Chapter 158: The Break-off of the Engagement

+8 Pearls

Ryker was summoned to Isolde, and he knew why. He bowed and said, "Give me ten days, just ten days. I will bring Marley back by then."

"You're so sure of yourself, which means you've found her," Isolde replied calmly.

"Yes… there is a lead," Ryker hesitated, then added, "Isolde, it seems the lesson about your ears hasn't sunk in."

Ryker's face paled. "What do you mean?"

"You found the person, so why haven't you brought her to me yet?" Isolde's voice was ice-cold. "I don't care for the details, but if you can find her, so can L—"

Ryker's expression faltered. He lowered his hands, speaking with a defeated tone. "Isolde, you're truly clever. Yes, I've found her, but… Marley is somewhat… mad. She's been poisoned and turned mute. I've been searching for doctors, but they say it'll take ten days to a fortnight before there's any improvement. So, I thought it best to wait until then before bringing her to you."

He needed some credit to offset his guilt. If he rushed to bring a mad, mute woman to Isolde, she might not appreciate his efforts.

"Where is she?" Isolde's pulse quickened, and she stood abruptly.

"She's at my place. I've been having doctors tend to her," Ryker answered.

"Take me there, now," Isolde ordered immediately.

Ryker hesitated. "We should wait until tomorrow. It's late now, and she's probably asleep. If we disturb her, it could worsen her condition."

Esme, who had been listening quietly, added, "That's right. The person is found; there's no need to rush."

Isolde, though eager to see Marley and uncover the truth of the past, had to admit that if Marley was truly mad, she might not remember the events from all those years ago. Suppressing her impatience, she sighed. "Alright, we'll go tomorrow morning."

Esme dismissed Ryker, then turned to Isolde, who was clearly tense. "Things will come to light eventually. You've already given Prudence a piece of your mind today, but don't expect her to sit idly by. We have much to do next."

Isolde's voice darkened. "I'm not worried about her; it's just that I'm afraid it will affect my brother's future."

"If we bring Clark back to serve as a caregiver, he must return," Esme said with a sigh. "The King rules with compassion for filial piety. Even his most trusted ministers can leave their duties to care for sick parents, and when the parents recover or pass away, they can return to their posts."

She paused before continuing, "Clark has just entered the Parliamentary Library and has not yet caught the King's eye. If he's called back to care for his father, the Library will have no choice but to let him return."

Isolde gave a bitter laugh. "Why would she hesitate to do that? When has she ever cared for Clark?"

Esme replied, "Prudence may not care for such matters, but Clark is a man of culture. He was raised with respect for law and propriety. Even if he resents it, he must swallow his pride."

Isolde's face darkened. She said nothing, but her mood soured even more.

Esme continued, "In ancient times, when a father was ill, his son would even taste the medicine himself, disheveled and unkempt for months. The world praised such dedication. If she calls Geoffrey and Clark back for this reason, it will ruin both of them—two firstborn sons lost."

Isolde glanced at Esme, her eyes narrowing. "Do you think I was reckless earlier?"

"Quick words may bring temporary relief, but they can lead to lasting consequences. Prudence is vicious, capable of anything. The County Princess of Cromwell acted recklessly today," Esme said quietly.

Isolde took a deep breath, slowly calming herself. Yes, even if she found Marley and her father knew the truth, it would still be difficult to stop Prudence. After all, Prudence was the legitimate wife. Her position was unshakeable. Even if she did something blatantly unfilial, she would never face repercussions. A few harsh words, spread by others, and her reputation could be destroyed. No one would dare challenge her.

But Isolde didn’t regret her actions. The weight of frustration had built up for far too long.

The next day, Prudence moved quickly. As soon as Isolde left with Ryker, she instructed Vance to sell off the shops and estates. The price was good, and Prudence was confident that once they were put on the market, buyers would come quickly.

Meanwhile, Geoffrey went to the Valen family to formally break off the engagement.

Pablo just so happened to be hosting a banquet, inviting many of the court officials and their families. When Geoffrey arrived to break the engagement, Margaret, feigning a sickly demeanor, stepped out to greet him.

The moment Geoffrey entered, it caused quite a stir. The old feud between the Argentum and Valen families was no secret to anyone. Now Pablo had invited Geoffrey to this event—was this a gesture of reconciliation?

Margaret, noticing Geoffrey came alone and Pablo was nowhere to be seen, was forced to step forward and welcome him. Yet, she couldn’t shake the suspicion that something was off. She didn’t recall Geoffrey’s name being on the guest list.

“Geoffrey, why didn’t you bring Matilda?” Margaret asked with a polite smile.

Geoffrey smiled back. “She’s coming with the princess. She’ll be here shortly.”

Margaret was taken aback. “Which princess?”

“Princess Aveline,” Geoffrey replied.

As if on cue, Princess Aveline entered the room, accompanied by two attendants. The guests quickly stood to greet her.

Margaret’s heart sank. This wasn’t something she had expected. She hadn’t invited Princess Aveline.

“Margaret, I’m here to help Geoffrey break off the engagement,” Princess Aveline stated directly.

The room erupted into murmurs. A break-off? But wasn’t the engagement already dissolved? It was said that Margaret had gone to the Duke’s estate to end it—was this just a chance for Princess Aveline to stir up trouble now that Pablo had returned?

Margaret’s face tightened. “Princess, what do you mean by this?”

At that moment, Pablo and Jonathan strode out from the back rooms. Seeing the princess and Geoffrey, Pablo greeted them warmly. “Princess, Geoffrey, welcome to my humble estate. It’s an honor to have you both here.”

Geoffrey gave a polite bow. “I didn’t know you were hosting a banquet today, Pablo. My apologies for the intrusion.”

Pablo waved off the apology with a smile. “Nonsense, Geoffrey. You’re a distinguished guest.”

The crowd fell silent. Pablo had just earned great merit. Was this move by Geoffrey and the princess a little too much?

Princess Aveline smiled and turned to Pablo. “Pablo, I’ve already made it clear—before you left, you arranged the engagement between the Langley and Valen families. But now, it seems there’s no chance of marriage. Geoffrey has asked me to come here to formally break the engagement. I hope you’ll understand.”

Margaret’s eyes flashed with anger. “Don’t push your luck.”

Pablo glanced at her indifferently, his voice cold. “How am I pushing my luck, Margaret? What kind of man is your son? Does he deserve Isolde? If this engagement stands, how can Isolde ever find another match?”

He turned back to Geoffrey and Princess Aveline with a respectful bow. “Please, have a seat. Since everyone is here, let’s lay everything out and clear the air once and for all.”