The Swordswoman’s Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 370: You Shall Not Leave

Arthur wasted no time. By the next day, he had brought the clan elders and his parents, skipping unnecessary formalities. Even though this was merely taking in a concubine, the public had long acknowledged it. Elaborate ceremonies would only invite suspicion. The main purpose of this visit was to settle the dowry and bride price.

Pablo chose not to intervene, leaving everything in Margaret’s hands. In fact, he wasn’t even at home. Arthur arrived today with Agnes—after all, the bride price couldn’t be too low. It was a matter of face, especially with the clan elders watching. However, Arthur couldn’t bring himself to broach the subject, so he left it to Agnes to negotiate with Margaret.

Thus, upon her arrival, Agnes first went to her mother’s chambers. Margaret barely acknowledged her presence. Agnes began with an apology, swearing she would never interfere in family matters again unless commanded. Margaret, though still simmering with anger, eventually relented—it was her daughter, after all.

“Arthur’s request isn’t much. Just 30 million. And whatever comes as part of the dowry, they won’t take a single coin of it,” Agnes quickly got to the point, seizing the moment while her mother’s mood had softened.

“The money comes from the clan’s shared treasury, but once the dowry is given, it belongs to her. And tell me, where does she find the audacity to demand 30 million?” Margaret said coldly.

“Mother, it’s really not too much. Give it a few years, and once she gives you a few fat grandsons, everything will be worthwhile,” Agnes coaxed, growing anxious as she saw her mother’s reluctance.

She knew full well that 30 million was excessive. Cristina was, after all, just a concubine. Asking for such a bride price was unheard of, especially since she had already been taken in and was no longer untouched. Typically, the price would be beaten down as low as possible. But ever since that last incident, Arthur had been cold toward her, and now, with Madilyn scheming to bring in another concubine, she had to do something—otherwise, the Felton family would abandon her completely.

“Tell him, 10 million. Take it or leave it. Otherwise, he can take her and go,” Margaret declared resolutely.

“Mother, that’s too much of a cut! 30 million is truly reasonable! You know William’s temperament—she’s the only one he’d accept. If he had to take another concubine, she might not come from such a respectable family. And think of me! After that last disaster, Madilyn still gives me the cold shoulder!” Agnes pleaded, dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief, tears welling up.

Margaret, seeing her cry, grew irritated. “I’m only giving 10 million for your sake. Otherwise, I wouldn’t part with even 300 thousand.” She scoffed, then slapped the table. “Concubines don’t need noble lineage. They’re just for bearing children. I could bring in a decent woman for 100 thousand if I wanted. That’s enough. Go tell him—if he agrees, I’ll come out and make it official. If not, I won’t see him.”

Indeed, most families wouldn’t even offer a bride price in such circumstances. If anything, Cristina was lucky she hadn’t been beaten and thrown out for scheming her way into the house.

After a moment of hesitation, Agnes asked, “Once she’s here…will you tolerate her?”

Margaret gave a sharp glance. “What, do you think I’ll kill her?”

“I just mean…punish her all you want, but don’t go too far. If something happens to her in the Valen family, it won’t be easy for me in the Felton family either,”

“That’s your own weakness,” Margaret snapped, her patience wearing thin. She slammed the table once more. “Enough. Go tell him. If he agrees, he can come in. If not, he can get lost.”

Seeing her mother’s temper flaring, Agnes dared not argue further. She went outside and pulled Arthur aside.

“Mother initially said only 1 million, but I begged and cried for ages before she finally agreed to 10 million. I know it’s a little low, so I’ll take 5 million from my own savings. At least that way, it won’t look too disgraceful in front of the clan,” she whispered.

Arthur knew Margaret’s personality well enough—there was no point in pushing her further. If they soured relations completely, it would only make things harder for Cristina in the future. So he nodded.

“10 million it is. Keep your money. You’ll need it later—an audit is coming up, and I still have people to bribe.”

“Alright,” Agnes agreed.

Naturally, Madilyn was displeased with the sum. But at this point, there was little choice. She understood the situation.

So, when Margaret finally emerged, everyone exchanged a few polite words, and the deal was settled. Once the dowry was brought into the house, Margaret made it clear—Cristina was not allowed to keep any of it. All the gold, jewelry, fine fabrics, and silver were confiscated and stored in Margaret’s chambers.

Cristina was furious and went to confront Margaret, only to be blocked by servants. At the same time, Margaret ordered her belongings to be moved. She was no longer Oliver’s concubine and had no right to live in his residence. Instead, she was moved to Sunset Chamber, an unused annex near William’s courtyard.

Dragged by the servants, Cristina nearly exploded with rage when she arrived. The place was overgrown with weeds, the doors falling apart, and the space cluttered with junk. The name Sunset Chamber sounded elegant, but in truth, it was nothing more than the Valen family’s storage room.

Trembling with fury, Cristina spat, “This is outrageous! I won’t stand for this—I’ll go find Arthur!”

Mell hurriedly grabbed her, crying, “Please, don’t make a scene! You’re already married into the family.”

Cristina burned with rage. “Who does she think she is?! Who gave her the right to treat me like this?! I refuse to believe she can keep me locked in! Who dares to stop me?!”

With that, she stormed toward the front gates, only to be met by two tall, broad-shouldered guards standing at the entrance. They stared at her impassively.

“Lady Margaret has ordered that you may not leave the estate,” one of them said flatly.

“Get out of my way!” Cristina snapped, pointing a finger at the guard. “Who do you think you are? You dare block my path? Move. Now.”

“I advise you to behave, my lady,” the guard replied calmly. “Lady Margaret instructed that if you insist on leaving, we are to tie you up and bring you back.”

Cristina couldn’t believe her ears. Enraged, she raised her hand and slapped the guard across the face. “You lowly dog! Who do you think you are? How dare you defy your mistress? If my brother finds out, he’ll have your head!”

The guard dodged, but her nails scratched his cheek, leaving two red marks. His expression darkened. “Since you refuse to listen, don’t blame us for what happens next.”

As if prepared for this moment, the guards swiftly pulled out ropes from their waists. With one flick, the rope coiled around Cristina’s arms and torso, binding her in place.

Cristina thrashed in fury. “You filthy dogs! How dare you lay hands on me?! Do you know who I am?! I swear, my brother will—”

“Hold it.” A crisp, authoritative voice rang out behind them. The guards immediately straightened and saluted. “Lady Ashley.”

Ashley approached with her maids in tow, her expression unreadable. Rowena followed at a distance, watching but not interfering.

“This is unacceptable,” Ashley said coolly. “Untie her. Now.”

The guards hesitated. “Lady Ashley, this is Lady Margaret’s order…”