Chapter 126: A Trap

Nicole looked at Martha in confusion. “You’re going out with Clark?”

Martha huffed. “You weren’t at dinner, so you missed it. Clark somehow managed to secure a position at the Parliamentary Library. Grandmother didn’t approve, but he’s insisting on going.”

“The Parliamentary Library?” Nicole smiled faintly. “Isn’t that a good thing?”

Martha’s expression hardened. “What’s good about it? He’s not our eldest son, just another useless bastard.”

Nicole’s face darkened. “Watch your language.”

“Why should I care? Don’t forget you’re the legitimate child. Mother said it clearly—our family can’t stand competing with bastards,” Martha sneered before turning and storming out.

Nicole sighed lightly. She wasn’t being high and mighty, but she didn’t want any more trouble at home. She was more concerned about her own marriage. On the surface, her family seemed fine, but both her grandmother and mother were deluding themselves. Their current position depended entirely on Geoffrey. Vance couldn’t get ahead, and it had nothing to do with the bastard’s ambitions; it was because the legitimate son wasn’t making progress.

“Miss, your medicine,” the maid, Faith, entered with a tray.

Nicole propped herself up. “Faith, Clark wants to go to the Parliamentary Library. Do you think that’s a good idea or a bad one?”

The maid placed the medicine on the coffee table and lightly fanned it with a hand fan. “I can’t say, but it’s always good to have someone in the family succeed. At least you might benefit from it, especially with your marriage…”

Nicole responded, “I know that. But Grandmother said once a bastard shines, it drains all the good luck of the Langley family and suppresses the legitimate heirs. I don’t believe it. If we rely on Braden, we’ll never get anywhere. We might as well let Clark try.”

She sighed, knowing exactly what her sister’s intentions were. Clark was simple-minded and naive. If he went out with Martha, things could go south… Nicole felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness.

After a while, she couldn’t sit still anymore. “Faith, help me to the Pearl Tower.”

At the Pearl Tower, Isolde sat under the lamp, embroidering. It wasn’t something she enjoyed doing, but she made herself learn. It was a way to test her patience. Embroidery was demanding. When she first tried it, she’d nearly set the whole thing on fire in frustration.

“You’re getting better,” Esme said as she walked over and looked at her work.

Isolde calmly threaded another needle through the silk. “Next, I want to try a more complex pattern.”

“No, stick to the eggs,” Esme advised.

Isolde pouted and gestured at the basket in the corner. “I’ve already embroidered so many eggs.”

“Goose eggs. Once you can manage goose eggs, you’ll be able to do human faces.”

Noelle walked in with a smile. “What’s the point of all these eggs? You can’t give them to anyone.”

“Embroidering the same thing all the time is frustrating,” Esme said. “County Princess, you must control that frustration.” Esme knew Isolde was sharp and resourceful, but to thrive in the future, intelligence alone wouldn’t suffice. Patience was just as important.

Britney hurried in and said, “Nicole is here.”

Esme’s face turned cold when she heard the name. “She wants Geoffrey’s estate and to establish her own power.”

Isolde raised her head. “Let her in.” Although she wasn’t particularly fond of Nicole, she didn’t dislike her either. Nicole was a self-interested person, but who wasn’t?

Nicole entered, supported by Faith, looking pale.

“Isolde,” Nicole hurriedly said, “You need to send someone to Westville Hotel. I’m afraid Clark is in danger.”

Isolde’s expression changed. “What do you mean?”

“Send someone first, and I’ll explain later,” Nicole replied.

Isolde ordered, “Hattie, go to Westville.”

“Yes,” Hattie said, drawing her sword and rushing out.

Nicole quickly added, “Don’t make a scene.”

“Understood,” Hattie replied, but then paused, realizing it wasn’t Isolde’s voice. She didn’t question it further.

Nicole visibly relaxed and slowly sat down, looking at Isolde. “Earlier, Martha came to borrow a hairpin from me, saying she was taking Clark to Westville Hotel. She’s never liked him, and now she suddenly wants to meet him there. It’s definitely a trap.”

“She’s your sister. Why are you telling me?” Isolde looked at her skeptically. Although she didn’t fully believe Nicole’s words, she decided to play it safe and sent Hattie.

Nicole’s pale face reflected her growing anxiety. “Martha has bad intentions. If she’s still toying with him, her methods will be harsh. I don’t want the Duke’s estate to be ridiculed anymore.”

Her words were indirect, but everyone understood what she meant. She was worried that any more scandals would ruin her chances for a good marriage.

“I’m leaving. I hope you don’t make things bigger than they already are.” Nicole stood and looked at Isolde, uncomfortable under her sharp gaze.

“I can promise you I won’t cause any trouble outside,” Isolde said coldly, “But if something happens to Clark, I won’t let Martha off the hook.”

Nicole nodded. “Do as you wish, just keep it quiet.”

As Nicole walked away, with Faith supporting her, Yame watched them go. “Do you think she’s telling the truth, or is she lying?”

“We’ll know soon enough when Hamic returns,” Isolde’s face hardened. She knew the truth—aside from Nicole, no one would support Clark’s going to the Parliamentary Library. Since persuasion had failed, someone was definitely plotting something; Isolde had let her guard down too easily.

“Noelle is right,” Isolde said, “Martha could do something, very underhanded.”

“I didn’t guard against her,” Isolde added, her eyes narrowing. “Clark must go to the Parliamentary Library tomorrow; Doug recommended him, and it would be an insult if he doesn’t go. If he delays, even if he gets there in the end, he will face criticism from all sides. Scholars can be unforgiving.”

“That makes sense,” Esme agreed.

Hazel stepped forward. “If that’s the case, I’ll go too.”

“No, stay here. Hattie can handle it alone.” Hazel’s fiery nature might make things worse for Clark.

Hazel nodded reluctantly, quietly stepping back. But inside, she wanted to go and settle things herself.

Isolde continued, “Blesertin probably knows about this already. Hazel, go listen in. I need to know just how harsh Prudence’s feelings are towards Clark.”

Esme nodded. “Yes, it’s better to find out now than let Clark fall into their trap.”

Hazel received her orders and quickly left, vanishing into the night.