Poor Selena ...(Lol)
Miranda stood by the pavilion railing, watching Selena thrash and call for help in the water below. Memories of her past life surged forth, causing her hands to clench tightly and her gaze to turn dark and unfathomable as she looked at Selena. However, she quickly masked her emotions with a look of panic and shouted, "Help! Someone, help! Miss Selena has fallen into the water!"By the time Selena was rescued, Lady Croyso had already rushed over upon hearing the news.Selena, humiliated and furious, threw herself into Lady Croyso's arms, sobbing, "Mother, you must seek justice for me. I don't know how I offended Miranda, but she pushed me into the lake, and I nearly drowned!" The chaos had happened so suddenly and without warning that she still didn't understand what had transpired. But thinking of her public humiliation, she wanted to place the blame on Miranda, making everyone believe Miranda was cruel and had attempted to murder her sister.Lady Croyso, heartbroken, stared at Miranda
As if realizing her slip of the tongue, Lady Croyso turned and angrily rebuked the maid, “What nonsense are you spouting? Even if there are men’s clothes in Miranda’s possession, they could be new garments embroidered for the master. Is that something to be so alarmed about?” On the surface, she was covering for Miranda, but in doing so, she confirmed the presence of men's clothes with Miranda. The word “hidden” and her barely concealed panic made anyone witnessing it believe she was trying to cover something up.Lady Fitzroy slightly furrowed her brows, her gaze sharp as a sword, coldly staring at Lady Croyso and the maid.Count Croyso glanced at Miranda, who looked equally surprised but not panicked, which reassured him a bit. He spoke up, “What’s going on here? How can a lady’s reputation be slandered so casually?”With a thud, the maid knelt down, panic-stricken. “I was wrong. I’ll go and deal with that gossiping maid right away!” She turned to leave.“Stop,” Miranda commanded, ris
Hearing the servants' exclamations, everyone was taken aback and looked at what they held. It was a piece of uncut turquoise brocade, seemingly wrapping something, but it was definitely not a man's clothing. Lady Croyso was dumbfounded. The clothing had been buried under her orders; how had it turned into a turquoise brocade? Now, all their efforts seemed like a joke. Who had meddled in this? Miranda and Molly hadn’t returned to their rooms or gone to the garden; could it be that one of the maids had betrayed her?Amidst the chaos in her mind, Lady Croyso suddenly heard Lord Croyso's angry roar, even more furious than before.Lady Croyso glanced over and was equally shocked. The turquoise brocade wrapped an ordinary white cloth doll, but the crucial point was that the doll was covered in ink-stained writing spelling out Miranda's name, with bright silver needles stuck all over its body—this was a curse!Lady Croyso felt a heavy weight in her heart. The flawless plan had now spiraled ou
Molly's heart sank, and she quickly knelt down, exclaiming, "I didn't do it! I would never dare do such a thing!"Miranda suddenly lifted her head, her voice trembling, "Father, it couldn't have been Molly."If Miranda didn't plead for Molly, Molly would be doomed, cutting off one of Miranda's key allies. But now, by pleading for Molly, Miranda fell right into Lady Croyso's trap. A faint smile curled at the corners of her mouth as she feigned confusion, "Why are you so certain, Miss Miranda?""When I distributed the ice silk to everyone, Molly wasn't by my side. Moreover, Molly has been with me all day and never left my side. But the traces of soil are fresh, likely dug up today, meaning Molly had no opportunity to do this." Miranda's soft voice still carried a slight tremor, but her reasoning was clear."Molly may have arrived late, but she could have obtained the ice silk from another maid. Although she has been serving Miss Miranda all day, she could have had someone else bury these
"Lady Croyso, based on the unfounded claims of a mere maid, your head maid truly believes that Miss Miranda has been involved in an illicit affair and reports this to you as a serious matter? Don’t you think this is utterly ridiculous? I did not know that in the Croyso household, rumors could be treated as facts, and that the maids can tarnish the reputation of the young ladies without any investigation?" Lady Fitzroy spoke coldly, her words directly targeting Lady Croyso.Lady Croyso glared angrily at the maid who had reported earlier. After so many years of service, she had made such a careless mistake, reporting without checking what was buried under the soil, causing such a farce. She reprimanded sternly, "Do you know your crime?"The maid turned pale and hurriedly kowtowed, "I beg your forgiveness, I beg your forgiveness!""There’s an old saying: the servant follows the master. If Lady Croyso truly valued Miss Miranda, how could your maid be so careless and disrespectful? Even if
Night had fallen, and a shadow slipped silently into the inner chamber. The figure was clad in black, blending seamlessly with the darkness, making it nearly impossible to detect except for the brief glint of light reflecting off a silver mask that concealed their face.Miranda initially thought that Lady Croyso was playing another trick to tarnish her reputation. But she quickly dismissed the idea—if that were the case, the intruder would have made a commotion to ensure everyone knew, leaving her with no defense.The intruder suddenly froze, sensing Miranda's presence, and swiftly darted behind her, reaching out to knock her unconscious. Miranda was horrified and desperately tried to evade, her long black hair sweeping through the air in a graceful arc as her frightened face was suddenly illuminated by the moonlight.The intruder hesitated for a brief moment, then switched the intended strike into a hook. A gleaming dagger slid from his sleeve, pressing accurately against Miranda's ne
