Chapter 286 Pablo’s Return
The people present found Margaret’s words unconvincing. However, being Valen family members, they naturally sided with their kin to avoid escalating the situation. A major blow-up would tarnish the entire Valen clan’s reputation.
Therefore, Pablo’s aunt interjected, “Mrs. Sharp, today’s issue isn’t about right or wrong. The marriage between our families must continue. Why not both sides take a step back? The Valen family can compensate for any shortcomings in the betrothal gifts, and the Langley family should consider Isolde’s situation. Let’s turn this big issue into a small one. Wouldn’t that be best?”
Addressing Natasha, she then turned to Margaret: “Today, you made the first mistake. You should sincerely apologize to Mrs. Sharp. Before nightfall, send the missing items so both families can reconcile.”
Mrs. Marquis of Eldermere’s credibility was irrevocably damaged; her repeated changes of stance had destroyed it. Margaret, realizing she couldn’t keep flip-flopping without losing all credibility, firmly stated, “Since Mrs. Sharp wants an explanation, let’s have one. After all, Lillian and I suffered great humiliation at the Langley residence today, enduring many harsh words. If we are still wronged in the end, so be it.”
Natasha listened with a cold smile, remaining silent. Among those present was Caroline, wife of Minister Harper and a relative from Margaret’s maternal family. Though she knew Margaret was wrong, she felt the Sharp family was being overly aggressive.
She said indifferently, “What’s the point of arguing about right or wrong now? Do you really not want to proceed with the marriage? If the marriage falls through, will your granddaughter be any more honorable? She’s already been rejected once. Isn’t that shameful enough? Coming here with such a confrontational attitude is simply too much!”
Natasha coldly glanced at her, “What is your surname? Which family do you belong to?”
Caroline snorted. “I am the wife of Harper from the Ministry of Personnel. It’s normal you don’t recognize me, as you haven’t been in Argentum for a long time.”
Natasha turned to Patricia. “Take note. We’ll deal with this sharp-tongued woman later.”
Caroline was taken aback, angrily retorting, “Who are you calling sharp-tongued? I’ve been respectful because you’re elderly, but given what you’ve done today, if it were up to me, I would have—”
Natasha fiercely cut her off. “If it were up to me, based on what you just said, I would have torn your mouth apart!”
Caroline, startled by Natasha’s cold, menacing gaze, swallowed her words and shrank back into her chair, not daring to speak further.
Meanwhile, Margaret excused herself, claiming she needed to use the restroom. Once outside, she quickly found Lillian and instructed her on what to say. She also told the maids to coordinate their stories with those who had delivered the betrothal gifts. After finishing her instructions, she slowly returned to the main hall.
Upon her return, Natasha gave her a knowing glance, as if aware of her machinations. The family guards soon fetched Pablo. They didn’t explain the reason, only saying Natasha was at the residence and wanted to see him.
Pablo didn’t dare delay. Natasha rarely left home; her sudden visit to the Valen residence must signify something important. He knew about the betrothal gifts being sent today and had instructed his people to handle the matter carefully before leaving.
Could something have gone wrong? It shouldn’t have. The Langley family didn’t care much about the value of the gifts, and the items sent were all high-quality. As for the jewelry, it was exquisite, and Isolde and Natasha shouldn’t have been concerned about such material things.
He questioned the guards, but they remained tight-lipped, saying he would understand upon his return. They felt telling him beforehand might create preconceived notions, which wouldn't be fair.
Anxious, Pablo hurried back on horseback. When he arrived at the residence, he saw a row of soldiers standing outside. His heart sank. The soldiers saluted him, and he quickly entered.
Inside, he saw the room filled with people, mostly from his own family. Natasha sat in the main seat, her demeanor imposing and her expression stern. In Pablo’s memory, Natasha had always been gentle and kind. The only time he had seen her like this was when a traitor among the Sharp family’s generals had nearly cost Garrett his life.
Seeing her like this, his heart sank. He hurried forward and bowed. “Honored to meet you, Mrs. Sharp!” He knelt on one knee, a gesture of deep respect.
Natasha showed no emotion, simply saying, “Rise.” Pablo stood but remained slightly bowed, standing before Natasha. Margaret looked calm, even gesturing to a maid to bring back Lillian, who had been thrown out earlier.
Natasha looked at Pablo and said, “I came today to seek an explanation from the Valen family regarding a certain matter.”
Pablo responded straightforwardly, “Mrs. Sharp, please speak. If you have been wronged, I will surely seek justice for you.” Margaret’s eyes, which had just lit up, quickly dimmed. She was afraid this would happen—that he would blindly trust the Sharp family without asking for details.
Natasha raised her hand slightly. “Whether I have been wronged remains to be seen. I wasn’t involved in the matter and only heard about it from my daughter-in-law. Before I speak, let’s hear what your wife has to say.”
Margaret’s expression remained unchanged. “Didn’t the guards explain the situation to you on the way here?”
Pablo glanced at her and said coldly, “They said nothing, only told me to return immediately.”
Margaret looked at him with tears in her eyes. She was aggrieved and pretended to be stubborn. “I only ask you one thing, do you believe me?”
In front of so many people, he couldn’t say he didn’t believe her, especially with her family members present. Over the years, he had treated her and her family well, though he had grown distant since the incident involving Isolde. So, she decided to gamble on their over twenty years of marital affection. But Pablo cut straight to the point, “Enough with the nonsense. Speak!”
Margaret’s voice was low and mournful. “If you don’t believe me, what’s the point of me speaking?”
“Let me speak!” Lillian, the aunt who had been thrown out earlier, stormed in, her face filled with anger. She strode into the room and stood directly in front of Pablo, demanding sharply, “Pablo, if you don’t believe your wife, do you believe me?”
Pablo frowned upon seeing her. He was well aware of Lillian’s temperament—she was the most sharp-tongued in the family. He had previously instructed Margaret not to let her interfere too much in the wedding arrangements. However, out of respect for his elder, he bowed slightly. “Lillian, please speak.”
Lillian nodded emphatically and declared firmly, “Good! If you believe me, then sit down and listen carefully. I will explain today’s events in detail, every single word of it!”
Seeing her righteous indignation, Pablo felt she didn’t seem to be at fault. He glanced at Natasha in confusion and slowly took a seat.
Lillian walked up to Patricia and sneered, “Today, my niece-in-law and I went to deliver the betrothal gifts. It was you who received us at the Langley residence, wasn’t it?”
(The niece-in-law she was referring to was Margaret.)
Patricia, seeing her aggressive and domineering attitude, as if she were the one who had suffered greatly, coldly replied, “That’s right. The two of you came to deliver the betrothal gifts, and I was the one who received you at the Langley residence.”