Chapter 14

At those words, Angela took a sharp breath. It was a genuine reaction that hit the mark.

In that brief moment, after confirming the passing expression, Doah gained confidence in her speculation.

‘So it really turned out that way.’

There wasn’t a single point of agreement between Angela’s astrological chart and her facial features.

Even if, by some chance, she had made great efforts to change her destiny and alter her features, it was impossible given the astrological chart.

Especially since the early years of life are difficult to change, as they represent the fortune until reaching adulthood.

Children inevitably receive strong influences from their parents and the surrounding environment.

While the facial features indicated an unfavorable early fortune, the astrological chart stated that the early fortune was prosperous and affluent, with a well-developed positive seal. This suggested the high likelihood of receiving quality education with the help of the mother and other adults, growing up gently with a mild temperament.

This was in complete contrast to the facial features.

Moreover, the astrological chart indicated that the misfortune became remarkably influential from the age of twenty-five.

It was the beginning of a downfall.

The strong energy of water comes with the combination of Sin, Ja, and Jin. It’s a situation where the fire completely goes out in a birth chart that already has a lot of water. Furthermore, the earth and water collide, causing the earth to collapse and the water to be suppressed.

‘During this period, the family might have experienced significant instability.’

Someone might have died, or the family might have fallen apart.

This astrological chart, which had supported the family, faced a great crisis. The balance of the Five Elements was completely disrupted, and health problems were likely to arise.

Especially the stomach (위) had to be cautious.

‘With modern medical technology, the chances of survival would have been high.’

However, the medical practices here were not well-developed. Without proper treatment due to the interruption of financial flow, it was likely that she hadn’t received adequate care.

She might have died, but in contrast, Angela looked excessively healthy, and her complexion seemed vibrant.

Therefore, she must be someone else.

“You’ve done quite a daring act.”

At Doah’s words, Angela’s face turned as pale as a blank sheet of paper.

She stood there with her mouth agape, stiffening up, and stuttered as she struggled to speak.

“I, I don’t understand what you’re talking about. Th-that’s such a terrifying accusation.”

She tried to act nonchalant, but her voice was trembling, trying to conceal her unease.

Doah intentionally exposed her hidden flaws, carefully concealed so that no one knew. It was deliberate, a direct jab at Angela’s guilty conscience.

“Do you think I don’t know how the three maids of Lady Ophelia are faring right now?”

“…”

There was no way she wouldn’t know.

The rumors were quite vivid. Melissa, Sara, and Emma—three maids wrongfully accused by Salvador—screamed in the underground prison every night.

Angela’s crime of shamelessly securing a position in the Ducal House by impersonating a deceased person was equally severe.

“You seem to be mistaken. Do you think the maids were just unfortunate and got kicked out?”

The three maids who once enjoyed Ophelia’s favor. They believed that, no matter what they did, they would be forgiven as long as they were left for Ophelia.

‘Because they had Ophelia as a reliable backup.’

So, she shamelessly committed a crime.

However, Doah expelled such maids.

Who could have possibly guessed? Those who fluttered around, thinking this was their world, would face judgment for their sins.

“I found out and reported it.”

“…”

“So, are you willing to take full responsibility?”

“Ah, Lady…”

While everyone else referred to Doah as ‘Lady,’ Angela consistently called her ‘Miss.’

It was a sort of subtle expression of discontent. Even though she had no intention of treating her as a lady, using the term ‘Miss’ was a title that could be applied to commoners, given the public gaze.

Her attitude remained oppressive until the end. Perhaps she still didn’t understand her position.

‘Or maybe it’s just that Bunny is that presumptuous.’

It’s probably the latter.

Bunny, who had just stepped into the Duke’s residence at the age of eight, didn’t know how to wield her power.

She only knew how to indulge in wickedness, swearing, and acting wickedly to seem stronger.

It seemed that Bunny, who had been doing crazy things like a beggar in the garbage dump, thought that if she did so, she would appear a bit stronger.

