Lord Preston's Secret Tutor (47 Chapters Left to Complete) - Chapter 1
Money doesn’t always guarantee happiness, but having money generally makes one happy.
Jacqueline realized this truth of life a bit later than most others—namely, that being a wealthy commoner was better off than being a penniless noblewoman in name only.
The age where titles alone conferred influence had ended. Now, an era had dawned where gold wielded power as potent as any noble title.
Her father, the Earl of Somerset, took interest in the rising ventures of the New World, hoping to ride the tide of the times. Across the sea lay an unknown realm—a land of gold that promised him immense wealth.
Yet it wasn’t a place just anyone could reach. It was a mysterious continent attainable only after months of arduous sea voyage.
One had to pass through the valley known as the “Canyon of Death” and survive sudden, violent storms. Luck was also needed to avoid drawing pirates’ attention.
More than half of those who set out on expeditions never returned, and most of the rest came back empty-handed without ever setting foot on the New World.
Thus, the “Continent of Dreams” became one of the kingdom’s most popular enterprises—a dazzling land of gold untouched by human hands.
“But Father was no exception.”
The Earl of Somerset never returned. The family fortune went to creditors, and the once-glorious Somerset earldom went bankrupt overnight. All Jacqueline was left with was the nickname “penniless noblewoman.”
“This isn’t the time for that.”
Jacqueline shook her head lightly and resumed her halted movements. She carefully stacked folded clothes into a large bag. Though she had packed all her belongings, there was still an odd emptiness.
“How strange—I was sure it was completely full when I came… Oh! I nearly forgot Colin. Sorry, Colin.”
Only after placing in the bear plush her father had given her for her fifteenth birthday did the bag finally fill up. She barely managed to zip it shut and was sliding it under the bed when a knock sounded at the door.
The maid who entered spoke politely.
“Count Greenwood has returned home.”
“He’s back early today. Where is Uncle Walter?”
“He went straight to his study.”
“Thank you, Laura.”
After taking a deep breath while glancing around her neatly arranged room, Jacqueline headed toward the study. She opened the door after knocking and greeted the middle-aged man seated at the desk with a warm smile.
“Welcome back, Uncle.”
“Oh, Jacqueline.”
Walter Greenwood paused his work and gave her a gentle look. Jacqueline sat down on the sofa, still smiling. Walter placed a half-opened envelope into a drawer, locked it with a key, and walked toward her.
An old friend of the late Earl of Somerset, he had readily offered Jacqueline a place to stay when she had nowhere else in the capital. He continued treating her kindly when everyone else avoided her.
Their long-standing relationship allowed her to call the nobleman “Uncle” without formality. Walter was her godfather and the only person she could truly trust.
“I’ve found a job.”
At her words, he gave a faint frown. Walter looked at her with concern, as though she were his own daughter.
Choosing his words carefully so as not to wound Jacqueline’s pride, he said,
“Jackie, you really don’t have to do this. Didn’t I already tell you I’d cover the costs for your wedding? I’m your godfather—you’re as good as my own daughter. That won’t change just because Baron is gone.”
“I know. I’m always grateful for your kindness, Uncle.”
“I’ve already asked Mrs. Smith to look into marriage prospects for you. If you just wait a little longer…”
“Who would possibly want someone like me, who’s nothing but an empty shell now? Besides, my prime age for marriage has long passed, hasn’t it?”
Right before Jacqueline’s formal debut into high society, her father’s ship went missing. She had been too preoccupied searching for news of him to pay attention to social events.
Three years passed in the blink of an eye. Once considered a promising debutante, she had now become the “penniless noblewoman” whom no one noticed.
“Jackie… Could it be you’re still thinking about Evan Knox…?”
Uncharacteristically hesitant, Walter let his sentence trail off. Jacqueline laughed with an open, carefree expression.
“No, Uncle. That was ages ago. Though we were engaged, I barely met Mr. Evan Knox a few times because I was in boarding school.”
