Chapter 179: Layers Unfolding
Geoffrey’s jaw tightened as he glared at Kolton. “You’ve got a reason for hitting me, don’t you?”
Kolton grabbed him by the collar and yanked him outside, his voice sharp and threatening. “Oh, I’ve got a reason, alright. Follow me, and you’ll understand why you’re going to die with your eyes wide open.”
As they stepped outside, Geoffrey stopped resisting. At the entrance, he saw Garrett—enraged—waiting, along with two other sons and a sedan chair in which Prudence was seated. Geoffrey glanced around; many familiar faces were present: Marley, Dr. Sean Gibson, Samara Salinas, Jessica, Wade, and Ryker.
But what truly chilled him to the bone was the sight of Braden, supposedly dead in the fire. His hands were bound behind him, a gag stuffed in his mouth, his face bruised. Seeing Geoffrey, he whimpered helplessly, as if begging for mercy.
“What’s going on here?” Geoffrey froze, his mind reeling.
Kolton released him, his voice icy. “Want to know how my sister died? Come with me, and I’ll show you something that’ll open your eyes wide.”
Geoffrey’s face went pale, his heart sinking. He stared at Kolton, his voice trembling with disbelief. “What did you just say?”
Kolton didn’t respond. He dragged Geoffrey further out, where a row of carriages awaited. Geoffrey watched as Natasha entered the first, accompanied by two maids, and departed without haste. The others followed suit, but they paused a moment before leaving.
Geoffrey mounted his horse, flanked by Garrett’s three sons, who led him to the Duke’s estate. They entered through the back door and dragged him toward Blesertin, but instead of going inside, they hid behind a wall.
His heart pounded, a sense of impending revelation hanging heavy in the air. Every sound seemed amplified, his nerves screaming. The truth was about to break free.
Prudence, traveling by carriage due to poor health, was slow. Inside Blesertin, activity was frenetic—things being packed, hurried voices filling the air. He could hear them speaking.
“Mother, do you think the authorities will follow us?” Priscilla’s voice trembled with panic.
Prudence responded calmly, “No, this is a family dispute. The authorities might ask a few questions, but they won’t pursue it further. And besides, the Sharp family is too busy with their own issues right now. Aren’t they chasing after that little slut Isolde in Carigval Town?”
Priscilla laughed cruelly. “That bitch got what was coming to her when her father killed her. That’s sweet revenge. Your plan was brilliant, but I still feel bad about spending a million on it.”
“Shut your mouth! Don’t you dare say a word of that to anyone. Not even a whisper,” Prudence snapped, her anger flaring.
Priscilla grumbled, “No one’s around, anyway.”
Geoffrey’s heart stuttered. Isolde… dead by her father’s hand? That wasn’t an accident. It was murder.
His blood boiled, fury flooding his veins. His fists clenched so tightly, his nails dug into his palms, but his anger was a dark, suffocating thing, consuming him.
Kolton held him in place, his hand like iron on Geoffrey’s shoulder. “Wait. The good stuff’s coming.”
Geoffrey’s scalp tingled with cold dread. He remembered the people he’d seen earlier—Samara and Marley had been around Prunella; Jessica and Wade were the ones who had stolen from her and were locked up for it.
Prunella’s death… it wasn’t from childbirth.
His chest tightened, his rage almost unbearable as he tried to comprehend the monstrous truth unfolding.
The noise inside Blesertin grew louder, signaling their imminent departure.
A servant rushed over, panting. “Prudence, the Sharp family’s people are here. They’re heading this way to Blesertin now!”
Priscilla’s face paled. “Stop them! Don’t let them through!”
Prudence’s expression shifted slightly, but she knew better than to try and block them. “Let them come,” she said coldly.
It wasn’t long before Natasha, supported by two maids, arrived at the entrance of Blesertin. Natasha’s skill in concealing her emotions was remarkable, but Geoffrey noticed the faintest flicker in her eyes as she approached.
With a gentle, practiced smile, she greeted Prudence. “Prudence, it’s been a while. How have you been?”
Prudence returned the smile. “Natasha, you’ve returned. I should have come to visit, but I’ve been remiss. My apologies.”
Natasha strolled inside deliberately, her eyes sweeping over the packed items. “I see you’re packing a lot. Are you going away for long?”
Prudence sighed softly, her tone filled with false sorrow. “Yes. My life has been full of hardships. Losing a loved one is never easy, especially when it’s my daughter-in-law. I can’t stay here anymore. It’s too painful. I’ll be heading back to Caelmont for a while.”
“Who would’ve thought you cared for Isolde so much. It’s touching, really,” Natasha said, her voice tinged with sympathy.
Prudence looked at her, momentarily taken aback, but said nothing.
Instead of walking further inside, Natasha stopped at the doorway and spoke calmly, “I came here for two reasons. One, to check on you. But the other is about something that happened yesterday. Garrett went to inspect the shops and was told they had been resold, and that the person who sold them was you. Is that true?”
Prudence raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t Geoffrey tell you about this?”
“Geoffrey?” Natasha asked, clearly confused. “No, he didn’t. Was it his idea?”
Prudence nodded, her voice low. “Yes, it was his idea. He’s not good at business, so he decided to sell the shops. But he didn’t want to handle it, so he asked me to take care of it. All the money from the sale is in his hands.”
“I see,” Natasha said, nodding thoughtfully. “Well, if it was Geoffrey’s decision, I’ll speak to him. The Sharp family’s assets shouldn’t be sold. He’ll need to compensate the buyers for the loss.”
Prudence lowered her gaze, feigning indifference but growing impatient. “He should be at the Sharp family estate by now. You should be able to see him if you hurry.”
Natasha shook her head. “There’s no rush. We haven’t seen each other in a long time, and you’re about to leave for Caelmont. We should catch up.”
Priscilla, standing by, hurriedly cut in, “Natasha, Prudence isn’t feeling well. Why don’t you head back now?” Priscilla was growing anxious, desperate to escape before things escalated further.
But Natasha only smiled. “If she’s not feeling well, she shouldn’t stand. Let’s bring out some chairs, shall we? The air is lovely here, and it’s been too long since we’ve had a proper chat.”
Prudence forced a strained smile. “Natasha, I truly apologize, but I really shouldn’t be exposed to the wind for too long.” It was clear—the time had come to show her the door.
But Natasha didn’t seem to mind. She simply instructed the maid, “Go inside and bring out two chairs.” The maid quickly complied, bringing out two chairs and assisting Natasha to sit.
As they settled, Prudence’s impatience began to show. She was about to give Natasha the final push when Natasha suddenly asked, “By the way, Priscilla… what happened to Braden? The young man from the Duke’s estate? He was caught stealing, wasn’t he? He was nearly beaten to death. If it weren’t for my family’s housekeeper passing by just in time, he probably would’ve died at the Frazier family’s hands.”