Chapter 156: A Deal to Be Made

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Prudence's eyes widened in fury. Her voice rising, she demanded, "So this is it? You're getting back at me, aren't you? For not listening to you initially? Now that there's no saving him, you're pleased, aren't you?"

Geoffrey remained calm, observing Prudence's escalating rage. He said quietly, "Mother, his heart is black as night—he would harm even his own brother. Doesn't he deserve to be taught a lesson?"

Prudence gasped, her eyes widening in horror as she fixed him with a look of disbelief. "So it was you all along! You didn't try to save him on purpose, did you? You pretended to care about Clark, but really, you were only protecting your own interests, weren't you?"

Geoffrey stiffened at her accusation, feeling a surge of unease. His dutiful nature, however, prevented any outward reaction. He replied calmly, almost detachedly, "You misunderstand. I never intended that. The verdict is in; it's beyond my control now. If you think there's a way, feel free to seek help elsewhere."

He turned to leave.

Vance, panicked, grabbed his arm, spinning him around. "Geoffrey, how can you speak like that? If Mother had a way, would she really be coming to you for help?"

Geoffrey sighed inwardly, bitter memories flooding back. His mind inevitably compared Vance to Clark, the frustration palpable.

“I’ve offered my advice, but you wouldn’t listen. What more can I do? The decision has been made; the opportunity has passed…”

"Don't feed me that nonsense," Vance interrupted sharply. "What do we need to do to get Braden out of this mess?"

Geoffrey's lips curled into a cold, humorless smile. "You honestly think I have all the answers? Do you believe I can interfere with the High Magistracy of Argentum's ruling?"

Prudence, standing by the door, her expression darkening, spat out, "We don't need his help. Let him go."

Geoffrey paused, glancing over his shoulder. The cold fury in her eyes told him reasoning was futile. He knew he would only be forced to apologize later.

As he moved towards the door, Prudence's voice rang out, sharp and threatening. "Geoffrey, if you don't show proper respect to your mother, brother, and children, I'll take this straight to the Queen Mother and file a formal complaint against you."

Geoffrey stopped, his mouth falling open in disbelief. "You're going to report me?"

"You think I can't get an audience with the Queen Mother?" Prudence's voice was low, menacing, as she stepped into the room. "You destroyed my grandson's future. You won't find peace until I get my revenge."

Geoffrey reeled from her words. "I ruined your grandson's future?"

Prudence's anger flared. "You and your daughter are to blame! Yesterday, Pablo was ready to help, but Isolde deliberately stopped him. If it weren't for you and your daughter, Braden wouldn't have been sentenced."

Geoffrey's brow furrowed in confusion. "Is that true? I wasn't aware. But if Pablo was willing to help and Isolde blocked him, then go to her. Ask her to plead with Pablo."

Without another word, Geoffrey walked out, his thoughts racing.

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Behind him, Vance's voice could be heard shouting, "I'm going straight to her! I'll tear her apart for what she said yesterday!"

Geoffrey didn't look back, his steps quick and determined.

Vance, still fuming, turned to Prudence, his voice urgent. "Mother, are we really going to beg that little wench for help?"

Prudence took a deep breath, her face tightening in thought. "It's not about begging. It's about making a deal."

She had always considered Isolde greedy. And, of course, she hadn't forgotten Isolde's fixation on her mother's dowry—one of the few things still seemingly valuable in the world.

Vance helped her up, his tone proud. "I'll go with you."

Prudence sighed softly, her voice almost melancholy. "It's better to be born of your own flesh and blood. Even if others rise higher, it's nothing compared to being one of your own."

"That's for sure," Vance agreed with a hint of pride.

As they walked toward the door, Vance offered another suggestion. "Mother, why not just sell off the estate properties? We could take the money and return to Caelmont, where we won't have to look anyone in the face here."

Prudence shot him a sideways glance, raising an eyebrow. "What, you don't want to become an official anymore? You don't care about the hereditary title?"

Vance pouted, his tone bitter. "Of course, I still want it. But things have changed now. He doesn't care about you, and he doesn't care about the Langley family's illegitimate son. He's too consumed by his own interests now."

Prudence's eyes darkened. "If he won't give it, then I'll take it from him. The estate will be sold, but the hereditary title must go to Braden."

Vance's eyes lit up. "Do you have a plan?"

"First, we save Braden. Then we'll figure the rest out," Prudence answered.

When Isolde returned to the brocade house, she immediately resumed embroidering a duck egg design.

Hattie came rushing in, breathless. "Prudence and that good-for-nothing second son are on their way to the Pearl Tower."

Esme scoffed. "They must be here about Braden."

Isolde set down her embroidery, rubbing her eyes with a sigh. "Let them come."

She stood, her voice lightly mocking. "It's not every day that Prudence graces the Pearl Tower with her presence. We should make sure to treat her with the proper respect."

Esme, who couldn't stand Prudence's airs, just nodded. But since Isolde had spoken, she adopted the correct, welcoming demeanor.

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When Prudence entered the courtyard, her eyes immediately darkened upon seeing Esme standing by the door. The sight of Esme, the woman she considered her greatest humiliation, twisted something deep within her.

But Esme wasn't about to let the tension fester. She smiled sweetly and greeted, "So you've come."

Vance, glaring at Esme, sneered, "Watch your tongue."

Esme remained entirely unfazed. She smiled and bowed. "Prudence, please come in."

Prudence's gaze didn't waver, but her chest rose and fell as she walked past Esme, her anger palpable. Esme could practically feel the cold hostility radiating from her.

Isolde stepped to the door to greet them with a smile. "Prudence, what brings you by today? So rare for you to make the trip to the Pearl Tower. It's an honor."

Prudence paused, taking in Isolde's serene face. She suppressed her rising disgust and frustration before replying in a calm, calculated tone, "I've come today to discuss a deal with you."

Isolde raised an eyebrow. "A deal? You're too kind to keep it so formal. What's this about?" She smiled, but the mockery was clear.

Prudence entered, sitting down deliberately slowly. She looked around at the room and said, "Perhaps we could speak privately."

Isolde gestured for everyone to leave.

Vance, sitting beside Prudence, shot Isolde a cold look. "A small person, growing too big for their boots."

Isolde returned the look with a radiant smile. "It's good to know you understand your place."

Prudence shot Vance a sharp look. "Be quiet."

Prudence wanted to avoid any conflict that might ruin their conversation. She didn't dare risk upsetting the negotiation.

With one final rebuke, Vance fell silent.

Isolde, now facing Prudence's tight-lipped expression, smiled softly. "So, what's this deal you're proposing?"