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Chapter 27
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The Return of the Disgraced Daughter Chapter 28
Lilian sighed in exasperation, grooming herself a little before stepping out to see Evelyn.Soon, Evelyn entered her pavilion with Winter in tow.Lilian almost laughed out loud right then, seeing that Winter was really glued to Evelyn.As Evelyn entered, she bowed to Lilian. Seeing Lilian's smile, she presumed that Lilian was in a good mood.Her nervousness easing considerably, she smiled at Lilian too. "Did I bother you coming this early, sister?"Lilian sighed, unsure what Evelyn was playing at. "What brings you here?""I was just going to invite you to Felton Shrine…"Evelyn appeared quite excited too, just as Lilian suddenly remembered that the eighth day of the new year was the day for a sacred festival for the shrine.The rumor was that on this day, anyone with a penitent heart who went to pray there would be granted any wish.She had always visited Felton Shrine every year too, praying for her family and to see Henry.But after those three years, she certainly would
The Return of the Disgraced Daughter Chapter 29
Lilian was confused.She only told Evelyn to release her—how did she connect that to the marquise?Also, she was bullying the marquise? She would never dare!Hell, she would thank the heavens if the marquis' household would stop hurting her for one second!Lilian had to take a deep breath and grip her own wrist firmly right then, just to resist the impulse of slapping Evelyn across the face.However, Winter snapped right then, "Well, aren't you a sick little brat, milady?"Her unrestrained outburst left Evelyn stunned. "What…"She was too shocked, and that was the only word she managed.Lilian was shocked too, not expecting such bravery from Winter!The maid could really get forgetful—she had made it clear that she could not protect her!Still, before Lilian could defend Winter, Winter strode up, smiling at Evelyn as she continued, "You were still coughing a couple of days ago, weren't you?"Seeing that Winter's childlike visage was earnest, Evelyn was suddenly unsure if it
The Return of the Disgraced Daughter Chapter 30
As Winter closed the carriage windowpane, she turned toward Lilian and exclaimed, "It seems that there are more visitors this year, milady!"Lilian smiled. "Their prayers must have been answered."Winter nodded repeatedly. "Indeed! Some say it really is the case for marriage!"Lilian kept smiling but said nothing—if anything, that was the one thing it failed, or she would have married Henry by now.Still, she soon chuckled and shook her head.It just might actually be a blessing that she never did marry Henry, or she would be caught in an inescapable hell now.Nonetheless, their carriage soon arrived outside Felton Shrine.Winter alighted first and turned, offering a hand to help Lilian get off.Then, just as Lilian's feet touched the ground, she heard the sarcastic laughter."And here I thought whose maid is so bold as to sit in the same carriage as their master. To think that it's Ms. Lestrade!""What are you talking about? That's clearly Ms. Kerr!""Oh, right! I forgot!"