“Well, that’s a relief.”
“I appreciate your concern about my marriage, but right now I can’t afford to think about anything except earning money. I can’t keep leaving Mother at Aunt’s place forever.”
“I’ll take responsibility for Countess of Somerset.”
Jacqueline’s eyes softened as she smiled tenderly. She knew Walter meant every word.
“Thank you for the offer, but I must decline. Circumstances have changed, and I need to adapt to this new life.”
“Jacqueline.”
Walter sighed deeply as he spoke her name. He looked as if he had much more to say, yet ultimately remained silent.
Concluding he couldn’t sway Jacqueline’s stubbornness, Walter changed the subject.
“Alright then—what kind of job did you say you found? You can at least tell me your future whereabouts, can’t you?”
“Of course. I’ll be working as a governess at Lord Preston’s manor. Fortunately, Madam Capelther kindly wrote me a letter of recommendation.”
“Lord Preston? You mean Marquess of Preston, Windsor Preston?”
Walter’s eyes widened as if he’d heard something completely unexpected. Jacqueline nodded, still smiling.
“Yes, Uncle.”
“Hmm.”
Walter rubbed his chin, recalling rumors circulating in society.
“If you’re the governess for their household, you’ll be assigned to Master Benjamin Preston.”
“That’s right.”
“I’d heard the Marquess of Preston returned to the capital a few months ago.”
Ever cautious by nature, Walter held his words back. After a moment of silent contemplation, he cast Jacqueline a complicated look.
Unable to contain himself any longer, he finally spoke with a short sigh.
“Do you even know how many governesses Master Benjamin has gone through in the past two years?”
“I heard it’s been quite a few.”
“As I recall, you’ll be the tenth governess, Jacqueline.”
“Actually, Uncle, I’m the thirteenth.”
“Goodness. Three poor souls more than I remembered. May God have mercy on them.”
Making the sign of the cross and half-joking, Walter shook his head.
“After Lord Jeffrey Preston, Benjamin’s father, passed away, his younger brother, Lord Windsor Preston, inherited the Preston title and took custody of his nephew Benjamin. There are widespread rumors that it’s not Master Benjamin, but Lord Preston himself who causes the governesses to be replaced so frequently.”
“Yes, I’ve heard the same.”
Jacqueline nodded dismissively. She was long past the point of being picky—she needed even stale bread now.
After stroking his beard in silence for a while, Walter finally spoke with difficulty.
“You do know who Master Benjamin’s mother was, don’t you?”
“Yes—Lady Amanda Preston.”
“Right. Tragically, she passed away from childbed fever shortly after childbirth. Benjamin lost both his parents. And do you also know she was His Majesty’s youngest daughter?”
“Of course, Uncle.”
Walter’s expression grew even more troubled. He couldn’t understand why she insisted on joining the Prestons despite knowing all this.
He finally voiced his true concern.
“It’s common knowledge that relations between the royal family and the Marquess of Preston household are strained over custody of Master Benjamin. Since Lord Windsor Preston isn’t the legitimate heir, His Majesty looks down on him for being of illegitimate birth. And I’m worried you might get swept up in that storm.”
Jacqueline looked at him with sparkling green eyes—vibrant and full of life, like summer leaves.
“Don’t worry, Uncle. Nothing like that will happen to me. After all, I’m just a governess. What business would I have getting involved in conflicts between the royal family and a marquess’s house?”
“…Yes, I hope so.”
Walter nodded reluctantly, his expression uneasy. Then, with a resigned smile, he accepted it. If he couldn’t change Jacqueline’s mind, all he could do was support her.
“If anything becomes difficult, come to me anytime. I’ll always be on your side—you know that already.”
“Thank you, Uncle.”
Jacqueline gave him a gentle smile. Walter, as if suddenly remembering something, spoke cautiously.
“Have there been any new developments regarding Baron…?”
