Chapter 35: To the Estate
Matilda listened as Ryker reported, sucking in a sharp breath. "She actually said that?"
Ryker replied, "Word for word. My car's still bandaged, but I heard Isolde's words to William crystal clear. She made a point of saying it loudly, and William obviously agreed."
"That heartless bastard," Matilda hissed through clenched teeth. "We can't delay any longer. Milton must act now."
Matilda hesitated. "But the Office of Inspectors is still investigating Milton. If we make a move now…"
Ryker interrupted. "That's precisely why we must act quickly. Before Pablo returns, Eleanor must enter the Valen family. Once the marriage is sealed, Pablo won't be able to ignore it. Marriage ties mean shared honor and shared ruin. With Pablo backing us, neither the Office of Inspectors nor the Southern Watch will dare touch Milton."
Matilda considered for a moment before nodding. "You're right. Go find Milton and explain what's at stake."
"Yes, ma'am." Ryker bowed and left immediately.
Margaret had always been swift and decisive. The moment William returned and relayed Isolde's response, she wasted no time. She selected an auspicious date and sent a matchmaker to the Blackwell family, informing them that Eleanor would be entering the Valen household as a concubine. By the following day, the Valen family’s engagement gifts arrived. As per concubine customs, the betrothal gifts were neither plentiful nor expensive, with few ceremonial items. It was a blatant slap to Milton's face. A general's daughter, and yet Margaret treated the Blackwell family as if they were lowly merchants. Milton’s usually stony face twisted with barely restrained fury.
As summer heat crept in, the Pearl Tower gradually fell into an orderly rhythm. After recovering from her injuries, Helena was reassigned to indoor duties, strictly forbidden from overexerting herself. Noelle and Britney were promoted, while Jacqueline managed tasks outside the estate.
As for Vincenzo Langley—the Princess’s guard stationed at the Pearl Tower—he had unexpectedly struck up a friendship with Leonis. It happened after Leonis had wandered off and encountered Bryant Langley, who despised dogs. Upon learning that the dog belonged to Isolde, Bryant had ordered his servants to corner and beat the poor animal. Fortunately, Vincenzo intervened, saving Leonis but making an enemy of Bryant in the process. From that day forward, Vincenzo became the Pearl Tower’s resident hero. Wherever he went, Leonis followed—man and dog, inseparable. Vincenzo, without hesitation, had been heartbroken, scolding the dog dramatically about its betrayal of kin. Britney often watched him with wide eyes before dashing off to whisper to Helena, “Vincenzo is so well-read!” As a result, he became quite popular among the Pearl Tower maids.
That afternoon, Matilda sent word to the Pearl Tower—tomorrow, she would be taking Isolde to inspect her properties and meet the managers. Helena was overjoyed. "Matilda is finally returning your estates! That's wonderful!" Isolde smiled faintly. "Yes, about time. Call Vincenzo—I have instructions for him." She had never doubted she would reclaim her mother’s wealth; she had simply been waiting for the Blackwell family to make their move first.
The next day, Matilda sent her maid, Marisa, to inform Isolde that, due to the heat, they would leave later in the afternoon, and they would be staying overnight at the estate. Helena frowned. "I thought we were visiting the shops? Why are we going to the estate?" Marisa shot her a sharp look. "Mrs. Langley said we’re going to the estate, so that’s where we’re going. Too many questions." Helena shrank back, silenced. But Noelle, unbothered by Marisa’s attitude, coolly remarked, “Marisa, is Isolde not even allowed to ask about a change in plans?” Marisa hesitated, recalling what had happened to Mary. She swallowed her irritation and muttered, “We’re just servants. We wouldn’t dare question Mrs. Langley’s decisions.”
Isolde’s voice was indifferent. "Then return to Mrs. Langley and tell her—I will be waiting at the gate at dusk." Marisa said nothing more and turned to leave. Helena, still fuming, muttered, “Even as a maid serving Matilda, she shouldn’t act so high and mighty in front of you.” Isolde chuckled lightly. “Helena, we at the Pearl Tower have long been accustomed to being slighted.” Helena clenched her fists. She had sworn that after Isolde had saved her brother’s life, she would repay the debt—no matter what. Watching Marisa treat Isolde with such disrespect made her seethe.
“Enough,” Isolde said mildly. “Prepare for the trip. Helena, you and Jacqueline will accompany me. Noelle and Britney will stay here.” Outside the room, Jacqueline had been anxiously wracking her brain for an excuse to join the trip. When she suddenly heard Isolde’s decision, she nearly tripped over herself in excitement. “Yes! I’ll go pack immediately!” Isolde watched her rush off with amusement, a faint smirk playing on her lips.
When Isolde’s mother, Prunella, married Geoffrey, she feared Isolde might suffer in the future, so she made sure to provide a generous dowry. Prunella’s family was in business—though not particularly prestigious—they were wealthy. They didn’t have much else, but they had plenty of money, land, and properties. Since Prunella had only one daughter and her marriage was to a man of humble rank, her dowry was substantial. She gave her daughter six estates, and one of them, Welleview Manor, where Isolde had previously lived, was part of Prunella’s dowry. In addition to the estates, there were over thirty shops scattered across the various states, not to mention the family’s jewelry business. These assets alone would have been enough to secure Isolde’s future for several generations. However, most of these possessions were now in Prudence’s hands, with the rest held by Matilda.
Geoffrey trusted his stepmother completely and had never questioned her before. He never interfered with household matters and allowed Matilda to manage his salary. When Isolde first asked to reclaim Prunella’s dowry, expressing distrust toward Matilda and Prudence, Geoffrey was furious. He thought Isolde was being petty, prioritizing material gain over family bonds. But after seeing Matilda attempt to seize the King’s reward of 2,500 taels of gold, Geoffrey began to feel uneasy about her. He became increasingly disillusioned with Matilda. Over the past few days, he had even mentioned a few times that she should return the manor and the shops to Isolde.
Reluctantly, Matilda agreed and told Geoffrey she would accompany Isolde to the estate for the handover. Geoffrey, believing her promise and thinking a woman’s perspective was often limited, had let go of any lingering resentment. He moved back to the Velvet Wing. To be cautious, however, he sent Harlan along to the estate with Isolde.
Isolde, unaware of all this, packed her belongings and arrived promptly at the main gate just as the sun was setting. It was only when she arrived that she realized Michelle and Eleanor were also accompanying them. When Michelle saw Isolde, she turned her face coldly, quickly looking away to engage in conversation with Eleanor. Matilda, however, stepped forward and addressed Isolde, “We’ll be staying at the manor for one night. Did you pack everything?” Isolde replied, “Yes, I’ve packed everything.” “Good,” Matilda said. “Then let’s get in the carriage.” She raised her hand, signaling for the servants to come and load the luggage.