Did I Surprise You?

But the insults that Bree heard were different. In her life before death, Bree heard insults about her unkempt appearance, and now she hears insults about her allegedly impolite behavior. The difference only confirmed Irene's determination not to accept her.People who want to hate will always find a reason to hate. Even though Bree had tried to improve, Irene still found something to criticize about her.

People who want to hate will always find a reason to hate. Even though Bree had tried to improve, Irene still found something to criticize about her.

"Forgive me, Lady Irene. But yesterday we faced a little obstacle on the road, which is why we arrived here at midnight. I believe you were already asleep at that time. It would be very impolite to disturb your sleep, wouldn't it? Lack of sleep might make you sick later."

Bree could have ended her sentence at the part about the late-night arrival being impolite, but she deliberately added the notion of illness. This way, Irene wouldn't have a clever response. Bree's excuse seemed to genuinely show concern for Irene, which was a sweet reason.

Irene remained silent with pursed lips afterward. She then scrutinized Bree, undoubtedly searching for another point of criticism.

"Hmph! And look at what you're wearing. Is that dress old? Why are you still wearing it? You'll disgrace the Valois if you appear like that."

That insult resembled more closely what Bree had heard in the past. The only difference was that Irene wasn't ridiculing her face this time, just the dress.

Bree gripped the side of her dress tightly. When she bowed and tried to smile, she couldn't show any sign of distress.

"I still have much to learn about Valois and all its standards. I might adapt better if this marriage wasn't rushed as Radford desired."

Bree didn't want to apologize and shifted the blame to Rad, acknowledging his rush for the marriage since the beginning of the arrangement.

Bree couldn't prepare anything with such short notice, but even if given more time, she still wouldn't be able to change her dress collection. Money would come to Le Mans after the wedding, not before. Her father had already spent a considerable amount on the expensive silk wedding dress. Bree didn't want him to spend more on her.

The wedding dress was her father's final effort to prove that Le Mans was on par with Valois and worthy. According to Irene, it still fell short.

Rad should have discussed this matter with his mother before the marriage. But it seemed Rad hadn't sought his mother's approval for this marriage. Bree had a guess as to why.

"You should prepare yourself for any situation, not just marriage." Irene continued her taunts, causing Bree's ears to burn.

"The daughter of a duke should be aware of this without needing reminders. You only embarrass us." This time, Blanche added her own disdain.

"I know about that, Blanche," Bree replied. She was pleased that Blanche chimed in; she could speak more freely to her.

"What I don't know is the fact that apparently, the Valois family values appearance and dresses so much. Yesterday, I hoped the renowned Valois family would prioritize intelligence, skill, or, at least, not judge faces down to the details of wealth. A wealthy Valois shouldn't need to evaluate other people's money," Bree continued, her words slightly harsh.

"How dare you!" Irene shouted angrily, while Bree just smiled at her. Her anger meant that Bree won the small, nerve-wracking battle.

It was true that Bree mentioned faces because she believed she had a more superior face than Blanche. Normally, Bree didn't compare faces with anyone, and Blanche wasn't ugly, but Bree needed to be ruthless now. They both had to fight with brutal words. Being soft and kind didn't lead Bree anywhere, especially against Irene. Sometimes Blanche still looked hesitant, but Irene's toxic influence made Blanche say cruel things sometimes, and Bree wouldn't allow it to happen again.

"You're quite uncouth! How dare you insult the Valois?" Irene's outburst continued.

She wanted to prolong this verbal battle, and Bree was happy to comply.

"I will be polite when the atmosphere is polite. I will be rude if the situation calls for it," Bree calmly replied.

"Is this a reflection of Donovan? Oh... I think not. This is a reflection of your mother, who apparently comes from a lower class."

A harsh blow, but Bree was prepared. Whether fast or slow, Irene would inevitably use that fact to taunt her. The fact that her mother wasn't a noble was something Irene would undoubtedly use to hurt Bree.

"Maybe my mother is not a noble, but my father married her, and I am officially a Donovan. Not like someone who shouldn't be a Valois but claims to be one."

Bree smiled sweetly, looking at Irene and Blanche. Irene's face turned pale, while Blanche seemed to shrink and step back behind her mother.

The person Bree was referring to, of course, was Blanche.

She wasn't Radford's biological daughter. The previous Duke Valois, Irene's previous husband, married again to Irene after Rad's mother passed away. Blanche was Irene's daughter from her previous husband.

Even though Blanche was not entitled to it, she used the name Valois, as it was not widely known. Bree initially learned about this from Benjamin, and she pitied Blanche back then. But not anymore.

"Where is she from? You know..."

"Lady Valois, I apologize. I am already hungry, and breakfast will get cold if we keep talking." Bree couldn't answer that question, and Irene clearly couldn't come up with any more insults.

Bree was now sitting and enjoying her victory, completely unaware of a figure with hazel eyes staring at her from behind the second-floor railing.

Those eyes never left Bree.

"Was that my wife just now?" Rad asked Campy, who was behind him.

"Yes, Your Grace. That was the Duchess."

The question didn't really require an answer; it was more about Rad's surprised expression. But Rad's emotionless face made Campy reply seriously.

Rad's surprise stemmed from the realization that Bree was more daring than he thought. He chose the Donovan daughters because they were known to be calm. What he saw was far from calm, confirming that the events last night were indeed the real Bree.

Rad looked at Bree again, then descended without approaching the dining area. He walked out of the castle.

Rad chose to attend to his work instead. He didn't support anyone in that argument. Both sides were the same for Rad, which was not too significant for him.