The next day, in accordance with his promise, the Earl of Croyso brought over a few maids for Miranda to choose from. Miranda selected a few plain-looking girls and assigned them to stay by her side for menial tasks. However, what was even more unexpected was that the Earl invited Lady Langley to the estate for lunch. No one knew what kind of agreement the two had reached, but on the surface, it seemed that they had reconciled their differences.Over the years, it was publicly stated that Lady Langley and the late Countess Anna had never gotten along, which was why the two families had little contact. But in private, everyone in the Earl's household knew that it was because the Earl had always blamed Lady Langley for Anna's death. For the past ten years, Sophie Croyso, as the second wife, had controlled the Earl’s household and had completely severed ties between the two families. Now that the Earl had stepped in to reconcile the relationship, did this mean the winds were changing? Sp
“I’ve heard that the previous tutor was problematic, corrupting these young ladies of noble birth. I have a list of new tutors here, recommended by Lady Fitzroy. They are said to be quite good. The Earl mentioned that he would send someone to invite them soon. To ensure you don’t miss anything important due to your lateness, I’m informing you once more!”Lady Langley’s voice was as cold and clear as jade. She first criticized Lady Croyso for her poor management of the estate, having hired an unsuitable tutor. Then, she pointed out Selena’s disgrace at the banquet, mentioned her own connection with Lady Fitzroy, and finally, emphasized that the Earl had already agreed to her suggestions. She was merely informing Lady Croyso, striking at each of Sophie Croyso’s vulnerabilities.Miranda hadn’t expected Lady Langley’s words to be so sharp, raising an eyebrow slightly.Lady Croyso was surprised as well. A decade had passed, and although their positions were now reversed, Lady Langley still
Miranda and Selena stepped down from the carriage and, under the guidance of palace maids, made their way toward the Queen Dowager’s side hall.The path was lined with lush greenery and vibrant blooms, yet neither girl spared a glance—they each walked with focused silence, lost in their own thoughts.Upon reaching the side hall, the Queen Dowager greeted them with a display of warm affection. Before they could finish their curtsy, she had already waved over her maids to help them up and seated them at her sides, one on the left, the other on the right.Taking Miranda’s hand in hers with a look of loving concern, she said, “You poor child, having suffered two such unfortunate engagements. But it’s all behind you now—don’t let it trouble you. You’re a girl of great fortune. Riches and glory await you. Someone like Sheffield isn’t worth a second thought.”After offering her condolences, she turned to Selena, taking her hand and asking after her with tender care. Anyone who didn’t know be
"I was still very young back then. Madam Anna taught me some medicine with great care, but most of the time, I was buried in medical books and learning to identify herbs. I didn’t spend much time by her side. As for what happened that year… I only remember that it started with something happening to you, my lady. Someone died, and Madam Anna began a thorough investigation, but she couldn’t find any clues. During that time, both Madam Anna and Lady Langley looked very troubled. Later, for reasons I still don’t understand, Madam Anna suddenly passed away."Everything at the estate fell into chaos. Lady Langley interrogated all the servants from Anna’s side. Many died during that time. Some said Lady Langley was silencing witnesses. After that, Lord Croyso returned and drove Lady Langley out of the estate, swearing revenge on her…”Molly recounted the events in fragments—she had been too young and uninvolved to fully understand what had happened.But from Molly’s words, Miranda couldn’t
After the encounter at the royal palace, Hans was confident he had made a good impression on Earl Croyso. He had originally planned to take things slowly, building rapport step by step, not wanting to rush the process. But after overhearing that conversation between the two commoners, he couldn’t help feeling restless. If even those two penniless men could see the value of such a marriage prospect, how could the sharp-eyed nobles of the capital not see it too?There were plenty of promising young aristocrats in the city. If one of them made a move first, what did he have to compete with them? In birth, in title, in power—he had none of it.The more he thought about it, the more anxious and excited he became. Finally unable to suppress himself, he laid his plan today—and sure enough, was successfully invited to House Croyso. What he didn’t expect, however, was to run into Miss Selena so soon after arriving at the estate. It was as if fate itself was lending him a hand.He believed that
