Chapter 419: The Complaint

After a brief silence, Lawson spoke, his voice measured. “Let’s put aside the past for now. As for who inherits the title, that’s not for us to decide. But if you’re to bury your father in the ancestral grave, there’s only one place where it can be done. If you want to sell the land, it has to be to us. Whoever takes charge, the matter stays within the Langley family, and no outsider can interfere.”

The situation was starting to become clearer. Lawson knew he had been manipulated by Vance, but he couldn’t admit it. To do so would undermine his position within the family. The Langley family had never truly benefited from Geoffrey, and they weren’t likely to promote anyone in the family either. It was a mistake, but one that he had no choice but to live with.

Isolde was waiting for him to speak, and when he did, she coldly smiled. “Fine, I’ll sell the land. Highest bidder wins. Let’s leave that matter aside for now.”

She turned her gaze to Hassan, her eyes hardening. “Hassan, I’m filing a formal complaint. First, I accuse the Langley family of defaming my father’s reputation after his death. Second, I accuse the younger generation of the Langley family of being unfilial and unjust. My father was their elder, yet they treated his body as if it was unwelcome, preventing him from entering the church and denying him peace. Third, I accuse them of coveting my father’s title and obstructing his burial, all while attempting to take over my mother’s land. Fourth, I accuse them of colluding with palace eunuchs to forge a stone tablet and deceive Catherine. This is a heinous crime.”

The Langley family erupted in chaos, members standing up and shouting in outrage.

“You’re talking nonsense! You’re the one slandering us!”

“You’re the one who’s being shameless, using your title as a marquise to oppress your relatives!”

“Isolde, what about the beating you gave us yesterday? We should be the ones pressing charges for assault!”

“You think you can do whatever you want just because you’re a marquise? We’re not afraid of you. If you sell the land, we’ll burn down the Langley family’s legacy. You’re no longer one of us, get out of here!”

“Yes, get out, you wild girl, you disgraceful wretch!”

The shouts grew louder and angrier with each passing second.

Isolde calmly took the whip in her hand, swinging it gently, her eyes narrowing as she watched Riley’s pale face. She spoke to Hassan again, her voice cold, “And lastly, I accuse them of using vile language to insult the current County Princess.”

Riley swallowed hard, his throat dry and painful. He couldn’t even bring himself to speak. The moment Isolde mentioned the forged stone tablet, he felt a cold shiver run through his body, followed by a sweat that drenched him.

Isolde smirked and turned to Hassan, saying with icy detachment, “Sir, I’m filing this complaint in my capacity as County Princess. Will you take the case or not?”

Hassan was caught off guard. The first few accusations seemed straightforward, but the forgery of the stone tablet, deceiving Catherine, and insulting the County Princess were more serious charges. He glanced anxiously at the lawyer outside, who nodded urgently.

She turned to Skylar and the gentry and said, “By the way, Skylar, are you still interested in buying my land?”

“Naturally, I’m interested. The price is negotiable,” Skylar said, grinning. It felt like a victory for him. Isolde had played her hand perfectly, pinning the Langley family down right where it hurt.

A perfect move – like locking in a chokehold. The Langley family, already tangled in legal matters, had no idea how much worse things were about to get.

“You can’t sell,” Lawson said urgently, standing up and blocking Isolde’s path. “Lower the price a bit. We’ll come up with the money.”

“I’ve said it before – ten million. Not a penny less. I always keep my word, just like how you insisted on not letting my father enter the church or be buried in the ancestral grave,” Isolde replied firmly.

Lawson staggered backward, pointing at Isolde with fury. “Selling the ancestral grave? Do you know how sacrilegious that is? You’ll disgrace the entire Langley family and ruin our reputation in Zrork City. You’re leaving us with no choice but to destroy you.”

“Of course I know. Otherwise, why would I be here?” Isolde retorted coldly.

Lawson was seething with rage, almost to the point of spitting blood. Members of the Langley family moved toward Isolde, ready to strike. But Oliver stepped forward, slamming his fist onto a chair, which shattered into pieces.

“I’ll see who dares to lay a hand on the County Princess,” Oliver declared.

At his signal, a group of soldiers immediately rushed into the room, forming a menacing line. The sight of Oliver, usually calm and composed, now furious and commanding, left everyone frozen in place. They were reminded that Oliver was, after all, a high-ranking general.

The display had the intended effect. Hassan quickly regained his composure and ordered, “Go back and notify the authorities. We’ll interview everyone. Isolde, you will write the complaint, ensuring that not a single word is left out.”

“Understood,” the lawyer said with relief, glad that Hassan hadn’t faltered at this crucial moment.

Isolde’s list of accusations was clearly not improvised. She had prepared each charge carefully. The mention of the palace eunuchs and Riley’s involvement added weight to the case.

Hassan, eager to make a name for himself with this high-profile case, knew he couldn’t afford to back down. He whispered to the lawyer, “What if this involves the palace?”

“What are you afraid of? Isolde and Oliver will take the lead. Just handle the case fairly,” the lawyer urged.

Hassan nodded resolutely. “Yes, I must seize this opportunity.”

The Langley family fell silent, the tension palpable. Oliver, with his group, thanked Skylar and the gentry before heading back to the tent outside the church.

Clark spoke, his voice low and bitter. “They were never allowed to control anything in the family. No wonder Father never wanted to promote anyone in the family. None of them have any ambition, just chasing after personal gain, forgetting all decency.”

Isolde, hearing Clark’s frustration, smiled. “Alright, no more anger. We’ve already decided to return to Argentum. We don’t care about entering the church anymore.”

“Isolde, aren’t you angry?” Clark asked, noticing her calm demeanor.

“Of course, I’m angry. But now it’s their turn to be angry,” Isolde said coolly.

Oliver added, “Wait and see. It’s Lawson who’ll come begging us now.”

“Really?” Clark was surprised. “But they were so arrogant just now.”

“Timing is everything. If Lawson doesn’t understand that, he’s not fit to lead the family,” Oliver replied.

Clark turned to Isolde. “If they come begging, what will you do? Are you really going to sell the land to Skylar?”

Isolde’s eyes glinted with determination. “If they come begging, they’ll learn their lesson. As for Skylar, I’ll sell if the price is right.”