Chapter 122: At Any Cost
Isolde returned to the Pearl Tower, where Esme asked, “County Princess, we must watch out for Prudence turning the unofficial white contracts into official red-sealed deeds.”
Isolde shook her head. “She can’t do it. She couldn’t do it before, and she can’t do it now. When I tried before, I subtly hinted that the Sharp family cares a great deal about the dowry, so the officials paid extra attention, fearing to offend my grandfather.” The dowry was a sensitive issue in the kingdom. For women abandoned by their husbands, most of the dowry was taken back, though the process was complicated as much of the money had already been used for living expenses. If a woman died, the dowry was generally passed to her children, with her family taking half if no children existed.
However, Prunella’s dowry was different. It was not only large but also tied to the Sharp family, which was far more powerful than Geoffrey’s house. If they became difficult about it, things could become very messy. In a time when both families were at peace, Prudence could have transferred the dowry without issue. But now that Isolde had been given the title of County Princess, as Prunella’s only daughter, she had the right to approve everything related to her inheritance.
Hattie asked, “Do you think that old woman will just let it go?”
Isolde smiled, her gaze cold. “Hattie, if you were her, what would you do?”
Without hesitation, Hattie said, “I’d kill you; that would solve everything.” She froze, realizing what she had said, glaring at Isolde, who was grinning with unsettling coldness. “She dares?”
Isolde lightly patted Hattie’s shoulder. “Silly girl, if you dare, why wouldn’t she? Just wait; she won’t be able to hold back for long.”
Esme thought for a moment and then said, “I believe the best course of action isn’t to kill you, but to first turn the unofficial white contracts into official red-sealed deeds. That would be foolproof. Of course, that doesn’t mean she’ll let you off the hook.”
Isolde nodded. “You’re right; even if she knows it won’t work, she’ll still try. There are plenty of people in the court who would gladly take her money.”
“First, we need to make sure the officials are on our side,” Esme said with a cold look in her eyes.
Isolde shook her head. “No need to rush. We won’t get involved.”
Esme raised an eyebrow. “If you won’t, who will?”
Isolde smiled softly. “There’s someone who is perfect for the job. We’ll just sit back and watch. Let her stir the pot first.”
“Who?” Hattie asked, curiosity piqued.
Esme understood immediately, smiling back. “Indeed, that person is the best choice.”
“Who is it?” Hattie and Hazel demanded in unison. “Tell us!”
Isolde mischievously grinned. “Guess.”
Hattie and Hazel exchanged frustrated looks. There were so many people—how could they guess?
Hattie asked again, “But if she can’t turn the unofficial white contracts into official red-sealed deeds, could she at least sell the property?” Unofficial white contracts could be privately traded or sold.
“Well, it can be sold, but the proper procedures would require the Sharp family or the County Princess to sign off. Of course, there are always opportunists who will take risks if the price is right,” Esme said with a slight smile. “If Prudence decides to sell, then it could work.”
“Should we buy it?” Hattie asked, perplexed.
“Buy it? Why would we spend money on something that’s already the County Princess’s?” Esme replied with a chuckle.
Isolde and Esme understood the situation, but Hattie, Hazel, and Noelle were left exchanging confused glances, still not understanding the implications.
Geoffrey had returned to the court, and the Shadowmere case was nearing its conclusion. Those responsible had been apprehended, and now only the formal transfer to the Ministry of Justice remained.
Lord Garraway brought a bottle of wine and sat with Geoffrey in the back courtyard.
“Drinking in the middle of the day?” Geoffrey chuckled. “What a rare moment of leisure.”
“Case almost done, thought I’d have a drink,” Lord Garraway said as he poured Geoffrey a glass. “I’m celebrating, but you look troubled. What’s going on?”
Geoffrey shook his head, swirling the wine in his glass. “Nothing’s wrong.”
“Family matters?” Lord Garraway pressed.
Geoffrey looked up, considering how to explain. “Isolde was going to leave today. She wanted to move to Paletein Manor. Prudence, who would have been pleased, actually begged her to stay today. She even defended Isolde in front of me. Strange, isn’t it?”
“Do you think so?” Lord Garraway asked with a smile, his sharp eyes watching Geoffrey carefully.
Geoffrey sighed. “There are things I dare not think about.” The more he thought, the more the darkness of the situation threatened to consume him.
Lord Garraway said nothing more. He had seen enough in life to know that sometimes people had to figure things out for themselves, even if it meant painful revelations.
Isolde, meanwhile, had made a visit to Paletein Manor, although she knew it would be fruitless. She was simply hoping to hear from Oliver.
Doug, as if he could see right through her, said, “No need to come. There’s nothing.”
Isolde grinned. “Nothing? I came to check on you, brought you two pots of good wine.”
“I don’t need any more wine. You’re not here for me,” Doug said with a dismissive glance.
“I was going to move in here, you know,” Isolde said sweetly, trying to get on his good side.
Doug snorted. “Don’t you dare. What would that look like?”
“Oh, but didn’t you say I could come anytime?” Isolde raised an eyebrow.
Doug tapped her on the head. “Since when am I an old man?”
Isolde pulled back, playfully laughing, then said, leaning back lazily, “Tell me, if someone has suffered betrayal, been hurt by her own husband, had her child murdered by her husband and mother-in-law, and nearly lost her life—what’s left for her to do? Shouldn’t she take revenge? Is that all she can think about?”
Doug raised his eyes to look at her. “What do you think?”
Isolde thought for a moment and replied, “I don’t know. But I think, after all that suffering, if she’s seeking revenge, that’s understandable. But does that mean her life is over? Does she not deserve happiness?”
“Hmm,” Doug replied casually, then returned to his book. “If she only lives for revenge, then surviving the ordeal would have no meaning.”
Isolde, thoughtful, smiled. “Yes, if that’s all she lives for, then what was the point of surviving?”
Doug slowly raised his head, locking eyes with her. “Why are you asking this?”
Isolde shook her head. “Just curious.”
Doug’s expression grew serious. “You never ask meaningless questions.”
Isolde laid her hands behind her head, resting as she reflected on one question—Oliver’s earlier proposal. When she had first returned to life, revenge was her sole focus. She had believed that her second chance at life was meant for vengeance. But as the days passed, her thoughts began to shift. The relentless drive of her younger self collided with her desire for a better life. Why couldn’t she live a good life, too? She met a good man—why couldn’t she have him? Anyone who told her second life was just for revenge could go to hell.