda, pleading to no avail. Finally, she dropped to her knees and began to cry. “Miss Miranda, the master forbade me to reveal anything. But I swear, it’s truly not harmful to you! If I fail to bring you, my lowly life will be forfeit. Please, show me mercy and come with me!”As she spoke, she knelt and kowtowed repeatedly. Her fair foreh
Lady Sheffield grew increasingly pleased as she plotted in her mind. She resolved to bring Fulton to the Croyso estate more frequently in the future to create opportunities for Rose. If that didn’t work, she, as his mother, would give things a little push. While she was deep in thought, she turned her head and saw her son fumbling nervously, face flushed, as he spoke to Miranda. Instantly annoyed, she stepped forward and said sharply, “You’re not even married yet, so don’t act so improper here!”Of course, her son couldn’t have done anything wrong—this accusation of “improper behavior” was directed squarely at Miranda!Lady Langley, who had been watching the scene, thought to herself, Running to your son's fiancée’s home and blaming her, how absurd!Fulton had wanted to give Miranda a fan but couldn’t muster the courage to do so. Just as he was hesitating, his mother intervened, criticizing Miranda right away. Growing anxious, he lowered his head and stammered, pulling at Lady Sheffie
Miranda found his demeanor amusing for a moment and stepped aside to a quieter area before asking, “Is there something you need, Fulton?”Seeing that no one was paying attention to them, Fulton hesitated and stammered, “I… my father gave me a beautiful fan yesterday. Each panel features a different flower, one for each month of the year. It’s really quite exquisite…”Miranda chuckled. “Well, congratulations.”Still, she couldn’t help but wonder—was something like this really worth all his hemming and hawing?Fulton, knowing such opportunities were rare, found himself unable to articulate his thoughts. He grew anxious, stamping his feet and sweating profusely.Lady Langley, however, had been watching them from a distance. Seeing Fulton’s demeanor, she quickly surmised his affection for Miranda. A faint smile graced her lips. While she felt gratified, she also felt a twinge of regret. Such a gentle and refined young man—why did he have to be burdened with a mother like Lady Sheffield? N
Upon hearing it was a decree from the Dowager Queen, everyone’s minds raced with countless thoughts. However, there was no time for words; they hurriedly changed into formal attire and went out to receive the message.The messenger was a young, cheerful steward, round and amiable, with a smile as warm as a benevolent saint. Once everyone had gathered, he raised his reedy, nasally voice and announced, “By command of Her Majesty the Dowager Queen: the day of my birthday approaches. I hereby summon Lady Croyso and the young ladies of the Croyso household to the palace to celebrate. So decreed!”The room collectively rose to express their gratitude. Miranda subtly slipped a pack of gold coin into his hand and asked, “Might I know your name, good steward?”The steward glanced at the coin’s value, his smile deepening. He silently praised the young lady’s sharpness and tact, thinking she must be Miranda, the eldest daughter of the Croyso family. Indeed, she had both intelligence and grace. “
What does it mean to say, "It would be great if my future daughter-in-law could be half as good as Rose"? Lady Sheffield had already settled on Miranda as her future daughter-in-law, yet she said this in front of Miranda. Wasn’t that a blatant slap to Miranda’s face? For Rose, this was the first time she had become the center of attention at the Croyso estate. Embarrassed, flustered, and anxious, her face turned red as she said, "Lady Sheffield, you flatter me too much. I’m clumsy and can’t do anything well, which is why I always try to learn more. Among us younger women, Miranda is truly the best—her embroidery is exceptional, and she’s incredibly intelligent. Even Earl Croyso dotes on her deeply." As she spoke, Rose cast pleading glances at Miranda, silently asking for help. It wasn’t that she wanted to outshine Miranda—she had no idea why Lady Sheffield would favor her so much. “You’re such a modest child!” Lady Sheffield dismissed her words with a wave, continuing, “But it
Lady Langley had already heard of Lady Sheffield’s close friendship with Sophie and her notoriously difficult personality. She had prepared herself mentally for the encounter, but she hadn’t expected Lady Sheffield to immediately humiliate Miranda.“Lady Sheffield, you are absolutely right. After all, a stepmother’s care can never compare to that of a real mother. Perhaps we should invite you to stay permanently at the Croyso estate to teach these unruly young ladies some proper manners?”Lady Sheffield was stunned by Lady Langley’s retort. It was sharp and indirect, expertly turning the accusation of Miranda’s lack of upbringing into a subtle jab at Sophie for failing to properly teach her stepdaughter. Even more cleverly, the remark insinuated dissatisfaction with Lady Sheffield herself as a second wife.This Lady Langley was clearly not one to be trifled with!No wonder Sophie had been caught in a scandal as soon as Lady Langley arrived, leading to a cold war with the Earl of Croyso
The queen's heart sank—how had this matter reached the ears of the Dowager Queen? "Aunt, it was that Sheffield who was so insufferably arrogant, deliberately causing trouble for us! He dared to compete with Zachary and set her sights on the very girl he favored. I couldn’t stand it, so I—""Foolishness!" the Dowager Queen snapped, her brows furrowed tightly. "That Sheffield earned their title through real military achievements. In today’s political climate, their family holds more weight than those old noble houses like the William, who haven’t seen a battlefield in generations. People like them should be drawn closer, not suppressed. Assign the position of Knight of the Royal Guard to the Sheffield family’s young master at once."The Dowager Queen’s commanding tone left no room for argument. "Over the years, your actions have grown increasingly shortsighted. Anyone in the palace could see farther than you…" Her voice trailed off as she fell into thought.The Dowager Queen, herself a