Chapter 340: You Tried to Kill My Daughter

Esme carefully arranged Isolde’s hair, murmuring, “You must take care of yourself. Oliver needs to show some restraint—he’s so strong, and yet he still managed to hurt his waist. That’s no small matter.”

Isolde’s face flushed. “Esme, what are you even saying?”

“As long as you understand.” Esme patted her shoulder knowingly.

Isolde turned and shot Oliver a resentful glare, but he only grinned smugly, utterly pleased with himself.

Today, Isolde was dressed in a brand-new crimson gown, embroidered with intricate twin branches symbolizing eternal union. Her hair was adorned with the elaborate headpiece from her bridal dowry, its brilliance leaving no doubt about her noble status. With her poised elegance, she truly looked every bit the dignified lady of the house. Before stepping out, she donned a luxurious fox fur cloak, a gift from Natasha, which perfectly complemented her refined makeup. She was the very image of a noble bride.

Oliver, too, was clad in red today. His tall, well-built figure made any attire look good, but in the vivid hue of celebration, his striking features became even more dazzling. Despite the softness of his appearance, his bearing still exuded the commanding presence of a warrior—graceful yet unruly, polished yet untamed. Isolde found herself momentarily entranced.

They walked out hand in hand. By the time they arrived at the main hall, most of the elders had already gathered, with only a few stragglers yet to appear. They were, at least, not considered late.

At the head of the hall, Allan and Heidi sat in the center, flanked by Pablo and Margaret. Across from them were Vance’s uncle and aunt, along with other relatives seated in two neat rows. Isolde quickly estimated—at least thirty people had assembled. Agnes sat beside Margaret, her expression grim. When Isolde entered, Agnes merely cast her a glance before pointedly looking away. Unlike the previous day, there were no kneeling cushions on the floor, meaning she would have to kneel directly on the ground for the ceremonial greetings.

Oliver leaned in and whispered, “These are only immediate family members. More will likely arrive later. But my father said we don’t have to greet everyone—only those seated here.”

The head housekeeper motioned for the maids to enter, each carrying a tray in their hands. “Alright, it’s time for the newlyweds to pay their respects!” she announced with a warm smile. As Esme spoke, the sound of firecrackers erupted outside, signaling the start of the ceremony.

Oliver led Isolde forward and knelt before Allan and Heidi. Together, they said in unison, “We pay our respects to our grandfather and grandmother.”

The head housekeeper chuckled. “Lord Oliver, please rise. You need not kneel today—only Lady Isolde must pay her respects.”

His words elicited laughter from the gathered family members. Allan, naturally, did not mind. More courtesy never hurt anyone. The housekeeper smiled as she gestured for the maids to present the ceremonial coffee.

Isolde picked up a cup and respectfully offered it to Allan. “Grandfather, please have some coffee.”

Allan, ever the imposing figure, gave a small nod of approval. “Good girl.” He took the coffee, sipped it, and then placed it back onto the tray, signaling his attendant to present Isolde’s gift—a pair of flawless jade bangles, smooth and richly colored, clearly of the highest quality.

“Thank you,” Isolde said politely, accepting the gift with both hands before handing it to Esme to store away. She then turned to kneel before Heidi. Though Heidi and Margaret appeared to be of similar age, Heidi’s attire was much more subdued.

Isolde knelt, presenting the coffee. “Grandmother, please have some coffee.”

Heidi’s expression stiffened slightly. She studied Isolde for a long moment before finally reaching out to take the cup. “Alright, alright.”

Instead of drinking, she immediately handed the coffee back to the waiting maid, presenting Isolde with a jade pendant instead.

Pablo frowned. “Mother, you haven’t drunk the coffee yet.”

Heidi offered a small, forced smile. “It’s fine. The sentiment is what matters.”

Pablo said nothing more, though he was clearly displeased. Isolde remained unbothered. She stood up and was just about to kneel before Pablo when a servant suddenly burst into the hall. “Lord Allan, the in-laws have arrived—with quite a large group.”

Agnes’ head snapped up in alarm. Arthur?

Sure enough, Arthur entered the hall, leading his parents, several esteemed elders from their clan, and a retinue of attendants. Their expressions were dark, nearly livid.

Agnes immediately rose to meet them. “Father, Mother, Arthur—what are you all doing here?”

Arthur shot her a brief glance but said nothing, marching straight inside with his entourage. Though his face was grim, his demeanor remained respectful as he properly greeted Allan, Pablo, and the other senior members of the Valen family.

His parents, however, were far less composed. The moment Arthur’s mother, Madilyn, entered, she immediately erupted in fury. “The audacity of the Valen family! My daughter—my precious daughter—was already humiliated by being forced into concubinage, and now you seek to take her life as well? If you do not give me a proper explanation today, I will take this matter before His Majesty himself and see to it that you are punished!”

Madilyn ignored him entirely, scanning the room until her gaze landed on Isolde. Instead of addressing anyone else, she barked, “Where is Isolde?”

Isolde met her gaze calmly. “I am Isolde.”

Madilyn’s eyes burned with rage. Striding forward, she raised her hand and aimed a slap directly at Isolde’s face. “You murderer! How dare you try to kill my daughter?”

The slap never landed. Oliver had already seized Madilyn’s wrist mid-air, his voice cold. “If you have something to say, say it properly. There’s no need for violence.”

Madilyn was livid. “Oliver, I am your mother-in-law, and you dare defy me?”

Oliver’s voice was firm, unwavering. “My mother-in-law is dead.”

His blunt words sent a collective hush through the room. He met Madilyn’s furious glare head-on. “If you continue making baseless accusations without proof, don’t blame me for having you escorted out.”

Madilyn trembled with rage. “So it was you! You were in on this!”

Pablo interjected, his voice stern. “Enough. Explain yourself clearly. What exactly happened?”

“Exactly! You storm in here making accusations, and we don’t even know what’s going on.” Several uncles murmured in agreement.

Arthur stepped forward, bowing slightly. “It seems last night was rather eventful here. My sister, Cristina, supposedly attempted suicide twice. But I must clarify—she did attempt to cut her wrist once, but it was merely out of frustration. She never intended to take her own life. The second time, she was poisoned. She didn’t consume the poison herself—it was given to her.”

Gasps of shock filled the room. Allan’s eyes widened in alarm. “Poisoned? Who would do such a thing?”

Arthur’s expression was grave. “Please summon Cristina.”

Allan immediately issued the command. “Bring Cristina here at once.”

Madilyn, still seething, added, “Cristina was already humiliated enough. You forced her into this family, and now you tried to kill her. Such cruelty!” Her gaze bore into Isolde with unmasked hatred, as if ready to pounce.

Isolde took a step back, her brows arching in mild annoyance. “Why do you keep looking at me? Are you suggesting I did it?”

Madilyn snapped. “You dare deny it?”

Isolde smirked. “Then prove it. Accusations without evidence are meaningless.”