Chapter 142 Nightmare

Michelle shook her head, her eyes flashing with hatred. “Why does Vance get to trample over us? Didn’t you hear what Priscilla said? She wants Father to give the hereditary position to Braden, that good-for-nothing. And do you really think we’ll ever get Prunella’s dowry?” She continued, “Don’t even get me started on Isolde. No one dares cross her now. It would be best if they destroy each other, both sides crippled, and we can sit back and reap the rewards.”

Matilda felt anger welling up, sparked by Michelle’s words. “Nicole is pitiful,” Matilda remarked.

“Pitiful? She’s Vance’s daughter, raised in luxury and never having to care about anyone else’s opinion. How could she possibly be pitiful?” Michelle scoffed, her eyes cold. “Mother, I warn you—don’t soften your heart and don’t fear anyone. For now, we keep a low profile, but when the chance comes, we stir things up without getting involved.”

Since Milton’s death, Matilda had become much more timid. With her daughter back home and no support from the Velmont family, her son’s lack of ambition and his obsession with marrying Princess Bourbon left her feeling desperate. If things continued this way, her son might not even find a suitable wife.

“Braden is truly disappointing,” Matilda sighed.

“You’re the one who indulged him! If you didn’t spoil him so much, he wouldn’t be like this now. I’ll tell you this—if you don’t get tough and take back what’s ours, your future won’t be worth living!” Michelle said coldly.

Matilda knew this well, but what could she do? She had thought Geoffrey respected her, but she never considered the long-term consequences. This daughter had returned from the estate two years ago and hadn’t caused any trouble until the marriage negotiations with the Valen family. “That’s when everything went awry.” Now, she regretted not allowing William to marry her; at least then, she would still be respected as a stepmother.

Matilda suddenly thought of something. “By the way, do you think Isolde might know it was you who incited Nicole to kill herself?”

“How would she know?” Michelle replied with an icy gaze. “Even if my words reached her ears, it’s not my fault. Who could have known Nicole would go this far?”

Michelle knew, of course, she knew. Nicole’s nature was too clear to her—selfish, weak, obsessed with her reputation, and soft-hearted. She would never amount to much. This wasn’t the first time she’d attempted suicide. When she was eight, someone played a prank on her and ripped her skirt, and the others laughed, saying her reputation was ruined. Nicole had tried to drown herself then. At eight years old—what did she know about reputation? But she cared about it deeply. She’d always cared. Now, with the accusation of being a “husband killer,” no one would want to marry her. Could she live through this?

Hattie thought Isolde would go after Michelle, but she didn’t. Instead, she returned and went straight to bed.

Chapter 142 Nightmare

Hattie, not understanding, took the opportunity to ask, “Why not go deal with that troublemaker?”

Isolde replied flatly, “Nicole is pathetic. Who can she blame? Is ‘husband killer’ so harsh? Should I go kill myself too? I just asked the nurse to comfort her. There’s no need to unnecessarily provoke hatred. I have no quarrel with her.”

Hattie didn’t get it either. “Yeah, it’s just a suicide threat. Not like she’s starving. If I were her, I wouldn’t die for something like that.”

Isolde smiled. Lying down, her mind wandered back to the image of Nicole’s neck marked by the rope. Nicole was foolish, of course. But she represented the majority of women. Reputation—so important to women.

Isolde’s reputation wasn’t great, but now, as the County Princess, with Doug’s protection, her standing had improved. But that couldn’t erase the fact that she came from a minor estate, had been jilted, and rumors still swirled about her relationship with Doug. With such a reputation, it was laughable that General Oliver said he wanted to marry her.

She never took him seriously, but, in truth, she did. And now, with the broken engagement—once Cristina tore up the contract, she knew it would be broken forever. She silently made up her mind—when he returned, she would ask him directly. If he truly wanted to marry her despite her reputation, she would marry him.

No matter the past life or the present, he was someone she admired. If he died on the battlefield, she would have his child to carry on his name, not letting his bloodline end. As for herself, she wasn’t sure how much longer she could last, so perhaps this strange fate would bind them together.

Lost in thought, Esme returned. “I’ve tried, but she’ll listen or not—it’s her life,” Esme said softly.

In the dim light, Isolde’s eyes shone faintly as she responded, “Esme, please check on Oliver’s situation tomorrow. He’s been gone for so long, and there’s still no news.” Esme, with her connections, was the best person to inquire about Oliver.

“Alright,” Esme agreed. “Sleep now. I’ll sleep here tonight.”

“The bed isn’t comfortable. Go back and sleep,” Isolde replied.

“No need. I’m older now, and sleeping on something hard is better,” Esme said, settling on the floor with a blanket. Isolde didn’t say anything but glanced over at Esme. She knew why she stayed. Nicole’s suicide attempt had shaken her. Nicole’s reputation wasn’t bad, yet she still couldn’t handle the pressure and tried to take her life. As for Isolde, her reputation was worse than dirt.

Chapter 142 Nightmare

Esme worried about her, though she knew Isolde would never do the same as Nicole. Just staying with her was the best comfort.

Isolde closed her eyes, a serene smile on her face. She had lost a lot, but she also had a lot. Life was like that—constantly losing while constantly gaining.

In her dreams, she saw Oliver. He was riding a white horse, dressed in black, galloping toward her. The horse moved so fast, it passed right through her. She woke with a start.

Sighing in resignation, she knew she would die before he did. The horse and him passing through her body meant she was already dead.

“What’s wrong?” Esme immediately asked, hearing her sigh in the dark.

Isolde, in a hoarse voice, said, “I had a nightmare.”

“It’s okay.” Esme sat beside her, leaning over to comfort her in the dim light. Isolde’s eyes filled with unshed tears. The one thing she had never known was motherly love. Esme gave her that feeling.