The Duke's Revenge Bride

Chapter 9

As Amelia and Asher moved away, lost in their carefully crafted personas, I turned my attention toward my father. He stood across the ballroom, engrossed in conversation with a few noblemen, his presence calm and dignified. He was a man who had built his reputation with integrity, and the pride in his expression as he looked around the room filled me with a mix of affection and determination. I'd protect him from the deception unfolding beneath his roof, even if he never knew the full extent of it.

Gathering my composure, I gracefully made my way over to him, weaving through the guests with a practiced smile. As I neared, one of his companions noticed my approach and nodded in my direction, prompting my father to turn and offer me a warm smile.

"Ah, (Y/N)," he greeted, his tone filled with genuine warmth. "Enjoying the evening?"

"Very much, Father," I replied, slipping my arm through his. "The ball is truly a success—Amelia must be thrilled."

He chuckled softly, giving my hand a gentle pat. "Yes, she's certainly made quite an impression. Though I must say, your presence here makes it all the more special. I know you put in considerable effort to make tonight perfect for her."

I returned his smile, though the weight of his words hit differently now, knowing what I did. "Of course. Family means everything, after all."

One of the noblemen beside us, an older gentleman with graying hair, gave me an approving nod. "Your daughters both shine so brightly, Lord (Father's Name). You must be very proud."

My father nodded, his gaze softening. "I am," he replied. "They've both brought me immense joy. And I trust they'll continue to bring honor to our family."

As he spoke, I felt a surge of resolve course through me. He saw Amelia and me as his pride and joy, unaware of the betrayal festering within his own household. I would protect him from this web of lies—even if it meant altering the path Amelia and Asher had tried to carve for themselves.

"Speaking of honor," I said with a light laugh, turning my gaze toward my father, "perhaps you could introduce me to more of these fine gentlemen. After all, alliances are important in our world."

He raised an eyebrow, clearly pleased by my interest. "Of course, my dear," he said, giving me an approving nod. "It's good to see you thinking about the future."

As we moved among the nobles, my father introduced me to influential figures, and I listened intently, engaging with the subtle ease I'd acquired over the years. Though I was polite and poised, my mind was already spinning with plans, considering each individual's potential value, calculating what alliances might benefit me in this new journey of reclaiming control.

Tonight, I wasn't just my father's dutiful daughter or Amelia's unassuming sister. Tonight, I was laying the foundation for something far greater—a network that would allow me to take back what was rightfully mine and dismantle the treachery woven into my life.

And as the evening continued, I realized I was no longer afraid of what the future held. I was ready to face it head-on.

My father and I were in the midst of a conversation about some recent political developments, his voice low as he explained the intricacies of our kingdom's alliances. I listened intently, nodding along and occasionally asking questions, genuinely enjoying the moment of feeling useful and informed.

Just then, Amelia appeared beside us, her smile perfectly rehearsed as she slid into our conversation. "Father, (Y/N), what are we talking about over here?" she asked, tilting her head with a feigned curiosity. Her gaze flicked to the group of noblemen surrounding us, clearly assessing the situation.

My father chuckled, his hand resting on my shoulder as he responded, "Ah, Amelia, nothing you'd need to worry yourself about. It's a rather... complicated matter." He gave me a proud smile before glancing at Amelia. "(Y/N) has taken an interest in understanding our family's connections and responsibilities. Isn't that right?"

One of the noblemen, Lord Cunningham, laughed softly and nodded. "Indeed, Lady (Y/N) has shown quite the talent for discussing matters beyond the usual social formalities. It's a rare quality, one we don't often see at such events."

I kept my expression neutral, but I could see the surprise flash across Amelia's face. She recovered quickly, though, her smile barely faltering. "Oh, I see," she said, attempting to sound impressed. "I hadn't realized (Y/N) was so interested in... those kinds of things."

Her tone was carefully neutral, but I caught the slight edge beneath it. I knew she saw herself as the one destined for admiration, and this subtle shift in attention toward me was clearly unsettling her.

Another nobleman turned to my father, a curious glint in his eye. "Lord (Father's Name), with Lady (Y/N)'s aptitude, have you ever considered involving her more actively in the family's affairs?"

My father nodded thoughtfully, casting me an approving glance. "Yes, actually. (Y/N) has proven herself to be exceptionally capable. I daresay she'd bring valuable insight to the matters of our estate and the responsibilities that come with it."

Amelia's eyes flickered with a hint of frustration. Her role as the beloved younger sister, the one always in the spotlight, was clearly feeling less secure.

"Oh, but Father," she interjected, trying to sound casual, "isn't (Y/N) more focused on social engagements? I'm sure she enjoys a good party more than these serious discussions." She gave me a sweet, almost mocking smile, clearly hoping to paint me as less focused than I was.

I returned her smile, choosing my words carefully. "Actually, Amelia, I find both aspects quite rewarding. Managing responsibilities while maintaining a social presence requires a balance I'm rather enjoying learning about." I turned to the nobles, who seemed intrigued by the subtle exchange between us. "After all, a true lady must know more than just the art of hosting. She should also understand the intricacies of what makes a family and estate strong, don't you think?"

The noblemen nodded in agreement, and one of them raised a glass toward me. "Well said, Lady (Y/N). It's a pleasure to see such intelligence matched with grace."

Amelia's smile faltered for a split second, her frustration barely concealed. My father looked on with pride, unaware of the silent tension unfolding between his daughters.

As the conversation continued, Amelia was forced to stand quietly beside us, her attempts to steer attention back toward herself only met with polite dismissals. It was clear that tonight, she was the one relegated to the sidelines, while I quietly, deliberately, took the lead.

This evening was just one small victory, but it felt like a taste of justice. For the first time, I was no longer in Amelia's shadow. And as the night wore on, I resolved to keep it that way.