Chapter 375: Your Share
Before dinner, Garrett called Isolde into the study. “Snowy,” he said, his voice heavy, “You’ve heard about Natasha’s condition, haven’t you?” Seated in the grand chair behind his desk, the usual warmth on his face had vanished, replaced by a look of weariness and helplessness.
Isolde had only ever seen Garrett as a strong, imposing figure, always confident and in command. But now, he looked lost. The sight twisted her heart. Tears welled in her eyes as she whispered, “Patricia just told me.”
Garrett let out a long sigh. “All these years, her health has never been good, but I always believed she was meant for more, that her fate wouldn’t be so cruel. She has suffered enough following me. I spent years on the battlefield while she took care of everything at home. Even when she bore our children, I wasn’t by her side. And when your mother… when that tragedy happened, she was devastated. I took her to Sinmour City, hoping she could leave the pain behind. But that place, with its harsh winds and dry air, wasn’t good for her health. Still, she insisted on staying with me, saying that as long as we were together, she felt safe. But there was no comfort there—no good food, no decent place to rest. She endured it for over a decade.”
He continued, “When she heard you had returned to Argentum, she wanted to come back, too. But her body wasn’t strong enough. I told her that if she got better, I would bring her home. So she fought—she took her medicine diligently, followed every treatment. And miraculously, she did improve. I petitioned the court and got permission to return to Argentum. We made the long journey back, and she endured it all. I thought she had turned a corner. When I saw her standing up for you, taking on that woman Natasha, full of energy, I dared to hope… that maybe we had been granted a miracle.”
Isolde couldn’t hold back her tears, her heart aching unbearably. “They call me the shield of Eryndral Empire, the backbone of our warriors. But what they don’t know is that she is my backbone. Without her… I… I don’t even know what to do.”
Isolde stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him, weeping. “Grandfather, maybe there’s still a way…”
“No,” he said, his voice breaking. “It’s too late. It wasn’t just the imperial doctors—Queen Mother herself came to see her. You know her skills are unmatched in Eryndral Empire. And even she said Natasha’s time was near. She left only one pill… to ensure she wouldn’t suffer when the moment comes.”
Isolde clutched onto Garrett, her tears falling onto his shoulder. A hollow emptiness spread in her chest, a pain so deep it swallowed her whole.
“Come, sit. I have something for you.” Natasha, despite her sorrow, patted Isolde’s hand with a rare seriousness.
Isolde moved to the other side and sat down, waiting in silence. Garrett retrieved a small box from the cabinet and opened it before her. “This is Natasha’s will. She divided all her assets into eight shares—one for each of your five cousins, one for each of your uncles… and one for you. Everything is listed here. Take it.”
Isolde stared at the paper he handed her. Fresh tears brimmed in her eyes. She shook her head furiously. “No… I don’t want it.”
What use was money? What use was property when the person who cared for her…
Garrett insisted, “Take it. If you don’t understand something, ask Patricia. She managed Natasha’s holdings and will explain everything. From now on, your share will be under your care.”
Still, Isolde refused, sobbing uncontrollably.
Garrett sighed, a long, weary breath. “Take it, child. This is Natasha’s final gift to you. She can no longer plan for your future, but she wanted to leave you with security. Accepting it is the best way to honor her.”
With her heart shattering, Isolde reached out and took the document, her hands trembling.
Garrett sighed again. “Don’t see us off. Natasha and I will be at the estate. If you ever miss us, you know where to find us.”
With that, he stood, pulled open the door, and left. Isolde collapsed onto the desk, her grief overwhelming her as she cried uncontrollably.
Esme entered. She had been standing outside the door and had heard everything. Gently, she stroked Isolde’s back, her voice choked with emotion. “Life… always leads us to this moment. Don’t be too sad.”
“Esme…” Isolde lifted her tear-streaked face, her voice breaking. “I would give up everything—every grudge, every ambition—just to keep her alive.”
“Don’t say that,” Esme murmured, rarely seeing Isolde so childlike, so helpless. “She wouldn’t want to see you like this.”
A cold emptiness swept through Isolde’s soul, like a winter wind stripping the last leaves from the trees.
When Garrett and Natasha left, Isolde stood hidden behind the archway in the courtyard, watching. Or at least, she tried to. Her vision was too blurred by tears to see anything at all.
After Natasha was gone, Patricia called Isolde into her room. Christine was already there. The three women sat in silence before Patricia finally spoke. “Garrett must have told you about Natasha’s bequest. Your share—”
“I don’t want it,” Isolde interrupted, lifting her head. “Divide it among my cousins.”
Patricia shook her head. “Your cousins each received an equal share. Natasha was skilled in business, but after she moved to Sinmour City, she converted most of her wealth into estates and shops. The properties she left for you are the storefronts along Eastpeace Street. Over thirty shops, all yours. Whenever you’re ready, go to the magistrate’s office to finalize the paperwork. It will put Natasha’s mind at ease.”
Eastpeace Street—just next to the silk merchant’s. One of the most valuable locations in Argentum.
Christine added, “Our Sharp family has always been warriors, not merchants. But even if we don’t manage businesses, owning property ensures security. Natasha feared you might be mistreated in the Valen family. That’s why she left you the best of the best—so if the Valens ever turn on you, you won’t have to endure their scorn. You will always have a way to live freely, on your own terms.”
Isolde’s chest ached. Natasha had thought of everything, but what had she ever done for Natasha?
And then, once again, the tears came.
That night, before dinner, Oliver returned home. Hattic had warned him earlier—Isolde wasn’t coming back for the meal, and Allan might have something to say about it. So as he stepped through the doorway, he was prepared.
Everyone was seated except for his father. William, as expected, was absent. Allan sat at the head of the table, his face dark. Heidi, beside him, shot Oliver a look of silent warning.
Oliver acknowledged it, then respectfully greeted Allan, Heidi, and Margaret. Margaret’s expression was indifferent. “Sit.” Behind her stood Eleanor; as a concubine, she wasn’t permitted to dine with them but had to serve.
Allan’s eyes narrowed as he demanded, “Where’s your wife?”
“She’s with the Sharp family. She might be dining there before coming home.”
Allan’s expression turned even colder. “Garrett and Natasha are leaving soon. What is she still doing there? Avoiding me?”