The Wicked Wife's Dark History Keeps Coming Back To Haunt Her - Chapter 215

‘To weaken the power of the scandal…’

In other words, she meant to completely restore Nina’s reputation.

It was difficult to believe.

Since returning to the past, She had managed to improve her reputation to some extent, but most people still didn’t trust her.

Thanks to people like Rebecca, her humiliating dark past continued to be dragged back into the light again and again.

“How…?”

Nina asked, her voice wavering as she clutched the hem of her skirt.

To erase her dark past.

No.

Even if she couldn’t erase it entirely, to at least change how people saw her before leaving.

That had been one of her greatest goals since her return.

“You must know that I was once the head lady-in-waiting of the Empress’s palace.”

The ladies-in-waiting of the Imperial Palace.

Only women from influential noble families could serve members of the Imperial Family directly.

Above all, it was an honorable position.

‘But how could a retired lady-in-waiting still have such influence…?’

When Nina looked at her in puzzlement, the Marchioness smiled faintly.

“You might be thinking, ‘What power could a woman like me possibly have, one who retired ten years ago?’”

Nina flinched slightly.

That had been exactly what she was thinking just moments ago.

The head lady-in-waiting of the Empress’s palace was both the Empress’s closest confidante and a powerful figure in her own right.

She could wield tremendous influence over high society, but only while in office.

“Do you really think the network I built simply disappeared?”

Even the current head lady-in-waiting could not easily escape her reach.

The Marchioness of Lambert had once been one of the key powerholders within the Imperial Palace, a den of intrigue no different from a serpent’s nest.

It was only natural that someone like her would prepare for the future.

Until now, she had remained uninvolved—partly because her old friend Duchess Taylor had never asked it of her, and partly because she’d felt no particular fondness for Nina.

But earlier, seeing Nina among the children had moved her heart.

Everyone knew Nina was not a woman experienced in raising children.

And yet, not only had the children—who had been as divided as oil and water—come together in harmony, but their laughter filled the garden so vividly that it could be felt even from afar.

Especially her own son, Greg.

Regardless of gain or loss, what parent could dislike seeing such a smile on their child’s face?

The Marchioness gazed quietly at the rippling light in her sea-colored eyes—eyes stirred by joy and complicated thoughts alike—and let out a soft laugh.

“…By the way, His Grace doesn’t seem able to take his eyes off of you, Madam.”

“Ah…”

At the Marchioness’s words, Nina instinctively glanced toward Ash.

Their eyes met.

“It’s well known that Duke Bayern is a man of iron restraint. But after seeing you today, I finally understand why he can’t seem to look away from you.”

Nina’s cheeks flushed a delicate shade of red.

“…Thank you for your kind words.”

She hadn’t done anything special, really…

In fact, she felt undeserving of such praise, especially after causing inconvenience by misjudging the scale of the party.

Even so, if the Marchioness’s words proved true, it wouldn’t just restore her standing, it would help her family’s image as well.

It would be a chance to lift the burden of shame her family had borne because of her.

A soft smile bloomed on her lips.

* * *

As the night deepened, Nina’s heart felt lighter.

Exchanging friendly small talk with the guests, she said,

“It seems about time we wrap things up.”

The children, rubbing their sleepy eyes, were already wandering over to find their parents.

Nina brushed Ian’s hair, heavy with drowsiness, and asked gently,

“Did you have fun today?”

“Yes. I made lots of friends, and everyone got along. It was really nice.”

Nina patted his back fondly as he smiled brightly.

“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. Now then, it’s time for bed, isn’t it?”

“Yes…”

Nina instructed a maid to take Ian to his bedroom.

As hosts, she and Ash still had to remain until the very end to see their guests off.

“Guide the guests to their rooms.”

She gave quiet directions to the servants, her expression warm and composed.

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