Chapter 147: Will You Die for Him?

Out of respect for his father's reputation, William and Agnes greeted the returning family generals, thanking them for their hard work. The generals bowed, responding politely. As they entered the manor, the generals' families rushed forward to embrace their loved ones.

Pablo addressed the generals, granting them a rare respite: "You all go rest. Take a break for the next few days; spend time with your families." The generals were thrilled by this unexpected concession.

After the generals retired, Margaret approached Pablo with a warm smile and affectionate voice. "You must be exhausted. I've prepared a drink to soothe you—please, come in and have some." Pablo nodded approvingly. "You are thoughtful." Margaret chuckled, "Between us, such words are unnecessary."

Pablo, after all these years, said, "You've been with me all this time, serving my parents, and even seeing off my mother. I remember everything. No matter what mistakes you've made, I'll never cast you aside." Margaret's heart skipped a beat; her smile faltered as she struggled to maintain composure. "What are you saying?" Pablo replied solemnly, "This is my promise to you."

He then briskly entered the hall. William nervously glanced at Margaret, who signaled him to follow. Inside, Pablo sat at the head of the table, his whip beside him—a typical practice, yet ominous to William.

Margaret instructed, "Bring the drink to ease his mind." Once the servants left, Margaret sat beside William. Agnes asked, "Father, was the journey exhausting?" Pablo replied, "The hardships were in the war, not the journey. The battle is won, and the only thing on my mind is returning home." Agnes added sweetly, "Mother must have missed you terribly." Pablo glanced at Margaret, noticing her flushed cheeks, and shot Agnes a teasing look.

For years, Agnes had been the perfect noble lady—always reserved. Their relationship had always been polite and respectful, but Pablo knew it was a facade. He had known for years, but as long as it caused no trouble, he let it be.

A woman, Eleanor, entered. Her movements were graceful, her attire elegant; a high hairstyle adorned with golden pins framed a youthful, alluring beauty. "Have some soup," she said softly.

Margaret and William paled. They had warned this woman, yet here she was. Pablo's eyes narrowed with cold fury. The room fell silent, everyone holding their breath.

Eleanor had prepared a story in case Pablo questioned her presence, assuming he knew about William's marriage. To her surprise, Pablo merely glanced at her and didn't inquire about her identity. He took the drink and began sipping it. Disappointed, Eleanor had hoped to make an impression but reluctantly retreated from the room.

She noticed Margaret's fury and William's disdain but couldn't afford to be passive. As she reached the door, Margaret subtly nodded to a maid, who then returned with instructions to summon Eleanor. "Eleanor, Margaret wants you to bring something to Pablo," the maid whispered.

Eleanor happily agreed and followed the maid. As they passed the courtyard, the maid's expression changed. Two servants appeared. One sternly said, "Margaret has ordered that the concubine be taken back to her room. She is not allowed to leave tonight."

Eleanor, furious, retorted, "How dare you! You tricked me!" The maid sharply replied, "It's you who dared too much. Margaret forbids you from leaving, yet you refused to listen. You're asking for trouble." The maid signaled the servants to drag Eleanor away.

Eleanor screamed, "Who dares to lay a hand on me?" The maid coldly responded, "If you still want to stay in the Valen family, it's best you don't defy Margaret. Otherwise, you'll regret it."

Eleanor froze. "She would dare to divorce me?" The maid sneered, "No need for a divorce letter. She'll just throw you out of the house. You entered as a concubine; don't forget your place."

Enraged and humiliated, Eleanor was about to scream when the maid slapped her and ordered, "Take her away." The servants dragged her off.

Inside, Pablo finished his drink, watching Eleanor's departure. He turned to William, his expression serious. "Now that I've returned, it's time to deal with your marriage," he said slowly.

William froze, his face pale as he looked desperately at Margaret. Margaret's voice cut through the silence. "What are you staring at? Kneel and apologize to your father!"

William knelt. Pablo's fingers drummed the table. He raised his head slightly. "Apologize for what?"

Margaret's brow furrowed. "Pablo, after you left for war…" Pablo interrupted, his voice cold and firm. "Let him speak for himself."

Margaret hesitated. "Let me handle this…" she started, but Pablo pressed his hand down. "Sit down. I want to hear it from him—what has he done that deserves an apology?"

William trembled, feeling his father's sharp gaze. His hands grew cold, his head buzzed, and his lips trembled. "I… I, Father…"

"Speak!" Pablo suddenly slapped the table, his voice rising. "A man should be able to speak plainly. How can you expect to do great things if you can't even speak up? Are you planning to hide behind your mother's skirts forever? When she dies, will you follow her into the grave?"

Margaret stiffened but gently encouraged William. "Tell him, speak to your father." She had given them their lines, but wasn't sure William could deliver them effectively.

Agnes stood. "Father, let me speak for him. William has always been afraid of you. If you get angry first, he won't be able to say anything."

Pablo's eyes shifted to Agnes. "You want to speak for him? Can you marry his wife for him? Can you bear his children? Can you inherit the marquisate for him? Can you fight in battle for him? Can you die for him?"

Each question was louder than the last, leaving Agnes speechless.