Hearing her father’s name after so long, Jacqueline couldn’t help but let a bitter smile slip. Though aware it was impolite, she cut Walter off abruptly.
“I couldn’t give up before because of vague hope, but now I’m ready to accept reality.”
“Jackie…”
“If Father were still alive, he would’ve returned by now. It’s already been three years. Though his body was never found, the fact remains—he’s gone. All this time, I… just couldn’t bring myself to accept it. Now, I want to live my own life, Uncle.”
“Yes. That’s wise of you. Sometimes, giving up takes courage too. Baron would surely understand your heart, Jackie.”
Giving up takes courage too.
Jacqueline silently nodded in agreement. Yes, perhaps that was true. Only by letting go could one move forward—so surrender, too, was a choice.
It was a signal that she was ready to close this chapter of her life and embrace a new challenge.
Trying to lighten the heavy mood, Walter forced a brighter tone.
“What if Lord Windsor Preston falls for you? I heard he hasn’t taken a fancy to any young lady yet.”
“Oh, don’t be silly, Uncle.”
Jacqueline waved her hand emphatically as if the idea were utterly absurd.
“Have you forgotten that Lord Preston, though invited to balls, has never once danced with any woman? He has absolutely no interest in women—why else would they call him ‘the Devil of the Black Fleet’?”
“You know, men like that become truly fearsome once they fall in love. Fate can knock at any time, from anywhere.”
“That won’t happen. I guarantee it.”
“Hmm. We’ll see about that. How could any man not fall in love when such a beautiful noblewoman stands right before him?”
“You only see me that way, Uncle. Everyone else calls me the ‘penniless noblewoman.’”
“Goodness. Those fools must be blind.”
Walter’s genuine indignation made Jacqueline burst into laughter. Helplessly, Walter also offered a small smile. They truly looked like a loving father and daughter.
[This is the timeline separator]Her first impression of Windsor Preston was sheer astonishment.
Jacqueline stared, wide-eyed, as if gazing upon a masterpiece carved by the greatest sculptor, swallowing the gasp that rose in her throat.
She’d long heard rumors of Windsor Preston’s good looks—whispers of angelic beauty and devilish charm simultaneously graced the yellow press.
Yet at this very moment, she was certain those rumors captured less than half of his true magnificence.
His golden hair was as fine as silk thread; his thoughtful gray eyes, his nose higher than the Kalpurs Mountains, and his jawline perfectly symmetrical.
Even the finest sculpture would look shabby beside him. Thus, Jacqueline missed her chance to greet him properly.
“Miss Jacqueline Somerset?”
Windsor spoke first. Unlike his sweet appearance, his voice was firm. Only then did she remember he was a former soldier.
When male lead is the homewrecker
“I know she doesn’t love him.”
I’ve read the novel below twice already. Girls, I’m highly recommending it to you!
The female lead? Not a good person.
The second male lead? Not a good person.
The male lead? Willingly plays the third party, breaking up the female and second male lead’s relationship despite all the warnings from his friends—so yeah, he’s definitely not a good person either.
Basically, nobody in this novel is simple-minded or without scheming.
The female lead starts off as the male lead’s secretary, but don’t worry—later on, she takes over the company while the male lead steps back to support her. He won’t steal her spotlight, overshadow her, or dull her shine.
I love novels where men are out here snatching wigs, tearing each other down, and going to war just to win the female lead’s affection. And this is exactly that kind of novel. Most of Hai Dai Ran’s works have this dynamic. You’ll see the male characters’ emotions being pushed to the absolute extreme.
There’s even a scene where the second male lead exposes the male lead online for being a homewrecker. The brotherhood immediately gangs up on him, dragging him through the mud. I find it compelling —it completely flips reality on its head, where usually, women are the ones fighting over a man and getting torn apart by the sisterhood.
For me, female leads in the novels I read should only struggle in their careers, not in love. But if the brainless romantics in the story are all men? I have zero complaints.
