The Lady Nun Seeks Justice (Eliza Stonor) novel Chapter 282

282.Chapter 282

“You?”

Eliza glanced at Rocco with a calm expression. “Apologies, but there’s nothing on you that interests me, and I don’t need any dogs.”

Though she said this, Rocco still stared at her, not quite believing her words.

“Alright, Rocco. You’ve been in seclusion recently, so you might not be up to date on the recent events. Let me explain,” Gilbert quickly interjected. “This is Your Grace of Bortenland, the first to be granted the title by His Majesty three months ago. She is also the legitimate daughter of the Duke’s estate.” Gilbert emphasized the words legitimate daughter. Rocco paused, momentarily stunned, before realization dawned on him. “You’re the legitimate daughter of the Duke’s estate? The daughter of Caroline?”

Eliza gave a faint nod, her expression neutral. “I am Caroline’s daughter, but I am no longer the legitimate daughter of the Duke’s estate.”

Perhaps it was because of this revelation, but Rocco, who had been on edge and highly alert, finally relaxed.

“So that’s it. I never expected the person Gilbert mentioned, the one who could cure the poison in our bodies, would be you.” Eliza raised an eyebrow. “So you believe me now?”

Rocco gave a respectful bow. “The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Besides, you’re Caroline’s daughter. The Padilla family‘ s name was once renowned across the land. I’ve long admired them, but unfortunately, I never had the chance to visit. Now, with the Padilla family…” He paused, realizing his words, and quickly apologized. “Ah, I’m sorry, I misspoke.”

Before Rocco could continue, Gilbert shot him a warning glance. Rocco quickly corrected himself, slapping his mouth in apology.

“No offense,” Eliza waved a hand, unconcerned. “If you can trust me now, it seems our agreement can continue.”

“What deal?” Rocco seemed unaware of the arrangement between Eliza and Gilbert.

Gilbert quickly explained, “Ah, right. I didn’t have a chance to tell you earlier, but I made a deal with Your Grace. She’s helping us develop an antidote to cure the poison in our bodies. And in return, we’re helping her uncover the truth behind the death of Caroline and find the evidence.”

“That makes sense.”

Rocco turned his gaze to Eliza. “So, Your Grace suspects that Caroline didn’t die of illness but was killed by Zoie?”

Eliza nodded.

Rocco let out a quiet laugh, stroking his thick beard. “Your Grace is right. Caroline’s death was indeed linked to Zoie.”

Eliza’s gaze locked onto his, and she asked, “What do you know?”

Rocco smirked. “I know a lot. I can tell you anything you want, but unfortunately, there’s no evidence. Would you still believe me?”

“Evidence is just for others to see,” Eliza replied coolly. “I’ve already figured out Sophie’s nature. Anyone capable of raising such a daughter like her must have had their dark side. Mrs. Zoie was certainly no exception.”

“So, you can just speak freely,” Eliza said, her voice steady.

Rocco nodded thoughtfully before speaking. “This story starts with the background of our ‘Lady Sophie.‘ You probably already know that her true birthdate is two months earlier than yours. She’s not technically your sister, but calling her your older sister would be somewhat of an overstep.”

After all, the blood running through Your Grace’s veins belonged to the legitimate heirs of two great families. Sophie, however, was the result of a secret affair between the Duke of Mowbay and Zoie.

With such a background, in any strict, traditional family, she and her mother would have been dead before they even had the chance to be born.

But the relationship between Zoie and Gabriel, the Duke of Mowbay, was far from simple. They had known each other for years, and their feelings for one another had been sealed long ago.

Yet, when the Duke of Mowbay was still the heir, driven by ambition and a desire for power, he chose to abandon Zoie, marrying Caroline, the only daughter of the Padilla family. With the Padilla family’s support, he ultimately achieved his ambition and solidified the Duke’s estate’s position as an indomitable force in the court.