The Return of the Disgraced Daughter Chapter 31
"It's Prince Michael?!"While everyone was shocked, they were soon on their knees in greeting. "Your Highness."Lilian was going to kneel too, but Michael stopped her.Michael's eyes narrowed as he looked around at everyone. Instead of telling them to stand, he took Lilian's hand as everyone watched. "She is henceforth under my protection, and anyone who insults her, insults me. Understand?" However, this simply felt unreal to Lilian, and it left her flustered.For three years, she was the one who knelt to everyone else.Hell, even when she was the treasured daughter of the marquis for fifteen years, she never had the privilege of an entire public kneeling before her.As such, even as she stood by Michael's side, she was not feeling gleeful or smug, even though she was looking down upon the heirs and heiress from illustrious families, each of whom were dressed grandly for the occasion.She tried to pull her hand out of the prince's grasp a couple of times, only to fail as h
The Return of the Disgraced Daughter Chapter 32
But now, all Lilian wanted was to stay in her quiet corner, ideally never noticed, unlike how visible she was at present.While she had agreed to Prince Michael's proposal, not having the emperor's approval meant it was basically invalid, and she should not be holding hands in the public's eyeFortunately, Michael met the shrine's head priest soon after they entered and naturally had to release Lilian's hand as he prayed.Even as she quickly withdrew her hand, she sighed under her breath in relief.On the other hand, the head priest clearly meant to give Michael a personal sermon, and Michael turned toward her. "Wait for me outside for just a couple of hours. There's a place I'd like to visit with you later."Lilian was left stumped—she had never intended to stay outside for long and was going to get a lucky charm before heading back.Worse of all, Michael left soon after, not stopping to see how she was reacting.When he finally disappeared from sight, Winter could not resist a
The Return of the Disgraced Daughter Chapter 33
Everyone was stunned—none of them expected Lilian to slap Emma without warning!Hence, even though Henry and Rupert were standing right beside Emma, neither of them stopped her in time.Still, the audible smack soon jolted them to their senses, with Rupert striding up, seizing her wrist. "What are you doing?! Apologize to Ms. Stark this instant!"Lilian merely leveled him a cool look. "Release me."She was not being loud, and there was no edge in her voice.However, those two flatly spoken words left Rupert's heart skipping a beat, and he released Lilian as if in reflex.Even as Lilian withdrew her hand, rubbing the spot that hurt because of Rupert's grip, Evelyn said, "You shouldn't have hurt Ms. Stark, even if she was harsh. And we're in a place of worship… The gods will punish you for this!"Lilian did not even look her way as she said quietly, "Another word from you, and you'll get it too."Tears welled up in Evelyn's eyes right then, and she leveled a wounded look at Lilia
The Return of the Disgraced Daughter Chapter 34
However, Lilian had a comeback for that too."Surely you jest, General Stark." She smiled. "My last name is Kerr—it's not up to the Lestrades to lecture me.""Lilian Kerr!" Rupert bellowed furiously. "You're out of line!" "You're the ones who are out of line!" Lilian bellowed back, finally having had enough. "I just came to get Grandmother a lucky charm! Is that somehow too much for you too?! What gives you the right to tell me what's what?!"That's especially the case for you, Rupert Lestrade! You're very much silent whenever I'm wrongly accused, but somehow you're always ready to lecture me when you have the advantage! What gives you the right?!""Because I'm your brother!" Rupert yelled.There was no question that Emma was at fault, but their families were close friends, and anything could wait until they got home.Rupert could even complain to House Stark himself and demand that Emma's parents discipline her.But no matter what she did, Lilian should not have slapped her!
The Return of the Disgraced Daughter Chapter 35
Rupert was left stumped.Lilian was right—she only came to get their grandmother a lucky charm.How could he talk like that? What had gotten into him? Why did he always lose his mind whenever he saw Lilian?His heart then skipped a beat—forget Lilian, even he would never forgive himself if he ended up jinxing Madam Lestrade!But then again… Was this not Lilian's fault?Otherwise, why was he always able to stay rational around Evelyn, while the mere sight of Lilian always left him so frustrated?Was it not her fault for saying that he was already dead three years ago? Telling him that he had no right to lecture her?!No, he would show her right now!Every bit of grievance that had accrued ever since Lilian returned to the marquis' residence erupted in Rupert right then, and he leapt toward her, his hands outstretched.Despite being surprised as she did not expect him to attack her, Lilian still managed to react right then, sidestepping him.However, being older and having trai
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The marquise promptly reasoned as well, "Eve meant well, even if she made a mistake. And don't you see what Lily did to her? Are you still going to punish her on top of that?'The marquis stared at Evelyn's swollen face and remembered how skinny she had been when she came back to them.She was the daughter they had lost for fifteen years, and she had suffered for fifteen years!How could he bear to punish her?Taking a deep breath, the marquis eventually turned his sights on Rupert."It's all your fault!" he bellowed, lunging at his son with a kick.However, Rupert dodged to the side, clearly prepared.Missing his mark, the marquis chased after Rupert, only for Rupert to hide behind the marquise. "Please! My chest still hurts after the kick last night! I'm going to die!"With the marquise effectively a shield, the marquis had no choice but to stop.Then, seeing that the marquise was about to speak, he knew right away that she would defend their son.He was at once hysterical.
