Chapter 356: Let Me Help You

Allan’s face turned an alarming shade of blue at those words. Fury coursing through his veins, he barked, “Guards! Send Cristina back immediately!”

Heidi rose from her seat and gently patted Cristina’s hand, her voice calm but firm. “Go back for now. Serving the mistress of the house is your duty—do not overstep.”

Cristina flung her hand away, her face twisting with disdain. “Don’t touch me! Who do you think you are? A wretched omen, a curse upon men!”

Heidi’s expression froze, her hand slowly falling to her side. Even Allan was stunned, but only for a second. His fury ignited like dry timber in a wildfire.

Standing behind him, Isolde turned abruptly, her face as cold as ice. “Apologize.”

Cristina let out a mocking scoff. “Get lost! Who do you think you are, acting all high and mighty? I wasn’t even talking to you! Playing the dutiful granddaughter now?”

Isolde’s voice remained steady, unwavering. “Apologize.”

“Over my dead body.”

The slap came so fast Cristina didn’t even see it coming. Then another. And another. Isolde struck her across the face again and again until Cristina crumpled to the floor, her cheek burning, her pride shattered.

Cristina clutched her face, eyes wide with pain and rage, and then, like a dam breaking, she burst into tears.

Isolde’s voice was sharp as a blade. “Take her away. She is not to leave her room without my permission. And summon Arthur to the estate.”

Cristina choked on a sob, her voice shrill with defiance. “Fine! Call Arthur! I refuse to believe you have the power to silence me!”

Mell and Evie hurried to support her, their faces grim as they led her away. Cristina’s wailing and curses echoed down the halls, making everyone’s ears sting.

Heidi’s face was pale as she cast Isolde a complicated glance. “That was unnecessary. Let her say whatever she wants.”

Isolde met her gaze squarely. “Such venomous insults cannot be tolerated. You are Grandfather’s wife; if she calls you a curse upon men, she is cursing him as well. I will not allow it.”

Heidi studied Isolde, uncertain. Was she simply putting on a show for Allan, trying to secure her footing in the household? But then—why summon Arthur? He was a high-ranking official, not someone easily dealt with. If she were only acting, she would have left the matter to Allan to handle. Yet, she hadn’t.

And Isolde… was an enigma. At times, she seemed utterly transparent, her intentions laid bare. Other times, she was impossible to read. She hadn’t even bothered to attend Heidi’s invitation the other day, yet today, she had stepped in to defend her. Was this truly about justice, or was it simply an excuse to punish Cristina?

“Instead of standing here speculating, why not ask her directly?” Aisha, watching Heidi’s furrowed brow, finally spoke up.

Heidi hesitated. “Ask her?”

“Yes. There’s no harm in it. If she’s straightforward, you’ll get your answer. If she isn’t, then you’ll know to be cautious around her.”

Heidi considered this for a moment before nodding. “You’re right. There’s no reason not to ask. Let’s go to Ningser Pavilion.”

By the time she arrived, Isolde was already seated, sipping a cup of coffee. Noelle quickly announced Heidi’s arrival, and Isolde immediately stood to greet her, offering a polite bow.

Heidi smiled. “Come inside. It’s cold out.”

Isolde nodded and stepped aside, letting Heidi enter first before following her in.

Once seated, Heidi got straight to the point. “Why didn’t you come when I invited you last time? If you had something to say, you could have sent word.”

Aisha interjected before Isolde could answer, her tone teasing. “We did call for you, but you were too busy to come. That’s why Lady Heidi had to come herself.”

Isolde instantly understood. Heidi’s sudden coldness toward her was because she had forgotten to attend. She offered a straightforward explanation. “That day, Grandmother asked for me. I truly forgot. I apologize.”

Aisha scoffed. “Oh, that’s a new excuse.”

“Aisha, enough,” Heidi said calmly.

Isolde could tell that Aisha was simply voicing what Heidi herself wouldn’t say outright. She remained honest. “It’s not an excuse. If I wanted one, I could have claimed I was ill. But the truth is, I was joking around with Oliver and simply forgot. That was my mistake. I sincerely apologize.”

Heidi studied her, searching her eyes for deception. Finding none, she relented. “I believe you. Let’s put it behind us.”

Isolde dipped her head. “Your generosity humbles me.”

Heidi then changed the subject. “You summoned Arthur. Do you truly think you can handle him alone? If…”

Heidi frowned. “I wouldn’t be so sure. Arthur dotes on Cristina beyond reason. He’s spoiled her to the point of arrogance. If Allan or Pablo were here, he might restrain himself. But if it’s just you… even with me present, I doubt he’ll show any respect.”

“This is the Valen estate. He may not show respect, but he won’t dare go too far.”

“He may not, but words can be just as cutting as actions. And coming from a man of his rank, his words carry weight. If he denounces you, the rumors could destroy your reputation.”

Isolde chuckled softly. “Reputation? What does that matter? I’ve never cared.”

Heidi looked at her in surprise. “You’re really that indifferent?”

Isolde simply smiled, saying nothing.

After a moment, Heidi sighed. “Fine. In that case, I’ll stay and wait for him with you.”

Isolde’s expression turned serious. “You don’t have to. This is an internal matter, and I doubt you want to be involved.”

Heidi gave her a measured look. “I can’t stay uninvolved. This all started because of me. And besides, as an elder in this family, my presence will at least keep Arthur from getting too out of line.”

Isolde smiled to herself. Arthur was an ambitious man, a scholar who prided himself on morality. He respected Allan and Pablo, but he had never held much regard for Heidi. And today, given his wounded pride, he would likely be more reckless than usual. If Heidi spoke up for her, she would only invite trouble upon herself.