Lord Preston's Secret Tutor (47 Chapters Left to Complete) - Chapter 37
It was Samantha who had remained unchanged. She was still as innocent as ever, utterly unaware of the world’s ugliness. She had bloomed beautifully like a flower nurtured in a warm, windless greenhouse.
“Yes. You haven’t changed at all. You’re still the same Jackie I always liked.”
Samantha’s voice grew wistful, as if tracing memories from long ago.
“Even back then, when Elizabeth mocked me as a ‘rolling cake’ and giggled—everyone was too intimidated by Elizabeth to speak to me, but you, Jackie, treated me just like anyone else.”
“Was it really like that?”
“Yes. That’s when I started liking you, Jackie.”
Samantha smiled gently. The affection glowing in her eyes enveloped Jacqueline in warmth, as if she were burying her face into Colin’s belly.
So Jacqueline found herself smiling too.
Reconnecting a bond she’d thought severed was a wearying task, accompanied by both comfort and bitterness—but it wasn’t as bad as she’d imagined.
Jacqueline brought her teacup to her lips and let out a slow breath.
***
Roman looked down at the garden visible behind Windsor’s back. The study on the second floor of the mansion offered a rather splendid view, and among everything, the large greenhouse stood out immediately.
Roman, who had been gazing blankly downward, suddenly narrowed his eyes slightly—someone had appeared in the quiet space below.
It was Jacqueline and Benjamin, both wearing straw hats.
What could they be doing there?
He frowned faintly as he watched the two crouched beneath an almond tree, their straw hats touching closely together.
He was curious about what they were doing, but the wide brims of their hats blocked his view entirely. Just as he absentmindedly stretched his neck forward—
“What about James Hammington?”
A sharp question flew at him. Roman finally tore his gaze from the window and scratched his forehead as he replied.
“He’s hired lawyers. Apparently, he’s swindled so much money that he’s drowning in it—he’s reportedly retained two of the most expensive lawyers in the kingdom.”
He paused briefly, then hardened his expression and added quietly,
“One of the lawyers appointed by His Majesty the King is among them. His name… was definitely Parker O’Brien.”
“I see.”
Windsor responded indifferently. Roman opened his mouth again, saying, “However…” Windsor, who had been walking toward his desk, turned his eyes toward him.
“According to rumors, the prosecution intends to request Miss Somerset’s testimony.”
“Hasn’t she already given her statement to the inspector?”
“It seems her testimony will be needed in court.”
Until now taciturn, Windsor’s brow furrowed slightly. He gave a light nod, signaling Roman to continue.
“As you know, in cases lacking clear evidence, witnesses become crucial. Nothing makes a stronger impression in court—or persuades the judge more effectively—than having the victim testify personally. Moreover, most nobles wouldn’t even report being defrauded, but Miss Somerset was different. The prosecution likely believes she’ll actively assist in this trial.”
“Testimony…”
Windsor murmured the word softly. Roman nodded, as if understanding exactly what Windsor was thinking.
“But would Miss Somerset really agree to testify? Merely reporting James Hammington already sparked a flood of newspaper articles—none of them particularly friendly. Unfavorable rumors are also spreading through high society. Pressuring her to testify feels rather harsh.”
Instead of answering, Windsor stared at the empty wall. He knew better than anyone what sort of rumors she’d endured.
Some claimed she was after a settlement; others insisted she sought publicity.
He recalled her words: sometimes, nobles valued honor above wealth—which explained why Lord Somerset had taken no action after being swindled.
Yet Jacqueline had reported James Hammington, fully aware of the backlash she’d face.
Perhaps he himself had driven her into a corner. Windsor’s eyes darkened with the thought. At that moment—
“I’ll do it.”
“…Excuse me? Do what?”
Roman asked belatedly, his voice dazed. Windsor slowly turned his eyes toward him.
“The testimony. Tell the prosecution to inform me of the exact date and time.”
Roman blinked, his lips parting in surprise. After a moment, his eyes widened and an exclamation of astonishment escaped him.
