The Ugly Villainess is not Naive Anymore

Chapter 5

The Duke's Office...

In the dimly lit study of the grand estate, the Duke and his eldest son, Arthur, delved into the dark depths of a kidnapping mystery that had plagued their family for years. The Duke's voice, resonant with authority, pierced the heavy silence as he sought answers from his determined son.

"Arthur, did you capture that nanny?" the Duke inquired, his gaze unwavering as he awaited his son's response.

With a steely resolve, Arthur confirmed, "Yes, father. We have apprehended both the nanny and her mother. It was the midwife who orchestrated Isabel's disappearance."

A flicker of approval danced in the Duke's eyes as he commended his son's diligence. "Good job, my boy," he acknowledged, pride swelling in his chest at Arthur's unwavering commitment to justice.

But even amidst the triumph of their capture, the Duke's mind raced ahead to the next pressing concern. "Does your uncle have anything to do with this?" he questioned, his tone tinged with a hint of suspicion.

Arthur's response was swift and resolute. "No, father. But he should know that he has an illegitimate child," he revealed, his voice tinged with a hint of bitterness at the mention of his uncle's indiscretions.

The Duke's expression darkened with a mixture of anger and disappointment. "That fool! How dare he betray his wife and our family's honour,"

he seethed, his fists clenched in indignation at the thought of his brother's betrayal.

Before they could delve further into the matter, a sudden knock at the window shattered the uneasy calm.

Arthur hastened to answer the call, revealing a hooded figure cloaked in secrecy, bearing news of crucial discoveries.

As the shadowy messenger unveiled the damning evidence, the Duke's features contorted with shock and disbelief. "But who could be behind such heinous acts?"
"Who could have ordered them to torture my daughter?" "Most importantly they did it from our duchy."

he pondered aloud, his mind racing to uncover the truth hidden within the shadows.

With each revelation, suspicion casts its dark shadow upon familiar faces, leaving Arthur grappling with the unsettling realization that the enemy may lurk closer than they ever imagined.

Arthur's suspicions flared anew, his frustration palpable as he struggled to make sense of the cryptic clues before them. "Could it be Daisy?" he ventured, his voice laced with a hint of desperation.

Amidst the turmoil, Arthur's fury boiled over, and his resolve tested to its limits. "For five long years, we have been blind to the truth," he lamented bitterly, his frustration echoing through the chamber like a mournful dirge.

Yet, even as anger threatened to consume them, the Duke remained steadfast, his calm demeanour a beacon of strength in the face of adversity. "We must not lose hope, my son," he urged, his voice a steady reassurance amidst the chaos.

With a solemn nod, the Duke ordered his loyal shadows to keep a vigilant watch over Daisy, their suspicions now turned inward to uncover the sinister truth lurking within their dukedom.

Duke told his son to not disclose Daisy's background with anyone yet not even the duchess.

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The second floor of the estate encompasses the private bedrooms of the esteemed family members. Isabel's chamber is located adjacent to that of her eldest brother, while Daisy's room is situated in between the quarters of the two brothers.