Word spread fast within Rashet Clan. The marquis had adopted his niece. Maryan Rose Nox was now his daughter—signed and sealed a day before the banquet. The elders were not happy, as expected.
"She's really smart," Fay said, frowning while sliding another hairpin into her lady's hair. Both faced the vanity mirror, as they prepared for the banquet that would begin at four in the afternoon today.
Fay thought again of Madam Nox's eldest daughter. Unlike the younger, the eldest rarely attended parties or mixed with nobles at first. Then, three years ago, she saved the marquis's life. Ever since, he had doted on her and she was introduced as his daughter to the public. 'All this happened while the lady is hidden away,' Fay muttered to herself.
'And the lord isn't satisfied with that—he made Maryan Rose officially his daughter? Doesn't he at least consult the lady first?'
Nyasia didn't react much.
"My lady, even though the younger sister wouldn't be able to attend the banquet, there's still the eldest who could cause you trouble."
"You think Mirelle won't find a way into this banquet? She's stubborn." Nyasia's expression was bored. "I'm already the ruthless villainess of this manor—all because I chose to let Mirelle's maid be beaten to death. What else do you want? To paint me as a madwoman who needs to worry about an adopted daughter?"
"My lady, the death order was the right choice. She insulted the governor and his wife. You are not a villain—"
"I am. Let everyone think it."
Let Dorian Alexei think that.
So he wouldn't see her as fragile. So he wouldn't need to... burn the world.
Her gaze drifted to the fresh red orchids in the vase on the desk. Earlier, Lea reported that the bouquet had been carried by a woman in a dark robe and delivered to her at Crest Cottage.
She thought of his audacious marriage proposal in the carriage again. 'He's getting impatient. He wouldn't start a rampage, would he?'
"Anyway," Fay continued, interrupting Nyasia's thoughts. "What if she's part of the poisoning? I know she's been away... but what if staying at the temple is just a facade?"
Nyasia chuckled softly.
"You're getting smarter."
But she didn't comment any further.
...
IN EMERALD Hall, Liz, Maryan's handmaid, arrived. Maryan stood in her long dress before the tall mirror against the wall, catching Liz's reflection as she entered.
"My lady..."
Maryan smiled at the new address.
"What is it?"
"Your hunch is correct. Lady Rashet—"
"You mean the second lady. I'm Nyasia's elder sister now," Marian said, repressed displeasure sharp in her voice.
"Y—yes. The second lady seems to be meeting a man in private. He's the one delivering red orchids to Paragon Hall."
Maryan gave a triumphant smirk. "All this time, Nyasia has been pretending to be a frail, innocent beauty everyone adores, while carrying on a shameful rendezvous with a man?"
Liz handed her a note. "There's an old note about a meeting in the backyard garden."
"Do you think this man will come to the banquet?" Maryan said, staring down the paper.
"Most likely, my lady. The handwriting appears to be a nobleman's."
Maryan smiled.
"You know what to do."
"Yes."
"Also, order the maids back at the Clearwater Hall to lock Mirelle there. I don't want this evening to be ruined."
Liz nodded politely.
"Also, my lady, the marquis says he will escort you himself when you make your first appearance in the grand hall."
Maryan's eyes widened in esctatic joy. Then she stepped closer to the mirror, studying her features. All her hard work over the years had paid off—she had made sure to be adopted into the powerful Rashet clan by any means necessary.
'And that's the only way I can marry the prince. And everyone who looked down on me will pay.'
*