“So… you, my lord Marquess, are going to testify?”
Windsor gave no reply. He wasn’t the type to retract words once spoken, and Roman knew well that Windsor never repeated himself.
Unconsciously, Roman stepped closer to the desk, then glanced out the window. Absentmindedly, he searched for Jacqueline—but both she and Benjamin had already vanished.
“If you do that, you’ll become the new target, my lord. After all, you weren’t actually defrauded—it was merely an attempted crime.”
In the thick silence, Roman scratched his forehead again, now looking frustrated unlike before.
“Everyone’s watching your every move—if you appear in court as a witness, the press and high society alike will tear into you relentlessly. Especially His Majesty the King.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“There’s no need to deliberately toss bait to a school of sharks…”
Roman paused briefly, narrowing his eyes. Staring thoughtfully at Windsor, he finally uttered, “Could it be…”
“Are you stepping in for Miss Somerset?”
At those words, Windsor’s brow furrowed slightly. A brief, chilly silence passed between them. Roman quickly straightened his posture and clasped his hands behind his back.
From between Windsor’s teeth came a voice devoid of discernible emotion.
“I’m merely curious how skilled the King’s lawyer truly is. If I can land a decisive blow this time, it would make for an excellent preemptive strike.”
“…Ah, yes.”
Roman replied half-heartedly. Though he felt as if Windsor had hastily fabricated an excuse, he retained enough sense not to voice his suspicion aloud.
Under Roman’s scrutinizing gaze, Windsor asked indifferently,
“How are things progressing with our own lawyer?”
“Ah—you mean a capable one untouched by His Majesty’s influence?”
Noticing the subtle easing in Windsor’s demeanor, Roman visibly relaxed. Though Windsor’s piercing stare still pricked his cheek, he paid it no mind.
With an exaggerated sigh, Roman continued,
“It’s not easy. Those with talent inevitably watch the King’s every cue, and those untouched by his influence lack skill… At this point, I wonder if such a lawyer even exists.”
“Hmm.”
Windsor knew well this wasn’t a simple matter. The King’s network was vastly more extensive than his own.
The King’s net was tightly woven, and all the tench were trapped within it. Only minnows smaller than the holes could slip through.
“So, you mean guppies, then.”
“Excuse me?”
Caught off guard by the sudden remark, Roman tilted his head in confusion, thinking the Marquess must be craving fish for dinner tonight.
Knock knock.
A sudden knock shattered the silence. Roman quickly walked to the door. When he opened the study door, Jacqueline, standing in the hallway, raised her eyebrows in surprise.
“I came at what I assumed was just after your work ended, but it seems you already have a visitor. It’s nothing urgent—I’ll come back later.”
“Oh?”
Roman responded with a faint smile, unexpectedly impressed—she knew Windsor’s punctuality well.
“Please come in.”
A voice came from behind Roman. He stepped aside from the doorway, making room for her to enter.
“My business here is finished.”
“Thank you.”
Jacqueline gave an elegant nod and stepped into the room. The door clicked shut behind her.
Turning around, Jacqueline realized Roman had already left, and she walked more comfortably toward the desk.
“What brings you here? It’s rather early for tea, isn’t it?”
“Lord Preston’s tea etiquette is already impeccable. Sadly, I have no more complaints to make. I came today for a different matter.”
At the word “sadly,” Windsor’s eyebrow twitched slightly, but he gave a nonchalant nod.
“Please speak.”
“Would it be alright if I went out briefly this Sunday?”
Windsor stared at her intently. When no immediate answer came, Jacqueline hastily added an excuse.
“I’ve made a promise I can’t refuse.”
“You must be meeting a friend, then.”
Windsor asked casually, recalling her friend Miss Humble, who had visited the mansion yesterday.
“Yes, well…”
Jacqueline awkwardly trailed off and averted her eyes.
Windsor watched her silently for a moment, then nodded once more—as if a magnanimous employer.
“Go ahead.”
“Thank you for your consideration, Lord Preston. I’ll return promptly.”
