Chapter 124: How Dare He?

Geoffrey didn't return until dinner, and Clark had planned to speak to him beforehand and announce his decision during the meal. However, as soon as Geoffrey arrived, Prudence instructed the servants to prepare the meal.

Isolde, unusually, joined them for dinner tonight, as she usually ate privately in the Pearl Tower. Clark noticed and appreciated her presence; she was there to give him courage. Geoffrey was somewhat surprised to see Isolde but said nothing. Nicole wasn't feeling well and remained in her room; otherwise, everyone was present.

Matilda and Michelle had been unusually subdued recently—quiet, avoiding conflict, and attending to Prudence. Every morning and evening, they paid their respects to her, and they sat beside her during meals, serving her food. Serving food had always been Matilda's task since entering the household, and after Prunella's death, it remained her duty as long as Prudence was present.

Tonight, the kitchen had prepared fish, which Prudence, a fish lover, had requested. This caused Matilda some trouble, as she had to carefully remove the bones, especially from the carp, which had many sharp spines. After selecting a good piece, she placed it in Prudence's bowl. Prudence took a bite and simply said, "Not bad."

Matilda continued removing bones while the others nearly finished their meal. She hadn't taken a single bite herself. Finally, after Prudence put down her fork, Matilda felt relieved and picked up her own. But then, Priscilla suddenly said, "Please put some of the ribs in front of me. I can't reach them from here."

Matilda was furious. It was bad enough she hadn't eaten yet, but now they were treating her like a servant. She glared at Priscilla, who smiled innocently, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes. "Sorry to trouble you, dear sister-in-law," Priscilla said.

Matilda's hand trembled as she picked up her fork. Michelle, sitting beside her, remained impassive; she wasn't going to cross Priscilla, especially not when hoping to regain favor with Prudence and Priscilla. With a quick motion, Matilda placed the plate of ribs in front of Priscilla and said, "You like these? Here, have them."

Isolde had been quietly watching, and when she saw the others had mostly finished, she decided it was time for Clark to speak. This wasn't their first time witnessing these two women bicker. She knew that continued tension might ruin Clark's chance to speak.

Priscilla, irritated, muttered, "You've already brought them over, what's Matilda still eating for?"

Isolde, not one to back down, swiftly loaded her fork with food and placed it in Priscilla's bowl, then returned the ribs to Matilda's side. "Anything else you'd like, Priscilla? I'll serve you," Isolde said with a cold smile, slamming her fork down on the table.

Priscilla was taken aback. She dared not antagonize Isolde further and reluctantly picked up her fork. The ribs weren't even something she particularly liked; she had only wanted to insult Matilda. She glanced at Prudence, hoping for intervention. Prudence, however, remained quiet, staring down at her plate with a look suggesting she was full. She had no intention of stepping in, leaving Priscilla no choice but to begrudgingly eat.

Matilda, seeing the conflict subside, hurried to eat. Isolde, satisfied things had calmed, subtly gestured to Clark, signaling it was time for him to speak. Clark nodded slightly, but just as he was about to, the servant entered with a basin for Prudence to rinse her mouth. Clark waited patiently, gathering his thoughts.

Once Prudence had finished, she began to rise, but Clark suddenly stood and said, "Grandmother, I have something to say."

Prudence looked up at him in surprise. "Say it. What's all this fuss about?"

All eyes turned to Clark as he took a deep breath, lowering his head and unable to meet anyone's gaze. "I'm reporting to the Parliamentary Library tomorrow," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Priscilla slammed her bowl onto the table, her face drained of color as she shrieked, "Didn't we forbid you from going? You dare defy your grandmother's orders?"

Clark froze, taken aback by Priscilla's reaction. He stared at her, then mumbled, "I want to go."

Priscilla turned to Prudence, glaring at her. "He won't even listen to you anymore."

Prudence gave her a sharp glance, signaling her to quiet down, then turned her gaze to Clark. Her eyes narrowed, her voice cold, "You're not going. That's final."

There was no question, no negotiation. It was an absolute command. Clark had thought, at worst, Prudence would be angry and perhaps ask about his reasoning, but he never expected her to be so resolute. His heart sank as he sat back down, trying to make one last stand. "I really want to go. I just want to try. If it doesn't work, I'll give up and come back."

Prudence looked at him with disappointment. "I gave you the capital for the shop, took you to see it. And now, all of that was wasted."

Clark's head dropped. He had nothing more to say. His attempts to fight back had reached their limit. Isolde could see progress in Clark, though; he was at least standing up for himself more than before.

Just as she was about to speak, Geoffrey spoke, his voice full of surprise. "The Parliamentary Library is a good opportunity. Why don't you go?"

Clark immediately looked up, hope and gratitude shining in his eyes as he met Geoffrey's gaze.

But Prudence, with a cold voice, interjected, "The Langley family cannot allow a second illegitimate son to surpass the legitimate heirs."

At her words, the room fell silent. Geoffrey's face drained of color as he stared at his mother. He knew her words were harsh, especially at this critical moment, but she had to stop Clark from going. If Clark succeeded, Braden would be forced to live under Geoffrey's shadow. Prudence knew that once she made this statement, Geoffrey would stay silent.

Sure enough, Geoffrey smiled weakly and said, "I have business to attend to. Please enjoy your meal." With that, he stood and left the table.

Isolde glanced at Clark, thinking he would have to give up now. With the situation so dire, surely he wouldn't dare to speak again. But to her surprise, Clark's words hit her like a thunderbolt.

With firm determination in his eyes, Clark looked directly at Prudence and said, "Whether you oppose or support it, I am going to the Parliamentary Library."

And with those words, he stood and left the table, walking out with unwavering resolve. Isolde could hardly contain her excitement. Finally, someone with the courage to defy Prudence!

Priscilla, enraged, slammed her bowl on the floor. "Rebellious! This is outrageous!" she cried.

Prudence's face turned pale, but she remained silent, motioning for the old maid to help her stand and leave. Matilda and Michelle, however, stayed behind, leisurely finishing their meal, as if waiting to watch the drama unfold. Braden, visibly angry, muttered under his breath, "Who does he think he is, going to the Parliamentary Library?"