I’ve pretty much read all of Hai Dai Ran’s novels and even translated all of them—her works are just my thing. I’ll slowly upload everything here. One day, when my website is official, I hope I can invite her to join as one of the star authors.
Here’s the story synopsis:
One-line summary: She is his lifelong obsession, to the point where he was willing to be a third wheel, scorned by society, just to wedge his way into her relationship with her fiancé.
Cold-hearted and indifferent female lead + Scheming and subservient CEO male lead
Intro 1:
“I know she doesn’t love him.”
With blood trickling from his clenched fist, Rong Xiu gazed at the woman before him, his eyes clouded with anguish. Hidden in the wardrobe, he had witnessed Fan Xia – the woman he desperately loved – in an intimate embrace with her fiancé. Yet his heart still yearned for her, defying all reason.
Fan Xia, the elegant and composed assistant, carried something mysterious in her eyes whenever she looked at her fiancé, Wen Lan Sheng. Strange occurrences began to surface – secret meetings with the young Gu Jin Yi, an unexplained withdrawal of 5,000 yuan… Then suddenly, her fiancé’s sister, Wen Jing, violently attacked her.
In this matriarchal society, Rong Xiu had risen to become the chairman of a powerful healthcare conglomerate, breaking through gender prejudices. But for the first time, he willingly stepped into the shadows as the other man, disregarding his friends’ warnings to become her secret lover.
Because he had discovered the truth – Fan Xia wasn’t the pure angel everyone believed her to be. And perhaps, he was the only one capable of helping her execute her mysterious plan…
Intro 2:
Rong Xiu’s biggest regret in life was missing out on Fan Xia.
He secretly loved Fan Xia for 7 years.
Watched her go public with her boyfriend.
Watched her kiss her boyfriend at their wedding.
Until that man blissfully nestled in Fan Xia’s arms, obtaining everything he could only dream of.
The crazy jealousy stripped away his hidden secret love, layer by layer, burning like wildfire.
Fan Xia, how can I have you!
【Reading and Trigger Warning Guide】
1. Female dominant, male submissive, male pregnancy
2. Male lead schemes his way to the top, male competition
_____
Please help me, I want to bring you the best possible things.
If you find any chapter or novel with poor translation and editing quality, let me know by commenting directly under that novel or chapter. I will retranslate it as soon as possible.
[Touch the gear icon in the bottom right corner of the screen to move to the next chapter if you want.]
MANGA DISCUSSION
4 Comments
Chapter Comments (121)
Poor child. Even if he was the next marquess, he was still a child. Six years old
I really really like the FL, she’s kind and confident 😍. Hope she never change
That man obsessed in making a six year old child as a perfect heir…
Inline Comments (1336)
“You left them in the drawing room. Since it’s working hours, I thought you migh
Ahahaha. It’s cute because the author drew him to look like a perfect man, but also made him so careless of his own belongings 😂
“The heir of the Preston family doesn’t touch cicadas with his hands, Miss Somer
Oh I didn’t realise there is a manhwa. Thank you for this. Will check it out!
“A few years ago, at a banquet hosted by Lord Hanson, she inhaled pollen from ch
I’m glad that she’s very well-informed about all the guests ❤️
YOUR COMMENT
2. Inline comments are now available. Tap the end of any line in a chapter to share your thoughts instantly.
Log in to comment.
Blairwoods
Even the finest sculpture would look shabby beside him. Thus, Jacqueline missed her chance to greet him properly.
I hate how author always makes fl dumbfounded when look at ml’ face. in real life it’s sound stupid.
Jane
Finally a good and kind uncle. I have read too many novels where the family or the extended family were always part of FL’s pain. This is a breath of fresh air.
Annekam
Although it’s unfortunate that she lost her wealth, I really like her persevering attitude.
TehShy
i am hooked, i am looking forward to reading the next chapters.