‘But, Bunny, this isn’t a battlefield. It’s a thoroughly stratified society.’

It might be just an illusion, but she was currently a lady. She was adopted by the head of the family, allowed to impersonate a fake Ophelia, and act as a lady.

“If you wish, I will personally go to Lady and tell her what the steward has done.”

Doah stood up from her seat without hesitation.

With no maids available for errands right now, she had to act on her own.

“L-Lady!”

Only then did Angela’s momentum break abruptly. She knelt down briskly.

“I-I was wrong.”

Her eyes, shaking without any restraint, looked desperate, as if she would follow any command Doah gave.

Doah, looking down at Angela, who was like this, took a brief pause and then slowly spoke.

“The sin of disturbing my mealtime.”

“…”

“The sin of driving away my maids without my permission and arbitrarily bringing in other maids.”

“…”

“And for not treating me as a Lady, for daring to treat me with disrespect and arrogance.”

“…”

“Go and directly report these to Lord.”

Then, in a freezing voice as if ice was falling, she continued.

“That…?”

“Why? Can’t you do it?”

Directly admitting that meant the fake countess, recognized by the head of the family, was denied by the steward.

A clear rebellion.

Even if she were to be expelled immediately, there was nothing to say.

However, it was still better than Angela being exposed for impersonating a dead person, as that would lead to suspicion of being a spy and subject her to interrogation.

“No, I will do it.”

Angela lowered her head deeply to the floor, her face wrinkled like a letterhead.

* * *

“Ha, did you think I’d just let this slide?”

Angela boldly swung open the door.

“Eek!”

A maid at the door looked up at her with surprised eyes.

“What’s wrong with you… You wouldn’t have overheard anything, right?”

Upon closer inspection, it was the impudent maid who had hidden behind Candice earlier and made snide comments.

“What? Oh, no. I just wanted to convey this to the Lady….”

Ruby stammered with a tray in her hands.

On the tray were herbs for digestion, and a teapot with a rabbit pattern, containing herbal tea.

“Get out of here, annoying wench!”

Thud.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Angela slapped Ruby’s cheek.

It wasn’t her first time doing it.

Holding the now red and swollen cheek, Ruby sobbed without reservation, but Angela passed by her without a second glance.

The place Angela headed straight to wasn’t the Duke’s office.

Exactly the opposite, she hastened her steps in the other direction.

She had no intention of obediently following Doah’s words.

She had a trusting ally. As Doah expected, a very reliable ‘backer.’

‘Just because that woman knows my true identity doesn’t change anything. If I explain my circumstances and ask for mercy, she’ll surely step forward for me!’

Angela stood in front of the Duchess’s door and knocked without hesitation, presenting herself with utmost politeness.

“Come in.”

Permission was granted.

As Angela entered, she initially thought of kneeling down without any specific plan.

‘If the Duchess is kind and gentle, she might be surprised and help me up. Then, while shedding tears, I can appeal to her injustice, making it sound like I was threatened by that woman, Bunny…’

However, her thoughts were cut short.

“What is it?”

Salvador, the second son, stood beside the Duchess, glaring down at her with a crooked expression.

“Oh, Your Grace is here as well.”

Angela urgently lowered her head.

‘Why is he here?’

Salvador wasn’t the type to offer morning greetings to his stepmother.

It wasn’t even the right time for such a greeting.

The momentarily hesitating maid raised her head and addressed the Duchess.

“I have something important to tell Madam.”

At her words, one of Salvador’s eyebrows, while wearing a clenched fist, arched upward.

“Are you telling me to leave now?”

“Oh, no, it’s not that…”

“Why the hell are you bothering me to leave?”

Certainly, it was a disrespectful remark to spit out in front of a superior.

Angela acknowledged her mistake and offered a sincere apology.

“I apologize. It was not my intention, but due to an urgent matter, my mind was restless, and I unintentionally misspoke.”

Upon her apology, Salvador, who had been silent for a moment, raised one corner of his eyebrow with a somewhat uneasy smile.

“If it’s urgent, speak now.”