Chapter 364: Rosemary’s Solution

Cristina covered her face, sobbing bitterly. “You keep telling me to leave, but have you ever asked if I want to? They’ve humiliated me—how could I just walk away? Am I, Cristina, meant to be trampled on? Who do they think they are?!”

“Even so, is it worth ruining your entire life?” Arthur snapped, his anger barely contained.

Isolde sat beside Oliver, silent, her expression unreadable—an observer rather than a participant.

August, ashamed beyond words, sighed deeply. “The situation is already dire. What do you suggest we do?”

Allan’s voice was steady but firm. “There are two choices: either you take her back home, or William takes her in.”

August’s shoulders loosened slightly at hearing that the Valen family was still willing to accept her. It was a relief, given the alternative.

“Publicly, we must maintain a unified story,” Allan continued. “We will say that Rosemary originally arranged for Cristina to be William’s concubine. We must keep Oliver out of this.”

Cristina’s rage flared. “No! I am Oliver’s concubine! Everyone knows it! You think you can just erase that to protect his reputation? Never! Rosemary forced me to become his concubine. I never even wanted him! And when I refused to submit to him, I had no choice but to rebel in the only way I could—by taking another man!”

“Shut your mouth!” Arthur finally lost his patience. “Do you even realize what you’re saying? Where does that leave you? Where does that leave our family’s honor?”

“Honor?!” Cristina screamed back. “After what they’ve done to me, you still care about your honor? If you truly loved me, you wouldn’t be thinking about your own pride right now!”

Arthur’s hand rose instinctively, as if to strike her again, but when he met her tear-filled, defiant gaze, he clenched his fist instead. “We have spoiled you beyond reason.”

Isolde suppressed a smirk. This is what happens when you set your own trap and fall right into it.

Oliver leaned in close and murmured, “Isolde…”

She shushed him gently, whispering back, “Let’s not interfere. Someone else is about to step in. We won’t let this night’s trouble be in vain.”

Oliver understood immediately. Yes, if someone else took charge of the situation, they could stay out of it entirely. And, more importantly, he could finally rid himself of this ridiculous concubine rumor.

A slow, deliberate voice cut through the air from outside. “Did I just hear someone call me a ‘thieving woman’? Or did I mishear?”

A figure stepped into the room, her steps measured, her presence suffocating. Everyone turned to look—Rosemary had arrived. Alone. No attendants. Just herself.

Cristina’s loathing for her burned brightly, but she couldn’t understand why Arthur seemed so afraid of this woman.

Rosemary’s voice was calm, almost amused. “So, was it you who called me a thieving woman?”

Cristina scoffed and turned her face away in defiance.

Arthur immediately stepped forward, bowing low. “Lady Rosemary, please forgive her. It is my failure as a brother that she has grown so reckless.”

Then he turned and barked at Cristina, “Apologize. Now.”

“Why should I apologize to her?” Cristina snapped. “If not for her, would I have been reduced to a concubine?”

Arthur’s face drained of color. Does she even realize what she’s doing? Does she think Rosemary is someone to be trifled with?

Rosemary merely smiled. “Let it be. After all, I did joke with her that day. Who knew she would take it so seriously and actually stay here in the Valen family? She is your sister, Arthur. A woman of her status should never have been a concubine—what a laughable notion. But we can settle this easily. Everyone present knows the truth, and I will make sure that’s the version that reaches the outside world.”

Cristina sneered. “Spare me your false kindness. You think you can cover up the truth to save his reputation? It won’t work. You can silence others, but you can’t silence me. What I say matters most—people will believe my words.”

Rosemary chuckled, shaking her head. “Such theatrics. Very well. Then perhaps I owe you a proper apology. Why don’t you come to my estate for a few days? I’ll personally host you, throw a grand feast in your honor, and make amends properly. How about that?”

Cristina’s eyes narrowed. “You think I don’t see through your schemes? Save your breath.”

Rosemary sighed, stretching lazily. “This entire situation is getting tedious. Let’s settle it as I suggested.”

She turned to Arthur, clapping a hand on his shoulder. “You will personally escort Cristina to my residence. She must be there within the hour.”

Arthur’s face went ghostly pale. “Lady…”

“Don’t worry,” Rosemary said smoothly. “I won’t harm a single hair on her head. I won’t even raise my voice. I will simply educate her in the ways of the world. If you find her the slightest bit injured, you may hold me accountable.”

“I wouldn’t dare,” Arthur mumbled, sweat forming on his brow. Hold Rosemary accountable? I would need a dozen lives for that.

“I’m not going!” Cristina puffed up her cheeks in defiance.

Rosemary ignored her, keeping her gaze on Arthur. “She may be foolish, but you understand, don’t you? Sometimes, it’s better to give a few slaps yourself than to let others do it for you. Understand?”

Arthur swallowed hard and nodded. “Understood.”

Isolde stood gracefully. “It would be an honor.”

Before leaving, Rosemary inclined her head toward Allan. “Allan, rest well. No need to trouble yourself with the foolishness of the younger generation.”

“Safe travels,” Allan replied, clearly relieved that she was taking over.

She nodded at Pablo. “Pablo, I’m leaving.”

“Take care,” Pablo said, his earlier fury now abating—he knew the matter would soon be resolved.

As Isolde and Rosemary walked side by side into the night, Rosemary let out a small laugh. “Clever, little one. You managed to turn this whole mess into my problem.”

Isolde feigned innocence. “Unfair! You were the one who arranged for Cristina to be a concubine. It’s only right to consult you, no?”

Rosemary smirked. “I know exactly what you’re up to. But tell me, is there really any reason to keep Cristina in the Valen household?”

Isolde shrugged. “Not my concern. Their house, their rules.”

Rosemary narrowed her eyes. “You’re quite the tactician. Now William’s household will be a battlefield of three warring women, keeping Margaret occupied. Meanwhile, you sit back and enjoy the show.”

Isolde blinked, feigning innocence. “But we all live under the same roof. If they fight, I won’t get a moment of peace either.”

“Drop the act. I know you too well.” Rosemary chuckled. “Originally, I named Cristina Oliver’s concubine in a moment of irritation, thinking you’d throw her out. But since she was so determined to stay, I suppose she must learn her lesson.”

“How will you make her change her story?” Isolde asked. “She insists she was Oliver’s concubine. If she doesn’t retract that, Oliver will be humiliated.”

Rosemary’s smile turned sharp. “Leave that to me. Give me half an hour, and she’ll say whatever I want her to say.”

She glanced at Isolde. “Perhaps you should visit my estate tomorrow. Have coffee. Let Sadie check your pulse.”

Isolde grinned. “I’ll be there.”