Chapter 1 Nice To Meet You
Finished
The vibrant flowers of peach and apricot trees cast a soft glow upon the green slopes as Sadie Francis gazed at the majestic and splendid Gates Estate before her
In her previous life, her parents had divorced. Her mother, Eleanor Marquardt, remarried Nicolas Gates, The Duke. Her older sister. Daisy Francis, having a greed for wealth, chose to follow Eleanor to the Gates family. She acknowledged Nicolas as her stepfather and thus lived a luxurious life as the young lady of the
Gates Tamily.
On the other hand, Sadie stayed with their father, Quincy Francis, who was a magistrate, along with their three older brothers, Adonis, Oliver, and Neville
Later on. Quincy was summoned back to the Jamore city by the Emperor and was appointed as a minister. Sadie, as the daughter of a minister, was betrothed to the crown prince, while Daisy was hastily wed to a low–ranked government official by the Gates family. Daisy suffered greatly at the hands of her in–laws.
Unhappy with her marriage. Daisy returned to the Francis family crying to vent to her father and brothers.
On the day Sadie was to be wed to the crown prince, Quincy, Adonis, Oliver, and Neville tied her up. intending to have Daisy take her place.
At that time, Quincy said. “You and Daisy were twins, but you took all the nutrients in your mother’s womb. causing her to be frail and sickly from a young age. You owe her your life, so make it up to her with this marriage.
Adonis, their oldest brother and a third honor graduate, said, “You’re too obsessed with success, always pushing me to study. Daisy is much more likable than you. When Father and I held low positions, we couldn’t give her anything nice. But now that our family is wealthy and prominent, we can finally help her become the crown princess. From now on, your name and status will belong to Daisy!”
Oliver, their second brother and a rich merchant, said, “Daisy is innocent and naive, unlike you, who’s cunning and manipulative. Every time I see you negotiating business deals on my behalf, I feel embarrassed. Therefore, I will multiply Daisy’s original dowry by twenty times so that she stays wealthy for
life!”
Neville, their third brother and the deputy commander of the Imperial Guard, said, “You’re too domineering, and you talked Father into sending me to the military for training, causing me to suffer so much. You’re nowhere near as gentle and likable as Daisy! I’m going to gather my men from the Imperial Guard right now, and we’ll all escort Daisy to the Crown Prince’s Palace.
Daisy sobbed, “I never intended to steal your marriage, Sadie, but I have to listen to them. Since both our father and brothers have spoken, I guess I have no choice. Sadie, you won’t blame me, will you?”
Sadie watched them quietly.
Over the years, she had worked tirelessly to get a top scholar to come out of seclusion and tutor Ado efforts had resulted in him becoming a third honor graduate.
She had also racked her brains, orchestrating and strategizing in the world of business, all in an effort to help Oliver become a rich merchant in Aurelia Province.
Additionally, she persuaded Quincy to enlist Neville in the military, and the latter joined the Imperial Guard after undergoing military training.
For Quincy, Sadie served us an adviser to him, giving him ideas to eradicate bandits, resolve floods, and
Chapter 1 Nice To Meet You,
contain the spread of the disease, which ultimately led to the Emperor summoning him back to Jarmore
Despite everything she had done, they still didn’t warm up to her.
The day Daisy returned from the Crown Prince’s Palace for a family visit, Sadie was brought into a secret chamber.
Quincy, Adonis, Oliver, and Neville believed that only the dead could truly keep a secret. Hence, they planned to kill her so that Daisy could assume her identity and live on in her stead.
Just as Sadie was on the brink of death, she used the poison on the tip of her hairpin to send everyone to the afterworld.
To Sadie’s surprise, when she opened her eyes again, she found herself back at the time when her parents had just divorced.
Daisy spoke up first. “I’ll stay with Father! I would never abandon him for the sake of wealth and status. In my heart, no one can ever compare to Father, be it The Duke or The Marquess!”
Upon hearing those words, Quincy, Adonis, Oliver, and Neville were deeply moved.
“That was when Sadie knew Daisy had also traveled back in time.
Sadie calmly said. “Then, I’ll go to the Gates Estate with Mother.”
