Zara barely had time to rest before the system's notification of the new quest loomed over her. Winning the favor of Adrian's grandmother, the Duchess Dowager, was no small feat. In the novel, she had been one of Lavinia's harshest critics—a regal and cunning woman who could see through lies with a single glance.
System Alert: Quest: Win the Favor of the Duchess Dowager
Objective: Impress the Duchess during the afternoon tea tomorrow.
Tip: Do not act like Lavinia from the original storyline. Avoid excessive flattery and arrogance.
Zara groaned. "Afternoon tea with the lioness of the Valmont family? Great. Can't wait to get torn apart."
Her maid Clara peeked into the room, holding up an elegant white dress with lace accents. "Lady Lavinia, I've prepared your gown for tea with the Duchess Dowager. Will this do?"
Zara gave Clara a tight smile. "It's perfect. I'll need all the help I can get."
The next day, Zara stepped into the sunlit parlor of the Duchess Dowager's private quarters. Everything about the space screamed power and elegance. Intricately carved furniture, glistening chandeliers, and an air of unspoken authority.
At the center of it all sat the Duchess Dowager. She was a regal woman with silver hair pinned neatly in an updo, her piercing gray eyes surveying Zara like a hawk. Despite her advanced age, her posture was straight and commanding, her every movement deliberate.
"Lady Lavinia," the Duchess said, her tone as cold as Adrian's but sharper, like the edge of a blade. "I trust you're feeling well today?"
Zara curtsied deeply, channeling every ounce of decorum she'd learned from historical dramas. "Thank you for inviting me, Your Grace. It's an honor to join you."
The Duchess's lips curled ever so slightly, though it was more of a smirk than a smile. "We'll see if that honor is deserved."
Zara swallowed. No pressure.
The tea began, and Zara quickly realized she was in for more than just polite conversation. The Duchess Dowager's questions were sharp and probing, designed to test her.
"I've heard some… interesting rumors about your recent behavior," the Duchess said, her gaze unwavering. "You claim to have changed. Why now, after years of causing trouble for this family?"
Zara's mind raced. Lavinia from the novel would have made some grand, shallow declaration of love for Adrian. But that wasn't her style—not anymore.
"I realized the path I was on was leading nowhere," Zara replied honestly. "I was selfish and reckless before, and I hurt people I cared about. I want to be better, not just for Adrian, but for myself. Change doesn't happen overnight, but I'm committed to it."
The Duchess raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by the response. "A noble sentiment. But words are easy, Lady Lavinia. Actions, however, are far more difficult."
She's not buying it yet, Zara thought, taking a sip of tea to buy herself time.
Before she could reply, a servant entered, whispering something into the Duchess's ear. The older woman's expression hardened.
"It seems we have an unexpected guest," she announced, rising gracefully from her seat. "Come with me, Lady Lavinia. Let us see how you handle real-world challenges."
Zara followed the Duchess into the grand entry hall, where a commotion had broken out. A young servant knelt on the floor, trembling as a stern-looking man berated him. The man was Lord Whitmore, a pompous noble known for his temper.
"This is unacceptable!" Lord Whitmore bellowed. "This clumsy fool spilled wine on my coat! I demand he be punished."
The servant stammered apologies, tears streaming down his face.
The Duchess Dowager stood back, observing silently. Zara realized this was her test.
What would Lavinia do? Zara thought. She'd probably side with Lord Whitmore to protect her reputation.
But that wasn't her style.
"Lord Whitmore," Zara said, stepping forward with a calm but firm voice. "While I understand your frustration, accidents happen. I'm sure the servant didn't intend to upset you."
The nobleman scowled. "And who are you to lecture me on how to discipline my staff?"
"I am Lady Lavinia of House Valmont," Zara replied, her tone icy. "And this is the Valmont estate. While you are a guest here, I suggest you remember your manners."
Lord Whitmore's face turned red, but he was too stunned to respond. Zara turned to the servant, helping him to his feet.
"Apologize for the accident," she said gently.
"I-I'm sorry, my lady," the servant stammered, bowing deeply.
"Now," Zara continued, addressing Lord Whitmore again, "I trust this incident won't ruin your stay. My fiancé, Duke Valmont, would be most displeased to hear his family's guests were causing unnecessary trouble."
At the mention of Adrian, Lord Whitmore paled. With a huff, he stormed out of the hall, muttering under his breath.
The servant looked at Zara with wide, grateful eyes before scurrying away.
Back in the parlor, the Duchess Dowager regarded Zara with a calculating expression.
"You handled that better than I expected," she said.
"Thank you, Your Grace," Zara replied, trying to mask her relief.
"I can see you've changed. But I warn you, Lady Lavinia—one misstep, and I will not hesitate to protect this family from you."
The system chimed in Zara's vision:
Quest Complete: Win the Favor of the Duchess Dowager
Reward: +15 Favorability Points with Adrian Valmont
Zara barely held back a grin. "I understand, Your Grace. I won't disappoint you."
As she left the Duchess's chambers, Zara felt a strange sense of pride. She was changing the narrative, one step at a time.
From a distance, Adrian watched her with an unreadable expression. The fiery woman who had defended a servant and stood up to Lord Whitmore was nothing like the Lavinia he knew.
"Who are you really, Lavinia?" he murmured to himself.