Chapter 151: Plotting Against Pablo

+8 Pearls

At breakfast this morning, Pablo seemed in high spirits, but since the happy news wasn't yet official, he couldn't bring himself to tell Geoffrey. Geoffrey, on the other hand, was left in the dark, feeling increasingly suspicious that Isolde and Pablo were hiding something. Out of politeness, however, he didn't dare ask directly and awkwardly went along with the meal.

Once breakfast was over, Pablo urged Geoffrey to go to the courthouse, claiming he needed to talk to Isolde. Geoffrey lazily replied, “There’s nothing urgent at the courthouse today,” his mind racing to decipher their secret.

“Then you should go early and return early. I’ll wait for you at dinner,” Pablo said, implying he intended to remain at the Duke's estate all day.

Reluctantly, Geoffrey stood up, muttering, “Then I’ll leave you to it. I’m off to the courthouse.”

Pablo smiled. “Come back early tonight.”

Geoffrey thought, So it’s turned into a game of who’s the host and who’s the guest?

After Geoffrey left, Pablo's expression changed. He turned to Isolde with a serious demeanor. “Isolde, tell me. What exactly have they done to you? Don't try to hide it. I know everything, but I want to hear it from you.”

Isolde gently ran her fingers over the intricate carvings on the table's edge, her eyes soft as she answered, “The truth is, when two people marry, it’s meant to be for life. If there’s no love and their temperaments are worlds apart, it’s impossible for them to stay together. William and Margaret made the right decision in calling it off—it’s for the best. At least I won’t have to sacrifice my entire life for it. As for whether I resent them or not, of course I do. I’m no saint. Anyone treated so cruelly, with such venom and coldness, would hold a grudge for years. But, what’s done is done. They backed out, but in the end, they didn’t gain anything, and I didn’t fall apart either. So, let’s just consider it even. We won’t bring it up again.”

The things in this life didn't matter to her anymore. But the grudge from her past life, the betrayal and loss—those were things she could never forget.

Pablo was deeply impressed by her broad-mindedness. Who would have thought a young woman like her could possess such a heart? If she were a man… she’d be extraordinary.

“Good. Since you’ve let go of it, we won’t speak of it anymore. Tomorrow, let Geoffrey go to my estate to formally break off the engagement.”

“Is that really necessary?” Isolde asked.

“It is,” Pablo replied firmly. “Regardless of whether you end up with Oliver or not, the best outcome would be for you to marry him. If not, we can’t allow your reputation to be tarnished.”

“I don’t care about my reputation. If anyone judges me solely by my name, I don’t want their approval anyway,” Isolde replied.

Pablo sighed, “You’re just like your mother…” His eyes darkened with a trace of melancholy, the memories of many years flooding back—a time when there had been another foolish girl.

Isolde’s curiosity was piqued. “Pablo, did you know my mother?”

“I did,” Pablo replied, his gaze distant. “Back then, like your father, I was an officer under your grandfather.”

Isolde understood they must have their own stories to tell—stories of the older generation. It wasn’t something she could ask about, so she remained silent.

At the same time, Priscilla, upon hearing of Pablo’s arrival, conceived a plan. For the past few days, she and Vance had been frantically spending money trying to secure Braden’s release, but to no avail. Worse, the authorities had banned her from visiting him.

Just when she was feeling desperate, she heard Pablo had arrived. She was overjoyed. Everyone in Argentum knew who Pablo was: a war hero fresh from a victorious campaign, he was one of the city’s most prominent figures. If he could lend a hand, the High Magistracy would have no choice but to accommodate him. Besides, the Valen family was in the wrong regarding the marriage talks; Priscilla saw an opportunity to use this to her advantage.

Without delay, Priscilla rushed to Blesertin to find Prudence. Prudence had been unwell lately, primarily due to Isolde’s rebellion, but also because of Braden’s imprisonment. She had given Priscilla a large sum of money to secure Braden’s release, but with no results, she was growing increasingly frustrated.

When Priscilla arrived with her news, Prudence asked, “Do you know why Pablo is here?”

“I heard he brought gifts, so it seems he’s come to apologize for breaking off the engagement,” Priscilla said.

“Has Margaret come with him?” Prudence asked.

“No, it’s just Pablo and a few of his men,” Priscilla replied.

Prudence thought for a moment and nodded. “That’s fine. If Margaret were here, it would be harder to talk. But with Geoffrey gone, now’s our chance.”

“Geoffrey’s gone? He left for the courthouse?” Prudence asked, surprised.

“Yes, he left,” Priscilla confirmed.

Prudence paused, then said, “Help me up. If we have an important guest, I can’t just sit here. I’ll go greet him myself.”

Priscilla eagerly nodded, “Mother, this must work!”

Prudence’s eyes gleamed with a dark, calculating light. “Don’t say too much later.”

“Of course,” Priscilla replied, her voice quiet, but her heart racing.

Prudence, followed by Priscilla and Vance, entered the main hall where Pablo stood and immediately rose to greet them.

“Prudence, forgive me for not coming to see you sooner,” he said, apologetically.

Prudence smiled and gave a polite bow. “No need to apologize, Pablo. It’s I who should apologize for not welcoming you properly.”

“Mrs. Prudence, you’re too kind,” Pablo said with a smile. “Isolde and I were just talking. Geoffrey had matters at the courthouse, so of course, he had to prioritize his duties.”

Priscilla and Vance stepped forward to greet him. “Pablo.”

“Mr. Vance, Mrs. Priscilla,” Pablo replied, returning the greeting.

Seeing how respectfully Pablo treated them, Priscilla felt hopeful. She fixed her gaze on Prudence, silently urging her to speak.

Prudence ignored her and, after seating herself, asked polite questions about Pablo’s travels, offering compliments about his status as a pillar of the Eryndral Empire and a solid protector of the frontier. Pablo responded modestly, smiling throughout.

Isolde remained silent, her head lowered. If Prudence and Priscilla had ulterior motives, Isolde would never believe it, no matter what.

Finally, Prudence broached the subject of the broken engagement. With a tone full of regret, she said, “When I first heard about the Langley and Valen families’ engagement, I was so happy I couldn’t sleep. I never imagined it would fall apart like this. It seems Isolde just isn’t fortunate enough for this kind of happiness.”

Pablo replied sincerely, “Mrs. Prudence, the Valen family acted too hastily. I’ve come today to offer my apologies, and I hope you can forgive us.”

Prudence waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, Pablo, there’s no need to apologize. The engagement was always forced. If it had gone ahead, it would have ruined these two young lives. It’s better this way, isn’t it?”

Pablo sighed. “Mrs. Prudence, your generosity puts me to shame.”

Though he didn’t know Prudence well, he had always been respectful toward his elders. And in this case, he knew the Valen family was at fault.