Blackening the Affectionate Male Lead (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 67

“I-I don’t understand what you’re talking about. Louise Ann? My name is Cecilia Western. Are you trying to say that I’m some wanted criminal, even though you don’t even know who this woman is?”

“Mother and Melissa kept dyeing it red consistently, so of course no one knew. The ledger from the dye merchants has already been sent over, so don’t even think about denying it. You were quite famous in Heartfall, too. In your previous village, you were wanted for fraud and various other crimes. We’ve also found evidence linking you to the deaths of Duchess and Marquis Western.”

Whitney tapped the wanted poster lightly with her fingers. Cecilia’s face flushed with embarrassment. The relatives staring at her shifted their gazes subtly. Even though they were all desperate for money, they weren’t completely shameless. She had hoped they still held onto some sense of dignity—and fortunately, it seemed they did.

“Dye is something everyone uses! That alone can’t possibly—!”

“Is it really just that? Mother, I’ve been waiting for this day. I know everything—the things you’ve done with the Ducal Mansion’s funds, exactly how much you’ve embezzled. Here’s the financial statement; take a look. All I’m trying to do is reclaim what’s rightfully mine. Father’s will clearly stated that I would become head of the household and lead House of Duke Orleans once I came of age, didn’t it?”

“After he died, I managed the Ducal Mansion so well—now you’re saying it was all wrong?”

“If this doesn’t end peacefully, I’ll have no choice but to drag you to court by force. But before that, Mother, do you know who’s coming here right now?”

She rested her chin on her hand and gave a faint, knowing smile. Louise Ann was a wanted fugitive, with an enormous bounty on her head and countless enemies.

“Anyone who opposes me here could very well be implicated as an accomplice. Don’t think you can just back out by claiming ignorance. I have records proving you accepted money from Mother, so I’ll say you chose to stay silent despite knowing the truth.”

“……”

In an instant, the atmosphere fell silent. Those who had already decided to side with Whitney simply watched the situation unfold from the start—they had come only to cast their votes, after all, and saw no need to argue.

Soon after, a knock sounded at the door.

“They seem to have arrived right on time.”

She had already contacted the investigating authorities through her aunt, informing them about her mother. They had agreed to visit the Ducal Mansion today—the very day of the family assembly—to verify her identity.

Cecilia’s face turned pale, and she took a step backward.

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