Chapter 127: A Trick

At Blesertin, Prudence remained unaware of recent events. After returning, Priscilla had incessantly urged Braden to take charge. Prudence, at her wit's end, ordered Braden's presence, intending to assess his intellect before consulting Geoffrey. However, Braden's servant reported he had gone to the tavern with Clark.

Braden, who never socialized with Clark, behaving so unusually, immediately aroused Prudence's suspicion. She sat silently, then looked up to meet Priscilla's shifty gaze. "Spill it. What exactly is he up to?" Prudence asked, noticing Priscilla had just left, likely to speak with Braden.

Priscilla pursed her lips. "He's probably drinking."

"Tell me the truth," Prudence snapped.

Priscilla circled behind her, whispering, "Braden plans to ruin Clark's reputation, preventing him from going to the Parliamentary Library."

"Foolish!" Prudence exclaimed angrily. "It's not just his reputation at stake—it's Vance's and yours as well! The world will say you've failed to discipline him."

Priscilla, clearly upset, replied, "Mother, what else are we to do? If Clark goes to the Parliamentary Library, Vance will be overshadowed by a bastard. You always said it—when a bastard rises, the legitimate heir stagnates. If Clark hadn't been made a marquis, Vance wouldn't be so helpless now."

Her words struck a chord with Prudence, igniting anger and resentment. If not for that bastard son stealing the limelight and suppressing her own Vance, things would be different. Years ago, she'd consulted Xavier to inspect the family tomb; the priest confirmed her fears—the Langley family fortune allowed only one to rise; the rest would be suppressed. Over the years, she'd tried to curb the eldest bastard's influence—removing Prunella, sending Isolde away, even seizing her wealth—but Vance still amounted to nothing. All her hatred and frustration now focused on Braden. If Clark were to steal that from him, the Langley family would truly be ruled by bastards.

"Enough," Prudence muttered, waving dismissively. "Just don't go too far."

Priscilla beamed. "Don't worry, Mother. Braden isn't heartless. He'll remember family ties. He's doing this for the good of the Langley family."

Prudence closed her eyes, unwilling to say more.

Westville boasted many taverns, but one stood out—the Westville Hotel. Grand in scale, it occupied four shopfronts, its courtyard transformed into private rooms where scholars and writers enjoyed leisure in style, albeit at a steep price. A drink costing fifty coins elsewhere would cost double here, a luxury affordable only to the deep-pocketed.

Braden, a frequent guest, usually frequented the Petfield Room at the Westville Hotel. He and a group of wealthy young men spent their time there drinking and socializing.

Tonight, Martha led Clark directly to the Petfield Room. Upon entering, Clark saw Braden, already seated with two elegantly dressed companions—a man and a woman. The man appeared refined, while the woman's attire and makeup suggested a bolder personality.

Braden, usually cold towards Clark, greeted him warmly, pulling him into an embrace. "Clark, I'm so glad you could make it. Let me introduce you to my friends."

Clark, slightly confused by Braden's sudden enthusiasm, nodded. "Okay."

"This is Kameron Frazier, a businessman from Argentum. His family has a large business," Braden said, introducing the man. Kameron gave a small nod. "How do you do?" "How do you do?" Clark replied politely.

"And this is Jocelynn, a close companion of Jocelynn Cruz," Braden continued, gesturing towards the woman.

Clark politely nodded to Jocelynn, though her flamboyant appearance reminded him of some of the women his father had introduced him to at Vermelle Hall. Still, since she was Kameron's close companion, he didn't think too much of it. "Nice to meet you." Jocelynn smiled and curtsied. "Nice to meet you."

Braden enthusiastically gestured for Clark to sit, and Martha also took a seat. Clark found himself seated next to Braden, with Jocelynn on his left and Kameron beside her; the rest of the group settled comfortably around the table.

Braden, already having had a few drinks, was in high spirits. He turned to Kameron. "I'll tell you, don't be fooled by my lack of accomplishments—Clark's a real achiever. Tomorrow, he's heading to the Parliamentary Library."

Clark felt uncomfortable with Braden's public praise. Why was he flaunting Clark's business so openly? He had always been cautious around Braden, aware of his sharp, mean streak, and Braden had never been particularly kind to Clark.

Kameron looked at Clark with admiration. "Impressive, Clark. To get into the Parliamentary Library, your scholarly skills must be extraordinary."

Clark smiled and waved it off. "You flatter me."

Jocelynn, pouring wine, smiled and said, "Let us toast you and wish you a brilliant future."

Clark, knowing he couldn't drink before his important appointment tomorrow, politely declined. "I'm afraid I can't handle alcohol. Coffee will be fine for me."

Jocelynn smirked, her gaze narrowing with a hint of mockery. "Of course, Clark, as someone from the Parliamentary Library, you must have no interest in drinking with us."

Martha quickly interjected with a smile. "Jocelynn, don't be like that. Clark has business tomorrow. Let me drink this for him." She stood, took the wine, and downed it in one gulp. The wine was harsh, causing her to cough violently, tears streaming down her face, but she still smiled and said, "I'll drink another for you."

She poured more wine and said, "Clark doesn't have many friends here in Argentum. Tomorrow he'll begin his journey, and tonight we celebrate with Kameron and Jocelynn. This one's for you."

Clark was touched by Martha's gesture. Watching his usually arrogant sister show such support made him want to reciprocate, and he stood, taking the wine from her hand. "A gentleman cannot let his sister drink for him. This one's for Kameron and Jocelynn."

Martha smiled widely, clapping her hands. "Well done, Clark!"

Braden raised his glass to keep the mood lively. "Here's to Clark! We must drink to his future success!"

Kameron and Jocelynn both stood and raised their glasses. "To Clark! May his future be as bright as his path ahead!"

Clark, though not one for words, was grateful for the arrangement. He raised his glass and drank deeply. However, he didn't notice that the wine he drank came from the decanter in front of Martha, while the others had their wine from Kameron's.

As he put the glass down, neither he nor anyone else noticed the sly, victorious look exchanged between Martha and Jocelynn.