Chapter 278 A Slap

Margaret returned home, her fingers trembling with anger. She couldn’t directly confront Ashley; this wasn’t entirely Ashley’s fault. Ashley had revealed information that could have benefited both Layla and herself, and dealt a blow to Isolde. Unfortunately, her overly ambitious brother had ruined everything. She couldn’t vent her anger on Harper either, as he was only looking out for his future.

While she hadn’t sought Ashley out, Ashley came to her instead. Ashley knew Margaret had entered the palace twice; based on her calculations, the accusation should have been successfully lodged. She had come to see the results. After entering and paying her respects, Ashley asked, “How did it go in the palace?”

Margaret, barely suppressing her anger, felt a surge of irritation. “How? Layla has been demoted to Noble Concubine. How do you think it went?”

Ashley was shocked. “Why is that?”

“Interference in court affairs,” Margaret said coldly.

Ashley straightened slowly, frowning. Strictly speaking, this couldn’t be considered interference in court affairs. She had originally thought that such interference wasn't taken too seriously in the Eryndral Empire, especially since the Queen Mother herself was involved in politics. If Layla’s words were considered interference and she was punished for it, what use would there be for Ashley to enter the palace? Even if she climbed to the highest position in the harem, she would only be Queen. And with the King in his prime, how long would she have to wait?

Moreover, she believed her greatest strength was her strategic mind. After entering the palace, she planned to use her strategies to win the King’s favor, gradually getting closer to court affairs. Even if she remained behind the scenes, offering advice to the King, she could at least gain his recognition. If she bore the King’s child, there was a possibility of that child being named Crown Prince. If she couldn’t interfere in court affairs, how could she compete for favor? Relying on beauty alone would only last until her looks faded.

Margaret, of course, didn’t know what Ashley was thinking. She assumed Ashley was regretting her cleverness. She said indifferently, “After you enter the palace, make sure to visit Layla often. You’re young, and the King will surely favor you at first. With the King’s favor, you can put in a good word for Layla. You’ll have no one to rely on initially.”

Ashley replied, “I will remember your teachings.” However, in her heart, she looked down on Layla. Even when Layla was a Consort, Ashley had despised her, let alone now that she was just a Noble Concubine. But in the beginning, she would indeed have no one to rely on in the palace, so she would have to depend on Layla for a while.

After leaving Margaret’s quarters, Ashley wanted to find out how Geoffrey had escaped punishment, but she didn’t know who to ask. After inquiring with the servants, she learned that Isolde hadn’t returned last night and was probably staying at the Langley residence. Oliver had returned at noon but hadn’t gone out since. After some thought, Ashley went to Oliver’s quarters to find him. Oliver had returned to pack some clothes for Isolde. She would stay at the Langley residence for a few days, then move to the Sharp residence for a few more. Three days before the wedding, she would return to the Langley residence to await the ceremony. She wouldn’t be staying at the Valen residence for now.

He had just finished packing with Noelle when he saw Ashley. Seeing the bundle in his hands, Ashley curtsied and asked, “Are you going out, Mr. Valois?”

“Yes,” Oliver said indifferently, instructing Noelle to take the bundle to the carriage outside. He then looked at Ashley. “Do you need something?”

“Nothing urgent. I was just bored and thought I’d come to chat with Isolde,” Ashley said.

“Isolde hasn’t returned since last night.”

“Oh,” Ashley said absentmindedly. “Is that so? I didn’t know.”

“If there’s nothing else, I have things to attend to. I won’t keep you company,” Oliver said, wanting to avoid any further interaction with her.

Ashley looked at him. “Mr. Valois, could I have a few words with you?”

Oliver, already about to leave, frowned slightly. “What is it?”

“Even as siblings, we can chat about trivial matters,” Ashley said, sitting down and looking up at him.

“I’m busy,” Oliver said, thinking he had made his refusal clear.

But Ashley pulled out a chair and sat down, looking up at him. “It’ll only take a moment. I have a few questions for you.”

Oliver was visibly impatient. “Say it.”

Ashley, skilled at reading people’s expressions, knew he didn’t want to talk to her. She got straight to the point. “I heard that Geoffrey left his post without permission to go to Zloimond.”

“So what?”

Ashley smiled. “The King is indeed generous to the Langley family. He didn’t even punish him for that?”

“Geoffrey sought forgiveness. The King showed leniency,” Oliver said bluntly. There was no harm in saying this, as everyone already knew.

Ashley said meaningfully, “Seeking forgiveness—it seems Geoffrey has abandoned his dignity.”

“What does dignity have to do with it? If you make a mistake, you seek forgiveness. Isn’t that how it should be?” Oliver was displeased with her sarcastic tone and couldn’t suppress his anger. He said coldly, “Geoffrey may have made a mistake, but he acted with integrity, unlike some despicable individuals who speak hypocritically while doing the most malicious things.”

“Who are you talking about?” Ashley’s expression changed, and she glared at him coldly.

“You!” Oliver said coldly.

Ashley stood up, facing him directly. “How dare you! In this residence, I am your elder sister. In the palace, I am your superior. How dare you slander me like this? Aren’t you afraid I’ll report you to the King?”

“Superior?” Oliver sneered, his handsome features filled with disdain. “Are you overestimating yourself or underestimating me?”

“Oliver, there will come a day when you’ll cry!” Ashley secretly vowed that one day, Oliver would kneel before her and submit.

“I’ll be waiting,” Oliver said. He didn’t bother to argue with her. He picked up his sword and walked away.

Ashley suddenly turned around, wrapping her arms around his waist and pulling open her collar. She screamed, “Let me go, you scoundrel! Let me go!”

Oliver didn’t even push her away, just coldly watched her performance. He looked up and saw Isolde standing at the entrance of the courtyard. His heart surged with fury. He had thought Ashley was trying to frame him to attract the attention of the household, but she had actually done this for Isolde to see. He didn’t care what others thought, but he cared if Isolde misunderstood him.

Ashley stepped back, pointing at him accusingly. “I never thought you were such a person. After I enter the palace, I will definitely report this to the King.”

Isolde quickly walked in, glanced at Oliver, and then fixed her gaze on Ashley.

“Princess Langley, you saw it with your own eyes, right? Please testify for me before the King when the time comes,” Ashley said coldly.

“Isolde, she threw herself at me!” Oliver explained.

Isolde didn’t say anything, just looked at Ashley.

“Don’t think about helping him. The King is wise and will decide…”

Isolde raised her hand and slapped Ashley across the face, saying coldly, “Remember to tell the King that he first harassed you, and then I slapped you. You’re right—the King is wise and will decide!”

In matters like this, even if Oliver had done nothing, the King would still have a lingering doubt in his mind. But with Isolde’s slap, the King would be able to discern the truth. While he might still have some reservations about Oliver, Ashley wouldn’t come out unscathed either. Ashley wouldn’t do something that harmed her more than it harmed her enemy.