However, this incident revealed that not everyone respected Finnian's reputation. Margaret was pleased to see the tension between Isolde and Ashley, believing Isolde's anger stemmed from Ashley's sudden shift in allegiance. After several days visiting Isolde's room, Ashley had turned and recognized Margaret as her godmother. Isolde likely felt she had been played by Ashley.

Since Margaret had begun opposing Isolde, she had never won a single battle. Now, even a small victory felt like a good start. However, Isolde's next words made her very unhappy.

“Since you are now Pablo’s adopted daughter, should we prepare money for your entry into the palace?” Isolde asked.

Margaret hadn't considered this; Isolde's words momentarily stunned her. Her expression then turned displeased, sensing Ashley had ulterior motives. Margaret wasn't someone who cared much about money; she had plenty. But Ashley was entering the palace, so the dowry couldn't be meager. Giving away so much for no reason made her uncomfortable.

She said indifferently, “Of course, we will prepare one. Everyone can also contribute to her dowry.” She said this while looking at Isolde.

Before Isolde could speak, Oliver said, “How can younger siblings contribute to their elder sister’s dowry?” It was always the elders who contributed to younger siblings' dowries. It was unheard of for younger siblings to contribute to an elder sister's dowry; even giving gifts was inappropriate.

Ashley remained silent. She knew this rule and understood Margaret's reluctance. So, she said nothing. Whether Margaret was willing or not, she would have to provide the dowry. Otherwise, what was the point of Ashley's kowtowing?

Isolde looked at Margaret's pale, slightly greenish face, which showed the frustration of trying to gain an advantage but ending up at a loss. She couldn't help but smile faintly. Dealing with a scheming person was never easy. This was just the beginning; dealing with Ashley wouldn't come cheap. The matter of recognizing Ashley as a goddaughter was brushed over lightly.

Pablo said, “Alright, now let’s discuss serious matters. Oliver’s wedding needs to be reorganized. Although the King has arranged the marriage and the Ministry of Rites will handle the formalities, our family must also ensure everything is done properly. The guest list must be finalized in the next two days and sent to their residences in advance. As for the betrothal gifts, prepare a list for me to review.”

Chapter 266: We Are Different.

Pablo nodded. “Good. Now that Oliver is getting married, what’s due to him should be sorted out and returned to him.”

Margaret’s eyes flickered briefly. “Of course.”

After giving these instructions, Pablo ordered that tonight’s dinner be made more lavish to serve as the recognition party. Ashley’s expression darkened slightly. When Pablo mentioned the wedding earlier, he had referred to it as a “serious matter.” In his eyes, recognizing her as a goddaughter wasn’t a serious matter, but Oliver and Isolde’s wedding was.

Agnes suddenly smiled. “Getting married is a joyous occasion. However, Isolde is a Langley, and Oliver is also a Langley. I wonder how outsiders will view this. Oliver, have you considered changing your surname to Valen…”

Before Agnes could finish, Pablo flew into a rage. “What surname? Oliver is the son of Douglas. He’s the Langley family’s bloodline. No matter what his surname is, he remains my son. As for the rule against marrying someone with the same surname, the Queen Mother abolished that long ago. What nonsense are you spouting?”

The prohibition against marrying someone with the same surname had been a long-standing rule in the Eryndral Empire and even in previous dynasties. Previously, the law explicitly stated that people with the same surname could not marry. When the Queen Mother assumed power, she issued an edict abolishing this rule, stating that there were many people with the same surname in the Eryndral Empire, and it would be a pity to miss out on good matches because of this. Although the rule was abolished, the long-standing tradition still made people somewhat resistant to marriages between individuals with the same surname, especially among noble families.

Seeing her father’s fury, Agnes smiled and said, “Pablo, I’m not being picky. I’m just worried that the two might be ridiculed by outsiders. Besides, although Oliver is from the Valois family, he grew up in our Valen residence and calls you father. What’s wrong with changing his surname? Unless Oliver is unwilling?”

Pablo said coldly. “If Oliver changes his surname, there’s no problem. The hereditary title of Marquis of Valen must be passed on to someone.”

Hearing this, William’s expression changed dramatically, and he glared at Agnes with resentment. Agnes was stunned. She had only wanted to make Oliver uncomfortable, not actually suggest he change his surname. In fact, she wouldn’t want him to change his surname. But hearing Pablo’s words, she suddenly realized the implications. She quickly said, “Pablo, I was just joking to lighten the mood. Oliver is the only descendant of the Valois family. How could we ask him to change his surname? If he did, Douglas would probably come after me.” With that, she laughed. No one else laughed. The atmosphere was extremely awkward.

Moreover, Pablo’s face was still dark, looking like he was on the verge of exploding. Oliver smiled and said, “Pablo, shall we go and have some wine?” Pablo’s expression immediately relaxed. “Alright.”

Ashley hadn’t expected Pablo to value Oliver so much, even more than his own children. This was unexpected. It seemed she would need to win Oliver over as well. The fact that Oliver could calm Pablo’s anger with just one sentence showed that Oliver had a significant influence on him. Oliver wasn’t particularly clever, but unfortunately, he had a very clever wife. Isolde was almost cunning. But compared to herself, Isolde was still slightly inferior.

At the time, Ashley had already guessed Isolde’s intentions. She was nothing more than using the natural disaster to raid the mansion. Did she really have a compassionate heart? People with ambition and strategy were never kind-hearted. If Kamari had listened to Ashley earlier, things wouldn’t have come to this. Well, that man was arrogant and domineering; following him might not have led to great achievements. Now, although entering the palace meant starting from the bottom, she was at the edge of power. She could slowly infiltrate and, one day, stand in the position the Queen Dowager once held, ruling over the world!

“Aren’t you afraid your brain will overheat from all that thinking?” Isolde’s mocking voice sounded in her car. Ashley looked up and saw that people were gradually dispersing, and Pablo had already left. Isolde stood beside her, looking at her with a sarcastic expression as if she knew exactly what Ashley was thinking.

Ashley smiled faintly. “Princess Langley, your great victory in Zloimond has changed you. But don’t forget your origins. Some people, even if dressed in phoenix feathers, are still just pheasants at heart.” She had already investigated Isolde’s background and somewhat looked down on her.

Isolde smiled faintly. “People are like that. Those of low origins often mock others with similar backgrounds. What’s that called? Birds of a feather? Oh, sorry, that’s not quite right. I’m human, and you and I are not the same.” With that, she walked out with Oliver in a grand manner.