The Return of the Disgraced Daughter Chapter 69
Rupert's remark really struck a nerve, as the marquise was suddenly gaping and tearing up, pointing at Rupert as she hollered, "I-I didn't try to kill Lily! I raised her myself!"And with that, she started bawling, leaving Rupert in a panic and quickly apologizing, "Sorry, Mother! Just calm down… I misspoke, and it's all my fault!"However, the marquise turned away as if refusing to accept his apology, leaving him frowning.He then turned toward Evelyn and growled coolly, "In the end, it's Lily's own fault. How could she be so ruthless, hurting Eve like that!"Doing that to Evelyn's face!Still, he flinched as a voice spoke from the next room. "Madam Lestrade wouldn't have been taken ill if Ms. Lestrade hadn't run her mouth. Ms. Kerr is merely disciplining Ms. Lestrade on Madam Lestrade's behalf, and I'm sure she'll praise Ms. Kerr when she wakes up."It was Mrs. Sully who spoke as she appeared before the marquis' household, only bowing her head at the marquis.She could be cons
The Return of the Disgraced Daughter Chapter 68
As Mrs. Sully looked on coolly, she suddenly noticed the marquise running off.Getting the cavalry?Even as the thought crossed her mind, the marquise was already back, but holding a large rock this time!Mrs. Sully was stunned, while the marquis barked even before she could react, "Stop!"However, he was too late as the marquise struck Lilian forcefully on the head.Lilian felt her mind going blank and could not hear anything, save for a shrill ringing in her ears. It was only when drops of blood trickled down her eyes that she realized what had happened, and she slowly looked up at the marquise.The marquise panicked even as she met Lilian's blood-filled eyes and dropped the rock as if finally coming to her senses, stammering, "N-No… I didn't mean it… I just wanted you to stop… I didn't want to hurt—"Thud.Lilian blacked out and dropped heavily on the ground.It was once again the marquis who came to his senses first. "What are you spacing out for?! Carry her inside, and
The Return of the Disgraced Daughter Chapter 67
Lilian was too quick, as she lunged at Evelyn the way she lunged at the washhouse maids who used to bully her.All the marquise saw was a blur shooting past her, and by the time she realized what had happened, Lilian had already knocked Evelyn down, pinning her down."Argh!!!" Evelyn screamed, but Lilian clasped a hand over her mouth the next instant.Madam Lestrade was still resting inside, and Lilian would not let Evelyn bother Madam Lestrade any further.But her rage still needed to burn!Hence, as she subdued Evelyn and stopped her from struggling, she swung her other hand mercilessly.She had wanted to hit Evelyn for a while now but bore with it for a long while.She thought that while Evelyn was despicable, it was simply her personality.And because she shared the blood of the marquis' household, they all doted on her, which was why she was protective of them in turn. As such, even if everything they did had hurt Lilian grievously, she had always perished the thought of
The Return of the Disgraced Daughter Chapter 66
"Right! Make way!"As the maids bickered noisily, Lilian somehow found warmth.After all, the marquis' residence had felt as cold as an ice house for a while now—only Madam Lestrade afforded her some reprieve of warmth.But she was ill, so Lilian could not tell Madam Lestrade about her troubles.She thought she would have to deal with her grievances tonight in silence, so she was surprised that her heart was relieved as soon as she returned to Floret Garden.It was only her hand that was hurt, but Winter insisted on offering a helping arm.As soon as she sat, another maid arrived with a cup of warm tea. "You must have suffered a fright—here's some tea to calm your nerves. You'd definitely sleep well with this, and everything would be fine come tomorrow!" "I'll get some water for you to wash up, milady.""The bed has been warmed, milady—you should get some rest once you've cleaned up."Those were all Winter's tasks, but since Winter was hurt too, the maids volunteered to take
