The Swordswoman’s Revenge Story after Rebirth Chapter 287: Interrogation Skills

Lillian continued her fierce interrogation: “You were the one who received the betrothal gifts and counted them. How much was the betrothal money, and how many pieces of jewelry were there?”

Patricia replied, “There was a chest of silver, labeled as ten thousand taels. In the gift box, there were also banknotes totaling twenty-eight thousand taels, making the betrothal money thirty-eight thousand taels in total. As for the jewelry, it was all placed in the gift box—two complete sets of head ornaments, along with jade bracelets, hairpins, and other pieces, totaling thirty-eight items.”

The crowd gasped. Over thirty-eight thousand taels in betrothal money, two complete sets of head ornaments, and thirty-eight pieces of jewelry—this was indeed a substantial amount.

Lillian sneered, “Since you admit it, that’s good. After you counted the gifts, didn’t you complain that the betrothal money was too little and demand that my niece-in-law send over an additional eighty thousand taels?”

Patricia angrily retorted, “That’s nonsense!”

“You deny it?” Lillian bared her teeth, her earlier resentment resurfacing. “You deny it now, but today when you demanded the money, weren’t you very confident? You said Isolde is a noblewoman of high status and that she wouldn’t marry for less than a hundred thousand taels in betrothal gifts. Not only did you demand more money, but you also insisted that Margaret transfer three of the Valen family’s shops to Isolde. When Margaret hesitated, you assumed she was refusing and criticized the betrothal gifts as inadequate. You even ordered us to be thrown out! Mrs. Sharp, God is watching you. Even if you deny it, the gods have heard your words and deeds today. How dare you bring people here to cause trouble? I’m merely recounting the events in front of everyone, and your family’s matriarch ordered me to be thrown out. Such arrogance will surely bring retribution!”

Lillian’s words were sharp and venomous, each syllable dripping with indignation, making it hard for anyone not to believe her. Patricia was trembling with rage. She had never imagined their ability to twist the truth could be so formidable. She was so angry that her vision blurred, and her throat burned, yet she couldn’t utter a word in her defense.

The people present were also puzzled. Why did the story keep changing? Ashley, sitting nearby, couldn’t help but secretly admire Margaret’s strategy. Lillian’s furious demeanor and her seamless delivery made it seem as though, if he didn’t fully trust Natasha, Pablo might believe her words. Ashley didn’t care who won or lost; she simply found this drama incredibly entertaining. The sudden twists and turns made her eagerly anticipate Natasha’s counterattack.

Natasha slowly twirled her cane and smiled faintly at Lillian. “You’re saying that my daughter-in-law demanded an additional eighty thousand taels and three shops, and when you hesitated, she criticized the betrothal gifts as insufficient and ultimately had you thrown out. Is that correct?”

“We weren’t unwilling; we were just considering it. But she assumed we were refusing and ordered us to be thrown out!” Lillian said coldly.

“During your argument, your people witnessed it, didn’t they?” Natasha asked.

“Of course they did. If you don’t believe me, call them in and ask,” Lillian retorted.

Natasha smiled faintly. “Then we must certainly ask.”

At her words, the maids immediately went out to summon the servants.

There were twenty people who had carried the betrothal gifts. They lined up in three rows inside the room, standing obediently.

“Feel free to ask, Mrs. Sharp!” Lillian’s eyes were filled with smug arrogance.

Natasha raised her hand. “All of you, step outside. We’ll question you one by one.”

At her command, the guards entered and began escorting the servants out one by one, leaving only one person in the room. The doors were closed.

Margaret and Lillian exchanged a glance, both feeling tense. However, they believed that since the maids had been instructed beforehand and their stories were consistent, as long as they stuck to the narrative that the other side had made additional demands and then thrown them out, there would be no mistakes. If asked anything beyond that, they could simply refuse to answer.

A guard stood next to the servant, who was burly but appeared timid. The grand setting and Pablo’s stern gaze made him nervous. He stood obediently, hands at his sides, head bowed, waiting for Natasha to question him. But Natasha didn’t ask him anything immediately. Instead, she raised her voice and addressed Pablo. “Pablo, I’m asking for your permission. If I find that he lies even once, he will be executed on the spot. How does that sound?”

Pablo was confident. He valued his servants, but this one was a family servant who would never lie. So he nodded, “As you wish, Mrs. Sharp.”

Natasha revealed a sinister smile. “Good!”

The servant, hearing this and seeing Natasha’s expression and the imposing guard beside him, felt his legs go weak. He glanced nervously at the maid. The maid glared at him, but when Pablo’s gaze swept over, she immediately lowered her eyes. Seeing this, Ashley knew Margaret was in trouble. On one side was a dignified first-rank noblewoman with the power of life and death, and on the other was a terrified, guilty servant. Psychologically, the servant was already at a disadvantage.

Natasha began her questioning. “I ask you, did the Langley family demand additional money and shops after you delivered the betrothal gifts?”

The servant panicked, unsure how to answer. He glanced at the maid again, but she avoided his gaze and made a subtle gesture. The servant fell to his knees, trembling. “Mrs. Sharp… y-yes!”

“How much money did they demand? Do you remember?” Natasha asked.

“Eighty thousand taels,” the servant stammered.

“And three shops, correct?” Natasha continued.

Patricia glanced at Natasha, feeling that this line of questioning was leading the servant to confirm everything.

Sure enough, the servant said, “Yes!”

“And then Margaret agreed to give the money but said she needed time to consider transferring the shops, right?” Natasha pressed.

“Yes!” the servant replied again.

“And then the Langley family made a fuss, saying that the Valen family had sent roosters instead of geese during the betrothal ceremony, didn’t they?”

The servant hesitated. The maid hadn’t instructed him on this, but it was true, so he nodded, “Yes!”

Natasha continued, “Margaret denied it, saying that geese had been sent, not roosters, correct?”

“Yes!” This time, the servant answered without hesitation.

Natasha looked at him, her eyes flashing. “Then the Langley family demanded that the Valen family send additional betrothal cakes and livestock, but Margaret said it wasn’t necessary since Isolde has already married once, right?”

“Yes!” Since it was the truth and his previous answers had been consistent, the servant answered without thinking.

“Nonsense! Think carefully before you answer. Margaret never said she wouldn’t send the cakes!” Lillian shouted angrily, pointing at the servant.

“Was his answer incorrect?” Natasha asked calmly.

“Of course it was! When did we ever say we wouldn’t send the cakes?” Lillian said haughtily.

Natasha nodded and looked at the servant, her voice calm. “You lied. Earlier, I asked Pablo for permission to execute you if you lied. You heard that, didn’t you?”

The servant stared at Natasha, seeing the flicker of murderous intent in her eyes. He trembled violently and began kowtowing frantically, crying and begging for mercy. “Mrs. Sharp, spare me! The earlier words were all taught; she said it was on Margaret’s orders. I didn’t dare disobey her command!”