Five years ago. 

(The Duke of Devonshire’s mistress.)

The words that people used to describe Rowena Philone. Hair blonde as honey, green eyes that shimmer like light reflecting off the midsummer pasture.

Newspapers praised her appearance, if only for a moment, before rumors spread that she had sold her beauty—then such news only painted her as a vicious woman, who was luxuriated by the duke’s property.

Beautiful and luxurious Rowena Philone.

However, whatever the public perception was, Rowena was the hidden goddess of the Ethelwood social world. Whether it was an event, a concert, or an outing, invitations piled up in front of her. Adding to the fact that Numerous artists have created works using her as a muse.

The noblest and most vulgar woman.  

No matter what she was called behind her back, no one dared to insult Rowena Philone, who had the Duke of Devonshire backing her.

At least not directly to her face.

“….I mean Rowena Philone…..”

It was a voice full of malice. Rowena’s hand stopped while fixing her makeup in the powder room.

“The bag she brought this time, it was the one designed by Madame Eledi! Wasn’t that a limited edition bag delivered only to the royal family, right?”

There were many voices that came between the walls. Another woman answered the subtle question.

“That’s right. What about the clothes she was wearing? It’s the Herden wardrobe dress that I’ve been waiting for three months to get.”

“The earrings and the necklace as well. It’s like a set of treasures which had only been handed down from the royal family for generations.”

“Isn’t that ridiculous? What if all the men drool when she shows up?”

“And so, does she care? No matter how powerful the duke is, isn’t she too shameless?? Even if she was wrapped with the finest items! At the end of the day she is just a mere mistress.”

“I know right. A vulgar woman with an undistinguishable origin, it even makes me embarrassed.”

It was the next moment that the gossip, which seemed to go on endlessly, suddenly stopped.

“Miss Philone.”

A familiar voice called her name. At the same time, the disparaging voices finally calmed down.

It’s okay. It happens all the time.

Rowena, barely breathing in the drop-dead silence, looked in the mirror and checked her face. Her hair and makeup were not disturbed at all, as if she was touched up by a professional.

“I’m coming.”

As she opened the curtains and came out, she felt the presence of women holding their breath in the next space. As soon as she stopped in front of them for a moment, an attendant urged her outside the door.