Chapter 369: She’ll Get What’s Coming to Her

Cristina froze at Arthur’s sharp rebuke. “And what exactly am I?”

The Felton family had once been insignificant, but Arthur’s meteoric rise and his marriage into the Valen family had dramatically improved their status. Cristina, naturally, had benefited. Wherever she went within their social circles, she was celebrated, flattered, and treated with the utmost respect. Arthur was a rising star, and their mother had wisely introduced Cristina to high society at thirteen, letting her bask in the admiration others had for him. Over time, even noble families of higher rank treated them with courtesy, reinforcing the illusion that she, too, was someone important.

And so, she began to look down on others. But now, after suffering repeated humiliations, she had no choice but to confront the truth. She was nothing. She had no powerful family behind her, and Arthur’s own position still depended on the Valens. People respected her not for who she was, but because of her connection to them.

That realization filled her with a deep, unsettling fear. She had grown accustomed to her status—to being revered, desired, and admired. She wasn’t ready to lose it.

“I’ll go pack my things,” Arthur said after a moment. “Let’s go home. You shouldn’t stay at the Valen estate any longer.”

“No,” Cristina shook her head, gripping her sleeves tightly. “I’m not leaving. Now that everyone knows I’m William’s concubine, where else could I go? Even if I return home, who would marry me now?”

Things were different now. Before, she had at least remained untouched. But now…

Arthur sighed. “What’s the point of staying? You trapped William into this—do you really think he’ll just accept you? He’ll never let you have an easy life. If you come home, I can request an assignment elsewhere, and you can come with me. Once we’re settled, I’ll find you a suitable husband in another city.”

“No,” Cristina’s voice was firm. “I’d rather stay here. In Argentum. In the Valen family. What can William do to me? He still has to answer to you, doesn’t he? If nothing else, we can have Agnes scold him—hasn’t he always listened to her?”

Arthur stared at her incredulously. “How can you still be this naive? You were the one who begged me to divorce Agnes. Why would she help you now? She probably hates you more than anyone.”

Cristina’s face darkened. “She wouldn’t dare. She’s not that bold.”

“What did I do wrong?” Cristina shouted, her voice breaking with frustration. “Was it wrong for me to stay in the Valen family? Even if I don’t like William, at least he’s a noble heir! That’s better than being sent off to some random backwater town! I… I don’t have my innocence anymore. Where else can I go? Have you ever thought about that?”

Arthur fell silent. She had a point. He exhaled sharply. “Fine. But if you’re staying, you need to control your temper. If Margaret scolds you, just endure it. Don’t make trouble.”

Cristina said nothing. Enduring? That wasn’t something she was willing to do. Still, she wasn’t too worried—she was already William’s woman. There was no reason for the Valens to make things difficult for her. Yet deep inside, she still felt a crushing sense of regret. She lowered her head, resting it lightly on Arthur’s shoulder, her voice trembling. “If only I had never broken off my engagement…”

Arthur’s expression stiffened. If Oliver had become his brother-in-law, things would have been very different. Not only would Oliver have treated Cristina well, but Arthur’s own career would have soared. He had completely misjudged Oliver, assuming he was just another spoiled noble living off his ancestors’ legacy. If only I had known. Perhaps Rosemary’s suggestion had been a wise one after all. Maybe she had genuinely wanted Cristina to be happy—not just to secure an inheritance for her.

“It’s too late now,” Arthur muttered. “No point dwelling on it.”

Cristina’s eyes burned red with hatred. “I hate Isolde. If she hadn’t swooped in, maybe Oliver and I could’ve had another chance.”

Arthur gave her a cold look. “You were the one who looked down on him. Now you regret it? Too late.” He waved a dismissive hand. “Since you insist on staying, I’ll finalize the arrangements. You’ll enter the Valen family officially before Martha, and if you’re smart—if you can win over Heidi and Allan—you’ll have a comfortable life.”

His tone was indifferent. He didn’t believe Cristina’s suffering would last forever. Once she settled in, once the resentment faded, once she bore a child, things would return to normal.

Her mind was fixated on one thing—Isolde. “I’ll find a way to make her pay.”

Arthur sighed, shaking his head. He didn’t even bother arguing. He hated Isolde too. There was no logical reason for it—she had been completely justified in everything she did. But Cristina was his sister. And Isolde had slapped her, humiliated her, and crushed her completely. He had already despised her for that.

Cristina returned to the Valen estate, where Mell and Evie had been anxiously awaiting her. Seeing her unharmed, they immediately urged, “Since you’re back safely, you should go greet Allan and Heidi.”

“I’m not going,” Cristina’s voice was icy. “I’m tired. I’m going to my room.”

What kind of stupid custom was this? After everything she had suffered, she was supposed to immediately present herself for a formal greeting? If they truly cared, they should be coming to her instead.

Mell and Evie exchanged uneasy glances but didn’t push the matter. They simply went to report her return to the others. Allan’s reaction was mild. “Let her rest. She doesn’t need to come to greet me anymore.”

Pablo, however, wasn’t as patient. When Mell relayed the news, he snapped, “Why are you telling me? Do I look like I care about women’s squabbles?”

Margaret, meanwhile, was removing her makeup, her face devoid of emotion. She didn’t say a word, simply waved Mell away.

Mell and Evie returned, hesitant to tell Cristina the truth. Instead, they softened the news: “Everyone’s very concerned about you. They said you should rest well and visit them later.”

Cristina scoffed. “If they truly cared, they’d have sent something—some kind of gift—to show their concern. But of course, they only know how to put on a show.”

“Let it go,” Mell coaxed. “After everything that happened, things are just…awkward. But at least they’re being polite.”

Evie nodded. “Yeah, don’t take it personally.”

Cristina’s eyes glinted coldly.

Mell and Evie exhaled in relief, glad that she was letting it go—for now.

Back at Ningser Pavilion, Isolde recounted everything that had happened at the Bourbon estate to Oliver. Oliver smirked. “So now everyone believes Cristina is William’s concubine? Excellent. I’m finally free of that mess.”

Isolde chuckled. “Yes, your burden has been lifted. But Cristina won’t take this lying down. She’ll find a way to come after us.”

Oliver’s smile didn’t waver. “If she refuses to learn her lesson… She’ll suffer for it soon enough.”