Chapter 170: Grandmother Has Everything Arranged

Though Esme tried to hide her concerns, Isolde noticed something was amiss. Esme, who usually prided herself on drinking water slowly and mindfully, had been gulping it down in large swallows. She had always said that good health began with good eating habits—chewing each bite carefully, sipping water in small, measured gulps, even when thirsty. But today, her demeanor was different. Isolde didn’t question her directly but remained preoccupied, convinced that no one from Eastonburg would simply travel to Zloimond. Perhaps Esme was still bothered by Rosemary’s reprimands and felt uncomfortable.

After dinner, Isolde sent Hattie back to Ryker’s to continue caring for Marley. As Hattie left, Harlan entered, holding a jar of wine. “Oh, dinner’s over already? And you’re still thinking about stealing some food?” he joked. Isolde laughed and greeted him, taking the wine jar from his hands. “Haven’t eaten yet? Should I ask Esme to make you something?”

“That would be great,” Harlan said, waving his hand dramatically. “I’m craving some meat, not vegetables.” He dropped into a chair, massaging his shoulders. “It’s been a tough day.”

Esme smiled. “Anyone who works has to be tired, right? Luckily, there’s still some meat in the kitchen. I’ll get it ready for you.”

“Much appreciated,” Harlan said, settling in. Isolde took a seat and asked, “What kept you so busy today? You look wiped out.”

Harlan shrugged nonchalantly. “Someone’s dying, so I went with your father to check the graveyard.”

Isolde raised an eyebrow. “Someone really going to die? Is it that serious?”

“Yeah, the doctor says not much time left,” Harlan replied flatly.

Isolde paused, thoughtful. “Is that so?”

“You don’t believe me?” Harlan asked, sensing her hesitation.

Isolde gave a soft, detached smile. “It’s not about whether I believe or not. It’s about whether it affects me.”

Harlan sighed. “Well, if she dies, things will settle down for you. After Prudence is gone, Geoffrey probably won’t be so gullible, and you’ll be able to return to the estate.”

Isolde didn’t respond at first. “She’s not the one who determines whether my life is stable…” She thought for a moment but dismissed it. Instead, she suddenly asked, “Isn’t it about time for Braden to leave?”

“Yeah, he’ll be gone tomorrow,” Harlan said. “Pablo’s men took care of the paperwork tonight. They’ll escort him out tomorrow.”

Isolde hadn’t expected Braden to be so cooperative. She thought, with his nature, he’d try to escape. After all, Prudence had money—enough to bribe him to run away, change his identity, and live the life of a rich man in a distant land.

Harlan raised his glass. “Come on, everyone, sit down and join me for a drink!” Noelle and Hazel, knowing his personality, ensured everyone participated. Isolde, not one to shy away from company, sat down and joined him. She had no reservations with Harlan; he was like family to her.

“Where’s that girl, Britney?” Harlan asked, noticing the younger maid’s absence.

“She’s making you soup. She’ll be here soon,” Esme replied.

The atmosphere at the Pearl Tower lightened. After all, with Prudence’s illness, everyone had been on edge, speculating whether it was real or just another of her schemes to trap the County Princess of Cromwell.

Harlan poured drinks for Hazel and Isolde, but when Esme and Noelle reached for their glasses, he stopped them with a grin. “Hold on, you two. Wait until we’ve had a few more rounds. With your drinking habits, if we start now, we’ll have no fun before you both pass out.”

Isolde laughed. “That’s true. Esme can hold her liquor better, but Noelle’s pretty much a one-glass wonder.”

Harlan chuckled, looking at Isolde with amusement. She’s different from most nobles, he thought. She’s never treated us like servants. Growing up in this estate, she never had the typical airs about her. It’s refreshing.

The drinks flowed, and the mood was light, with stories and laughter filling the room. But as Esme and Noelle continued drinking, Isolde and Hazel noticed something wasn’t right. Dizziness hit them first—so strong they could barely keep their eyes open. Isolde was the first to react. She braced herself against the table and stood, but before she could do much else, Esme and Noelle collapsed in unison, slumping onto the floor, fast asleep.

“Why?” Isolde thought bitterly, her head spinning. Harlan… the one person I trusted.

Harlan stood up and looked at her with a sad, apologetic expression. His earlier joviality was gone. “Don’t worry, Isolde. Geoffrey only wants to send you to Windermount. He won’t harm you.”

“Geoffrey…” Isolde chuckled coldly, her eyes narrowing. “If he wanted me to leave, he could have just said so. Why go through all this trouble?”

Harlan hadn’t expected her to turn her suspicions on him first. The realization made him feel even worse. He was a straightforward man, never one for trickery. He gritted his teeth and muttered, “Your father’s no better than I am. Get back to the estate. After Prudence is gone, I’ll personally bring you back.”

Hazel, who had been quietly fuming, suddenly grabbed a chair and shouted, “I’ll smash it…” But as she lifted the chair, it tumbled to the floor, crashing loudly. Isolde’s vision blurred, and she crumpled, her body going limp. “Braden…” she whispered weakly before her world went black.

Harlan quickly steadied her. “Get in here. Help Isolde into the carriage. I’ll follow her to Windermount myself.” Several men rushed in, but it wasn’t long before Geoffrey entered as well.

He walked in with his hands behind his back, eyeing Isolde in Harlan’s care. “Send everyone with her. She’s to stay in Windermount. You don’t need to go, Harlan. I’ve got something else for you to do. Go find Xavier. I need to ask him about Prunella.”

Harlan’s eyes narrowed. “No, I’ll personally take her back.”

Geoffrey stared him down. “You really think that? After what you said, you’re still going to play the hero?”

Harlan scoffed. “Isn’t it true? She’s your daughter. Even Prunella, wherever she is, must be cursing you for how you’ve treated her.”

Geoffrey’s face hardened, his breath coming in shallow gasps as he looked at Isolde with growing disdain. “Take her away,” he muttered, his eyes flickering with an emotion far from fatherly.

In the darkness of the night, a carriage rolled away from Argentum. Britney, hidden behind the back gate, watched in horror. She quickly ran off to find Hattie.

Back at the estate, Prudence sat on her bed, listening to a report in a low, cold voice. “Are they on their way?”

“Yes, they’ve already left the city,” Priscilla confirmed.

Prudence’s lips twisted into a cruel smile. “Good. Have you set things up? Get them to catch up and make sure that her carriage goes off the cliff at Wamond Vale—no one can survive.”

Priscilla’s voice was soft but resolute. “Don’t worry, Mother. Everything’s been arranged.”

Braden, standing nearby, looked nervous. “Grandmother, what about me? When do I leave?”

Prudence softened, her eyes betraying a rare moment of affection. She took his hand gently. “Don’t worry, everything’s ready. Tonight, at the stroke of midnight, you’ll leave through the back door. Someone will meet you. They’ll take you to an inn for the night, and tomorrow, you’ll join the caravan.”

“But what if the authorities start asking questions?” Braden asked, still worried.

Prudence gave a reassuring smile. “You don’t need to worry about that. Grandmother has everything arranged.”