The Swordswoman’s Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 346: Asking for Money

Heidi gave a knowing smile. “Cristina, you really don’t understand how court politics work, do you? It’s never that simple. Your brother may have been promoted to undersecretary on merit, but do you think that’s all it takes? If he divorces his wife, those waiting to tear him down will have their chance. He’s young and successful—that alone makes him a target. Why do you think no one dares move against him now? Because he has Pablo behind him. Pablo is powerful, an esteemed military leader. No one wants to provoke him. But if your brother is no longer Pablo’s son-in-law, do you really think those waiting in the shadows will still hold back?”

Cristina scoffed. “If he’s capable enough to be appointed baron, then he should be able to handle court intrigue himself.”

“Is that so? Then by all means, push for the divorce and see what happens. But be prepared—when that time comes, your own status will not be the same either.”

“Are you trying to scare me? You’re just defending her.” Cristina’s expression remained impassive, but doubt crept into her mind.

Heidi chuckled. “Why would I defend her? She is my granddaughter-in-law, but I hold no personal affection for her. I simply want to keep this from turning into an ugly public spectacle. It benefits no one. Cristina, in this household, I am the only neutral party. I am the only one who will tell you the truth.”

She patted Cristina’s shoulder before standing. “That’s all I’ll say. Think it over carefully. If you don’t believe me, ask your father. He stays out of family affairs, but that only means he sees things more clearly.”

With that, Heidi left.

Cristina stepped out into the main hall, where Agnes was still kneeling before Madilyn, her face streaked with tears. Margaret sat off to the side, watching with an impassive gaze, saying nothing.

Cristina had never liked Agnes. Despite Agnes’s constant flattery, it was always for Arthur’s sake, never genuine. And while Agnes played the obedient daughter-in-law, she never truly saw herself as one of them. Agnes always made subtle remarks about her noble Valen lineage, as if reminding everyone that the Felton family could never compare. Cristina had tolerated it, but she had never forgotten.

Madilyn, still furious, turned to Margaret. “What do you think we should do?”

Margaret lifted her gaze, studying Agnes, whose ruined makeup made her look even more pitiful. “Cristina deserves justice. What do you propose?”

Madilyn huffed. “She must answer for what she’s done. But as for how, I will leave it to you, my dear in-law.”

Margaret glanced at Agnes and spoke with practiced indifference. “Behind closed doors, we are all family. What’s done is done. The simplest solution is for Agnes to apologize to Cristina. And if Cristina has any demands, she can make them known.”

“An apology is useless,” Cristina said icily.

Margaret met her gaze. “Then what do you want?”

“As I said before—either she is divorced, or I report her to the authorities.”

Margaret turned to Madilyn. “What do you think?”

Madilyn didn’t want a divorce—that would sever their financial ties to the Valen family. Pablo was an influential figure, and Agnes had supplemented her husband’s household expenses generously from her dowry. It wasn’t worth losing that over this.

Nor was reporting Agnes to the authorities a good idea. She was, after all, already part of their family. If she was charged, it would disgrace them as well.

Neither option was ideal. But there was one other alternative.

Madilyn’s mind turned quickly. If they couldn’t get justice, they could at least get compensation.

She looked at Margaret and said, “Let’s be reasonable. Cristina comes from a distinguished family. Becoming Oliver’s concubine was already a sacrifice. Since she’s staying, she should be properly provided for. Instead of making this situation worse, why don’t you compensate her? Give her a generous sum to serve as her dowry. That way, she can live comfortably in the household.”

Margaret arched a brow. “I have no objections to that.”

Madilyn exhaled in satisfaction and turned to Cristina. “What do you think?”

Cristina averted her gaze. She knew her mother had chosen to compromise. Money was meaningless to her—if she wanted it, she could ask her father. But to give up on revenge so easily? That left a bitter taste in her mouth.

She didn’t answer.

Madilyn took her silence as agreement. “Then it’s settled. Since we’re all here, let’s have you hand over the money now.”

Margaret’s expression turned amused. “Me? Why should I pay?”

Madilyn blinked. “Who else?”

If Agnes was the one to pay, that meant it was coming from the Felton family’s coffers. That wouldn’t do. It had to come from the Valen family’s wealth.

“It’s up to your family to handle your daughter’s mistakes. Cristina is part of your household now. If she’s owed anything, it should come from you. Of course, if her natal family wishes to contribute, that’s fine. I’ll throw in one million as a gesture.”

She gestured for a maid. “Bring one million from the treasury.”

Madilyn’s face turned red with fury. “One million? Are you insulting us? Do you think we’re beggars?”

She turned to Agnes, rage simmering. “If this isn’t resolved today, don’t expect to return to the Felton family.”

Though directed at Agnes, it was meant for Margaret.

Margaret simply stood and smiled coolly. “Take your time. I’ll leave you to it.”

With that, she went away, leaving her maids behind.

Madilyn’s face darkened further. She hadn’t expected Margaret to be so unyielding.

“Divorce her,” she snapped at August.

August sighed. “Enough. What’s the point of all this? Margaret is right—we’re family. Why demand silver? Agnes is our daughter-in-law. If she makes a mistake, is it really reasonable to demand her natal family pay restitution?”

Madilyn’s glare intensified. “Are you saying it’s acceptable for them to raise a daughter who poisons people? Our daughter nearly died! And you—standing there weak as ever! Thank the heavens our son isn’t like you!”

“Do you really want our son to divorce her?” August asked calmly.

Madilyn scowled at Agnes. “She can’t just get away with this.”

“Why not divorce her?” Cristina snapped. “Heidi warned me that Arthur would suffer if he did, but that’s just an excuse! She’s clearly siding with Agnes! I don’t believe Arthur is so weak that he can’t survive without her!”