Chapter 178: Everything Is Set

Reports flooded the local authorities regarding fraudulent activity involving the Duke's estate. After the shops were sold, buyers attempting to claim their purchases were stopped by the Sharp family, who declared the properties had never been sold. Authorities examined the sales contracts, discovering they were signed by Prudence, but the original shop listings remained under the Sharp family's name. The buyers' contracts were, therefore, invalid.

However, since the properties were part of the Sharp family's dowry, the authorities needed to verify the situation with the Sharps. Their agreement to the sale would resolve the dispute; the only recommendation would be formalizing the transaction with proper contracts to prevent future issues.

When authorities arrived at the Sharp family home, Natasha simply stated, "The Sharp family would never stoop so low as to sell off its properties. Let the authorities investigate."

Officials then sought Prudence, who was packing for her departure to Caelmont the following day. Camren Sandoval, the official, bluntly accused her of fraud, stating, "Prudence, we've received complaints claiming you're involved in fraud, selling properties that don't belong to you."

Before Prudence could respond, Priscilla retorted angrily, "What are you talking about? Fraud? Those properties belonged to the Langley family originally. The Sharp family merely received them as part of the dowry. Once she's gone, they're ours!"

Camren calmly explained, "Priscilla, that's not how it works. If the dowry property had been registered with the authorities and transferred to proper contracts, the sale would be legitimate. But the properties Prudence sold were still listed under the Sharp family's name."

Prudence responded gently, "I'll discuss this with the Sharp family. The proceeds from these sales will be returned to them. It's just that my granddaughter got into some trouble, and things got delayed. It's all a misunderstanding."

"If it's a misunderstanding, that's good," Camren said. "But the complainants have already gone to the authorities. They paid for the properties, but when they went to collect them, the shops weren't available. Either you compensate them double or you need to talk to the Sharp family. Otherwise, if the situation escalates, it could lead to fraud charges. Also..."

He looked at her neatly packed bags. "Until the investigation is complete, you cannot leave Argentum."

Prudence's expression darkened. "What do you mean by that? I've told you, this is a misunderstanding. I'll go speak with my old in-laws to clarify everything. Now you want me to compensate double and not leave Argentum? Am I a criminal now?"

Camren smiled and bowed. "Then please go and discuss it. We'll be back tomorrow."

As the officials left, Prudence's eyes narrowed. "The Sharp family just returned; they probably don't even know about the shop sales, and the contracts were only signed recently. How could someone already be trying to collect the properties and cause trouble with the authorities?"

"What should we do, Mother?" Priscilla asked anxiously. "We've already received the money; now do we have to give it all back?"

Prudence thought for a moment and said, "Tell Geoffrey to come. Have him go to the Sharp family."

"Geoffrey won't be of any use going to the Sharp family. Will they listen to him?"

"No, send him to negotiate first, to divert the Sharp family's attention. We'll leave today," Prudence said slowly.

Geoffrey was soon summoned. Upon his arrival, Prudence stated, "I've sold all the shops and estates of Prunella that could be sold. All the money is in the bank, and the bank slips are in the drawer of my big cabinet, in a small wooden box. Your mother won't ask for a single coin. Everything is for you and your children. If the Sharp family wants to reclaim it, you can just give them the slips."

Geoffrey was taken aback. "Why sell everything?"

Prudence gazed at him calmly. "This vast Duke's estate… where is there anyone who's good at business? I changed it into cash and stored it in the bank. If you see an opportunity, you can invest it and earn some interest. If not, just leave it there for your future and Bryant's future."

Geoffrey frowned. "Did you sell everything?"

Prudence replied, "Not everything. I kept Montlins Manor and a few shops—those were Prunella's favorites. You can collect rent from them, or leave them for your children in the future. Do what you think is best."

Geoffrey understood. Montlins Manor was Prunella's most beloved place; he couldn't accept the idea of selling it.

"Go to Garrett's house and explain this to him. I'm not greedy for a penny of the dowry. If they want it back, just return it. You have a high status; you can't be seen as coveting Prunella's dowry," Prudence continued.

Geoffrey hesitated. "There's no need to mention it. Over the years, they've never brought up the dowry."

"It's their choice if they don't mention it, but we need to inform them about the changes. It's out of respect for their family. That way, if they ever remember and feel resentful for not being told, it won't be on you," Prudence reasoned.

Geoffrey nodded. "Alright, I'll go to the Sharp family. But if they don't want the money back, you can keep half of it for yourself. Leave some for Bryant and Clark."

"I've got some personal savings, and Priscilla's dowry is substantial too. The children are all staying at the Duke's estate, so the money stays here. What needs to be given for the dowry, give it; what needs to be spent on their futures, spend it. Money is just an external thing—distribute it carefully so it doesn't cause any hard feelings," Prudence said.

Geoffrey, who had never been overly concerned with money, found Prudence's arrangement sensible. He nodded. "I'll do as you say. I'll go to the Sharp family now."

Geoffrey left, his thoughts turning to Harlan. He had been unconscious for several days, and he'd heard Sadie had been called to treat him. He wondered if he had shown any improvement; his concern was growing.

Arriving at the Sharp family estate, he requested to see Natasha but didn't dare approach Garrett. Luckily, Garrett wasn't home, and Geoffrey let out a quiet sigh of relief. He had always believed Natasha understood him. Though things had been heated the other day, he felt she would calm down and come to her senses.

Natasha, who had just taken her medicine, was dressed and ready to leave. Her face showed sorrow, but her eyes were unwaveringly resolute.

"Natasha," Geoffrey greeted her. "Are you going out?"

"I am. What brings you here?" Natasha's tone was indifferent.

"There are some matters I need to discuss with you—about Prunella's dowry…"

Natasha raised a hand to stop him. "Not yet. Wait here for a moment. I have something to attend to."

With that, she walked out, supported by a maid. Geoffrey was momentarily stunned. Where was she rushing off to?

Just as he was about to follow, the door suddenly opened, and a threatening figure stepped inside, forcing Geoffrey to step back with each approaching step.

Geoffrey froze. He gritted his teeth and called, "Kolton."

Kolton's fist provided an immediate answer. A hook punch landed squarely on Geoffrey's face. "Bastard!" Kolton snarled.