The Wicked Wife's Dark History Keeps Coming Back To Haunt Her - Chapter 245
âIf you know your sonâs temperament, this will be easier to talk about.â
âPardon?â
âAs you likely guessed, young Richard said something that canât simply be brushed aside.â
âMy son surely didnât say it with malicious intent. Isnât that right, Richard?â
Nina let out a hollow laugh.
To say there was no ill intent after saying something like that was a problem in its own way.
âThereâs no need for excuses. Your son has hurt Ian again. Last time, the price was expulsion, but what kind of price do you intend to pay this time?â
âD-Duchess, I believe there may be some misunderstanding, so wouldnât it be better to calm down for a moment?â
Nina gently took Ianâs hand, which had been clenched tight ever since she arrived, and glared at the Marquis.
âI am calmer than at any other time right now. Are you suggesting that I am persecuting your son out of nothing more than anger?â
âT-That isâŚâ
At her cold voice, devoid of any warmth, cold sweat ran down Marquis Ulverniâs back.
The influence of Duchess Bayern within high society was steadily growing.
Even though she had not fully stepped into the social scene, countless nobles wished to form ties with her, and any parent with children hoped their child would associate with Ian.
And it was already like this now. If she were to begin social activities in earnestâŚ
The name of House Ulverni was not light by any means, but compared to House Bayern, the loss would be significant.
Why else would he swallow his pride and come uninvited to a place he hadnât even been asked to attend.
It would undoubtedly affect not only his second son but also the social life of his eldest.
The second son aside, he couldnât allow damage to the connections of his eldest, who would one day inherit the family.
No, the immediate problem was himself.
The easiest way to resolve a situation like this was, as always, to put the child forward.
Marquis Ulverniâs gaze landed on his son, who was shrinking back like a coward.
Despite all his admonitions, the boy had not apologized properly and had instead caused trouble with Ian again.
âRichard, apologize at once.â
Was he shocked by the betrayal of the father he had expected to take his side?
Richard, who had been clutching the Marquisâs clothes with an anxious expression, raised his voice.
âI-I did apologize. I apologized, but Ian ignored me first!â
If he had received a punishment as severe as expulsion, he should have learned something from it.
To think he would still flare up and blame Ian even in this situation.
Nina spoke coldly to Richard, who was fuming with bulging veins.
âIan has no obligation to accept your apology.â
Forgiveness depends solely on the heart of the one who was harmed.
And the fact that he had failed to move Ianâs heart meant that the apology had not been sufficient.
Even if it had been sufficient, forgiveness would still be a separate matter.
âMarquis, what will you do?â
When Ninaâs icy gaze settled on him, Marquis Ulverni bit down on his lip.
Despite being younger than him, the Duchessâs cold expression seemed to overwhelm him with its gravitas.
It felt as though she wouldnât forgive him unless he knelt right here.
But he was a marquis in name, and he couldnât abandon his dignity and pride over a matter between children.
After a brief hesitation, Marquis Ulverni grabbed Richardâs shoulder and raised his hand high.
âAfter being scolded like that at home, you still cause trouble again? Didnât you say you would apologize!â
Smack, smack, smack!
His thick hand struck Richardâs back.
He had never once laid a hand on his son until now, but there was no other choice if he wanted to smooth things over.
If this could calm the Duchessâs anger, it was hardly an expensive price to pay.
âF-Father! Why are you hitting me. I said I was sorry, I apologizedâŚ!â
âWhat are you shouting for, as if you did something right!â
As the Marquis smacked him repeatedly and scolded him, Richard cried and screamed at the top of his lungs.
âUmâŚâ
When Ian, flustered by the unexpected reaction, tried to step in, Nina caught his hand and stopped him.
She had caught on to the Marquisâs intent, as he was subtly watching her reaction even while scolding his son.
But that was, without question, the worst possible choice.