News that Hans had returned to the manor alongside Earl Croyso soon reached Miranda. She had anticipated that someone as opportunistic as Hans would never miss a chance to cozy up to the Croyso family—especially after she had deliberately sent those words to his ears. Hans Dickson would surely play some trick to win her father’s favor. And sure enough!Miranda gave a faint, cold smile and whispered something to Molly, who nodded and quietly left with her orders.Meanwhile, in the Tongze Courtyard, Hans had just finished applying medicine to his injuries and came to express his thanks to the Earl. The two quickly engaged in conversation. The Earl had already taken a liking to Hans, and Hans, in turn, spoke in a manner that was both agreeable and subtly flattering. As a result, their discussion grew increasingly congenial, and the atmosphere was warm and relaxed.Just then, a clear and melodious voice called from outside, “Father!”A flash of red swept into the room—a girl of thirteen o
"You had your chance and refused it. Now you'll learn the hard way!"The thug sneered. "Just a lowly knight, daring to offend the House of William? Because of you, Lord William’s title was reduced. Did you really think you could cross him without consequences? This is a lesson!"Hans laughed coldly."So that’s who you’re with—William, the pompous fraud who tried to bribe me into smearing someone else? Hah! A man that vile and shameless—yes, I offended him, and I’d do it again. If you’ve got the guts, come at me!"With that, the group surged forward, and a fierce brawl broke out.Back at the palace during the confrontation, Earl Croyso had already formed a favorable impression of Hans Dickson—a knight who was upright and proudly unbending. Especially since Hans had stood up to the House of William because of Miranda, Croyso’s goodwill toward him only grew. Seeing him outnumbered now, the earl was about to step in—only to pause, intrigued by the young man’s stance and poise.In a matter
Fulton listened expressionlessly as the edict was read aloud. So this was the glory bought with his parents’ betrayal of Miranda? It turned out he wasn’t just a gilded canary trapped in a cage—he was a puppet, to be moved and used at will.And yet, no matter how much resentment burned within him, the decree had already been issued. The marriage was now inevitable. As the heir of the Sheffield family, he had no power to defy the Queen Dowager’s command.How laughable. How pathetic. How tragic.And so, when the reading ended, Fulton didn’t even bother to accept the scroll. He turned and walked straight back to his chambers.But if anyone was truly distressed, it wasn’t Fulton—it was the Lady of S
“Is she serious? She is marrying you off to Fulton?” The queen was fuming. “Never mind that the Sheffield family has shallow roots and was never worthy of you to begin with—after what they’ve done lately, what daughter from a decent family would agree to marry into that mess? And you're a princess! Even with all the reasons the Queen Dowager gave, it still sounds completely far-fetched to me!”“Please calm down, Mother,” Gina said softly, far more composed than the queen. “Since the Queen Dowager told you directly, it means the matter is already decided. If I’m not mistaken, she probably wants to use this opportunity to win over the Sheffields. By granting them such an honor, she hopes to sweep away the recent scandal and make them feel indebted to her and to the Blackwell. That’s likely the real reason behind this arrangement.”“How did you know? That’s exactly what she said!” the queen cried, her voice rising with emotion. “She claimed it was to pave the way for Zachary’s future, but
"Your Majesty… what did you say?"In the palace hall, the queen stared in disbelief at the Queen Dowager, who was reclining gracefully on her chaise. Suspicion and shock filled her voice."At a time like this, you wish to arrange a marriage for Sheffield?"Right now, Sheffield and William’s reputations had hit rock bottom. Nearly the entire capital was condemning them—saying William was shameless and despicable, not only backing out of a marriage alliance with the Croyso family but trying to tarnish Miss Croyso’s name in the process. And Sheffield? They called him weak, spineless, and willing to sell out his own future bride for favor.At such a time, everyone was doing their best to avoid association with the Sheffield family—so why would the Queen Dowager choose to draw near, let alone offer a royal marriage?Worse, the broken engagement meant Miranda was now free from her previous betrothal. Without in-laws to tie her down, it was all too likely that the Queen Dowager would find a
Hearing Fulton’s flustered words and watching his unsteady figure stumble away, Earl Croyso let out a barely perceptible sigh. From how the boy first arrived, Fulton had seemed like a good child—soft-spoken, perhaps a bit timid, but upright in character.What a pity...Fulton’s presence had clearly stirred up the lingering shadows of the broken engagement. Earl Croyso had originally intended to comfort Miranda, but somehow, as the conversation went on, it ended with Miranda comforting him instead—leaving him amused.By the time Miranda returned to her chambers, night had fully fallen.She had assumed Reginald would have left long ago. So when she stepped into her inner room and saw that dark red figure bouncing around inside, she was startled and blurted out, “You're still here?”Reginald had hung his coat on the nearby rack and was now playing with one of Miranda’s embroidery needles. He had threaded it with string and was using it like a throwing dart, aiming it with precision at a