Chapter 166: Drama Queens

Pablo, ever straightforward, never anticipated the twists and turns ahead. He knew Prudence and Priscilla had never been kind to Isolde, but assumed filial piety would compel Isolde to ease her grandmother's passing. With that in mind, he’d gone to great lengths to ensure Prudence could pass peacefully. The guarantee letter was signed. Braden could return for seven days, and Pablo would personally ensure his return after that. Tyler suggested Pablo send someone along to supervise, just in case. To be safe, Pablo dispatched his loyal man, Ray Morrow, to accompany Braden to the Duke’s estate.

Geoffrey, having returned from the Valen family, was surprised by how quickly things were moving. He first went to the office to request a couple of days off to handle affairs before heading home. Upon arrival, he was informed that Braden had already returned. Panicking, he rushed to Blesertin and found Braden kneeling by Prudence’s bed, crying uncontrollably. Prudence herself was sobbing. The scene was heart-wrenching.

Seeing Geoffrey enter, Braden immediately turned, knelt before him, and began banging his head against the floor, tears streaming down his face. “Geoffrey, I know I was wrong. I made Grandmother so upset that she fell ill. It’s all my fault.”

Geoffrey, despite his earlier anger, was a soft-hearted man. Though frustrated with Braden’s past actions, he still believed in redemption. He helped Braden up. “You realize your mistake. That’s a good start. Reflect on your actions while in prison. I’ll make some arrangements, and you’ll be out soon enough.” He glanced at Prudence and gently said, “When you return, you must care for your grandmother properly.”

Prudence sighed deeply, tears streaming down her face. “I fear I may never see him return.”

Priscilla, standing by, wiped her own tears away. “You will live a long life; don’t think such things.”

Prudence sobbed harder. “It’s my fault. If I hadn’t favored Braden so much and let him get away with everything, I wouldn’t have broken Clark’s heart. I wanted him to come back and serve me in my last days, to preserve his reputation. I hoped that by showing him as a dutiful grandson, he would have a bright future. That’s the only thing I could do for him.”

She grasped Priscilla’s hand tightly and whispered, “When I’m gone, you mustn’t treat Clark the way you did before. You are his stepmother. If you show him kindness, he will never be ungrateful, even if he achieves great success.”

Geoffrey felt a pang in his heart at her words. He’d indeed been cold and distant to his mother these days, even arguing with her at times. His emotions had clouded his judgment, and he had forgotten how much she had done for him.

The room was filled with tears, and Geoffrey almost shed his own. But instead, he quietly stepped away, retreating into the courtyard. Isolde stood under the maple tree, exuding a calm, indifferent aura.

“Calling Clark back to care for her is what’s truly ruining his future,” Isolde’s voice was cold, sharp.

“Shut your mouth,” Geoffrey snapped, anger rising at the sight of her frosty expression. “Can’t you see the state your grandmother is in? You’re the ungrateful one, and this family’s misfortune is because of you.”

“Letting Braden out is only going to destroy Pablo. You’re a fool, Geoffrey. A fool who burdens his wife in life and his friends after death. Blind filial piety, foolishness, and ignorance,” Isolde retorted, turning on her heel and walking away.

Geoffrey stood frozen in shock. Now, even his daughter dared to insult him. With Pablo and Doug backing her up, her arrogance had only grown. If he didn’t start reining her in soon, who knew what kind of trouble she’d bring down on them all.

Vance, who had been standing behind them, spoke softly, “How did Isolde’s temperament change so much? Although she was raised at the estate, Prunella came from a family of military nobility—her character was gentle and graceful. Isolde seems to have inherited none of it. If Prunella were alive to see this… I’m afraid she couldn’t rest in peace.”

Geoffrey turned to look at Vance, his expression conflicted. Vance, seeing the way Geoffrey was staring at him, immediately grew flustered. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to speak ill of her. I couldn’t hold back. I won’t say anything more.”

Seeing the usually brash Vance now so meek and anxious, Geoffrey’s heart softened, but he also felt a sting; Vance had been through so much recently.

“You’re speaking the truth,” Geoffrey replied, half-wistful, half-irritated.

That evening, when Clark returned, he went straight to Prudence’s room to pay his respects. Braden, seeing him, immediately dropped to his knees, pounding his head on the floor in three loud bows. When he looked up, tears were streaming down his face. “Clark, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have poisoned you out of jealousy. Please forgive me.”

Clark didn’t feel the slightest bit moved. He wasn’t like Geoffrey; he was clear-headed, rational, and after almost having his future ruined by Braden’s actions, he had seen through the entire family. He knew that Braden never truly humbled himself unless he had an ulterior motive. The sudden change in his attitude was suspicious, and Clark had no intention of forgiving him so easily.

“Get up,” Clark said, pulling Braden to his feet. “We’re family. Don’t say such things.”

Priscilla, who had been wiping her tears, walked over and gently took Clark’s arm. “Clark, come and see your grandmother.”

Clark subtly withdrew his arm but went over to Prudence’s bedside. He bent down, speaking softly. “Grandmother, are you feeling any better?”

Prudence’s eyes were swollen from crying. She had truly been crying this time. When she saw her beloved grandson, gaunt and limping, her heart seemed to shatter. Her tears started again.

“Grandmother is fine. Have you eaten yet?” she asked hoarsely.

“I’ve had some soup,” Clark replied.

Prudence sighed, her gaze filled with concern. “You’ve lost weight. Is it hard?”

“It’s not hard. I’m happy in my heart,” Clark said softly.

Prudence reached out a trembling hand, pulling him to sit beside her. “I’m afraid my days are numbered. Go to the Parliamentary Library tomorrow and take some time off. Come back and serve me. It won’t take long. This illness won’t delay you much.”

Clark lowered his eyes, replying quietly. “Yes. I’ll go to the library tomorrow and request leave.” Then, feeling his response had been too cold, he added reassuringly, “Don’t worry, Grand…”

Prudence, gazing around at the group of dutiful children and grandchildren, spoke in a solemn voice, “Listen to me. After I’m gone, there will be no distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children in the Langley family. Brothers must be respectful, sisters must love and support each other. No matter who achieves great success or falls into ruin, you must stand by each other. Never abandon one another.”

Everyone in the room nodded solemnly. “Yes, Grandmother.”

Geoffrey stepped forward, grabbing Clark’s arm. “Come outside with me. I need to talk to you about the leave request.”

Clark stood and followed him out.

As soon as they left, Braden hobbled over to Prudence’s bedside, sitting down with a pitiful look. “Grandmother, I don’t want to go back. Please help me return to Caelmont.”

Prudence lowered her voice, her expression grave. “Shh, don’t speak of such things. This matter, your mother and I will figure it out for you.”