Instead of replying, Windsor turned his gaze away. Having concluded her business, Jacqueline curtseyed and promptly left the study.
He watched the closed door for a moment, then took out his pocket watch to check the time. It was time to receive a report from William about recent events in the domain.
He rang the bell on his desk. Soon, footsteps approached the study door.
***
Jacqueline looked up at the shop sign, then checked her reflection in the window once more. There stood a young lady fully attired in hat, parasol, and gloves.
Slightly out of fashion perhaps, but not unbecoming.
She lifted her chin lightly and walked in with grace. Matching her pace, a clerk opened the door for her.
“Do you have a party waiting?”
Before she could even look around, someone rose from a seat. It was Evan Knox, wearing a refreshing smile.
He must have been staring fixedly at the entrance, for he recognized Jacqueline the moment she appeared.
“I’ve found my party.”
“I’ll escort you to your seat.”
She gave a light nod and followed the clerk toward Evan’s table. He adjusted his tie with slightly nervous hands and greeted her warmly.
“Miss Somerset, you’re as radiant as the sunshine today.”
“Thank you, Mr. Knox.”
Offering a polite smile, Jacqueline sat across from him. The exchange of conventional courtesies felt oddly refreshing precisely because it had been so long since she’d experienced it.
Certainly not the kind of praise she’d ever receive from the blunt Lord Preston.
After ordering coffee, Evan turned his attention back to her. His sky-blue eyes held a gentle smile.
He seemed so elated, Jacqueline nearly worried he might float away. She held a bittersweet smile, already imagining his expression twisted by disappointment before long.
Male lead fell into her trap — and shattered when she walked away
This is also on my reread list!
This one is a slow burn, but when it burns, it burns hard.
Definitely worth a read, y’all!
The story follows a thousand-year-old seductive spirit who, on a bet, sets out to charm the male lead—a once-promising but unfortunate cultivator.
But just when she succeeds in making him fall for her, she heartlessly leaves, driving him to madness.
Determined to find her at all costs, he captures her, keeping her by his side no matter what, even if she hates him.
I love this kind of trope—I enjoy watching the male lead suffer in agony.
The ending drags a bit with unnecessary filler, but that’s fine.
As long as I enjoy the beginning, I’m good.
Intro
As an enchantress, Su Heng possesses captivating eyes and charming beauty, easily manipulating the joys and sorrows of living beings at her fingertips.
But to enchant a god, making him taste the bitterness of love’s separation, long-lasting resentment, unattainable desires, and inability to let go…
Do you dare?
Su Heng assists a divine lord in his cultivation, aiming to make him experience all the sufferings of love, so that he can attain the Great Dao.
Only after being chased down from the heavens by the divine lord, confined and completely possessed by him, does she realize how successful she has been.
The once gentle and polite youth has transformed into someone she no longer recognizes.
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MANGA DISCUSSION
3 Comments
Chapter Comments (59)
….ahhh, love at first sight…you really just need that perfect moment with that special person then boom! your in love…
UGGGHHH!! MY GOD FL!! You should have said direct-to-the-point and flatly reject him HAISH😓
I just hope that she wont pour put those frustration to Jacqueline and be rude towards her. Because technically, she’s innocent
Inline Comments (1226)
Life with him would surely be far more comfortable—financially, physically. He w
A life she truly deserves because shes a gentle soul herself. He got the second male lead syndrome
Evan tugged the corner of his mouth in a light, teasing manner, as if joking—but
Poor man. He seems a good person (I hope he is). But Jacqueline knows what must be done.
"I'm relieved. Truth be told, I was even prepared to wait until the shop closed.
It felt like he truly adore and like Miss Jacqueline. Poor him,because of his father
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Jane
I wonder what would be Lord Preston reaction if he knew that it was Evan Knoc he was meeting haha
TehShy
…awww, Windsor – standing as the black knight of Jacqueline…
Ashiel_26
HAISHHHHHHH!!!! This Knox guy is so persistent 😑😑