The Return of the Disgraced Daughter Chapter 65
As she finished, Lilian could clearly see the panic on Rupert's face.How laughable!He had been so righteous when he defended himself for trying to destroy her, but he was now panicking when his own life was on the line?And it was not just Rupert—the marquis' household was panicking.That was when the sobbing Evelyn strode up, shouting at Lilian, "You should get some rest after that ordeal! It's late now—anything can wait until tomorrow!"Hearing that, the marquise promptly echoed, "Yes, yes, exactly. It's extremely late, Lily—even General Stark has yet to return. Why don't we discuss this again tomorrow?"It was only then that Lilian remembered Henry was still there and turned toward him.He was staring at her, the candlelight flickering over his visage that appeared colder than usual.It was an impassive expression to Lilian, but her chest somehow stung.She took a deep breath—she actually was exhausted after that ordeal, and she might collapse first if she kept arguing wi
The Return of the Disgraced Daughter Chapter 64
Lilian continued, "You targeted me because it's easy—because I can be bullied, and it only takes a thousand silvers to destroy my reputation and my future. Honestly, aren't you laughing when you say it out loud yourself?"So shut that disgusting mouth of yours, Rupert Lestrade. You never cared about me—you just refuse to let me rise above you! You don't have my best interests at heart, not when you can't abide with things going well for me!"Though she easily exposed Rupert's hideous nature, he stubbornly refused to give in. "How so? Is marrying Prince Michael that much better?! So what if your reputation was ruined?! Do you think that no one would marry you, with the support of the marquis' household?!"Silence ensued, everyone's breath seemingly pausing aside from Evelyn, who continued to sob.Lilian looked around at the marquis and the marquise and finally chuckled as she turned to Rupert. "I finally understand why the marquis and the marquise are in such a hurry to marry me o
The Return of the Disgraced Daughter Chapter 63
As Rupert stayed silent, the marquise was trembling as she walked up to him, reaching out to tug on his sleeve. "It's alright, Rupert—just tell your sister it's a misunderstanding."Even so, Rupert merely scowled in silence, which only left the marquise's heart clenching.She started shoving instead of tugging, as she cried tearfully, "Say something!"Seeing how agitated the marquise was, Evelyn ran up, hugging her as she exclaimed, "It's alright, Mother! Just sit down and talk it out with Rupert. I'm sure he has his reasons!"Lilian wheeled on Evelyn in disbelief right then—Rupert hired thugs to have her reputation destroyed, but Evelyn would still say he had his reasons?!Were these people for real?! Especially Evelyn—did she really say something like that as a woman, with a clear conscience?Worst of all, Rupert seemed to jerk to his senses at Evelyn's senses, even glancing at her gratefully."Yes, it was me!" he bellowed as he turned to Lilian, his words bold and righteous.
The Return of the Disgraced Daughter Chapter 62
In the end, a lady's reputation was a priority, even if everyone in the room knew that it was a lie.Henry bowed his head in return and turned to Lilian. "Prince Michael mentioned that the meeting place was Swindon Teahouse. When did you go to Swiftlet Teahouse instead?"Lilian was seated, her hand bandaged, but it would hurt even if she moved it slightly.The family doctor said that it was not serious, but she must rest it and not exert strength for another two months.Still, she was on her feet at Henry's question and replied, "The letter I received said it was Swiftlet Teahouse. It's on my dressing table—check it if you don't believe me."As she finished, she turned toward Rupert, who stood in a nearby corner quietly, as if worried that he would be noticed.Even so, Lilian did notice when he entered and slowly walked toward him. "You seem especially quiet today, Mr. Lestrade. What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?"The marquise was confused as to why Lilian would suddenly care ab