Daisy leaned in close to her ear and whispered, “You don’t actually believe that the Gates Estate is some sort of paradise, do you?”
Sadie gripped her handkerchief tightly.
In her previous life, Daisy had once come home to vent.
She described Talulla, the Dowager Consort, as a harsh and troublesome crone, for the latter remained indifferent po matter how much she tried to please her. The gifts Talulla offered to Daisy during holidays and festivals were apparently the same as leftovers given to a beggar.
Daisy further commented that her stepbrothers were icy, devoid of feelings.
She also said the most annoying person was The Duke’s heir. According to her, he was cunning, malicious, and ruthless. He was also two–faced, acting differently in front of others and behind their backs. Despite her numerous attempts to please him, he snubbed her, keeping her at arm’s length as if she were something filthy.
Sadie pretended to be puzzled. “Isn’t such a grand and luxurious place supposed to be good?”
“You’ll know when you get there,” Daisy said with a knowing smile. “Silly girl, our family may not be doing well at the moment, to the point that we have to stay at the Magistrate’s Office, and we can’t afford any decent cosmetics, but our family will rise to power in three years. As for me, I’m destined to become the crown princess in the future!”
Rise to power? Sadie cast her eyes downward. I’d like to see how Father will achieve noteworthy political achievements and how Adonis, Oliver, and Neville will make a name for themselves in this life without my support
“Miss Francis,” the maid who was leading the way called out to her. “What’s gotten you so lost in thought?
Chapter 1 Nice To Meet You
Lady Talulla is waiting to see you”
Sadie snapped back to reality.
પાલન છે
It had been two days since Eleanor married into the Gates family, and this was the first time Talulla had summoned her.
Upon arriving at Pine Manor, the maid said, “Miss Francis, please wait here while I head in and inform Lady Talulla of your arrival,”
Sadie had an exceptional sense of hearing.
Not long after the maid entered, she heard a hoarse voice from the room. “I was born in a general’s family, and I only have one son and four grandsons. I’ve never raised a girl in my life. Tell me, how exactly should one raise a young lady? I’m assuming that she needs to be pampered!”
Sadie gripped her handkerchief tightly.
The speaker was likely Talulla.
Judging by her tone, Sadie could tell that Talulla valued her greatly,
Talulla was completely different than what Daisy had described.
A clear yet deep voice of a young man followed closely, “Grandmother, the welcome gift you prepared is too valuable, She’s just a young girl, and she’s new to our household. If you give her something too costly, it might cause her to feel so burdened that she wouldn’t know how to carry herself.”
“You do have a point, Zephyr. So, should I put away this case of silver certificates for now?” Talulla asked reluctantly.
Zephyr Gates, The Duke’s heir, was the person Daisy said to be the most annoying.
The conversation in the room soon ceased, probably because the maid had announced Sadie’s arrival.
After a moment, Talulla said firmly, “Zephyr, that young girl will be part of our family from now on. Since she’s now your younger sister, you must treat her well.”
“Of course, Grandmother. I’ll certainly take good care of her as her older brother. Well, I have official
my leave now. matters to tend to at the High Court, so I’ll take
As the sound of footsteps drew closer, the maid gently pushed aside the felt curtains.
Sadie lowered her gaze and saw a pair of cloud–patterned black boots stepping out of the room.
The young man who appeared wore rich brocade and a fine leather belt, carrying himself with dignity and authority. His crimson outfit highlighted his graceful posture, giving him a noble and almost otherworldly look. Though his features were sharp and handsome, his eyes and expression showed a cold, distanţ indifference.
The second he stepped out the door, Sadie was greeted by the rich scent of sandalwood.
Along with his gaze, a substantial weight seemed to press heavily onto Sadie’s shoulders.
It was the innate air of authority that came with those in power.
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Chapter 1 Nice To Meet You
She curtsied and greeted, “Nice to meet you, Brother.”
Finishe
The young man replied slowly, “Nice to meet you, Miss Francis, but I’m afraid you’re mistaken about something. Your surname is Francis, while mine is Gates. I’m not your brother.”
His elegant and aloof demeanor was a stark contrast to the gentle and respectful attitude he had just displayed in front of Talulla.
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