Chapter 435: No Nonsense

Isolde felt deep sympathy for Penny, who had endured much suffering. Some grudges simply couldn't be resolved, and after listening to Patricia and Sadie, Isolde decided to relinquish any hope of reconciliation with them. She had to see Natasha.

Though Natasha was still unconscious, her condition had clearly improved. Sadie said, “It seems she’s avoided a fatal outcome, but Natasha’s health has always been fragile. We must continue to be cautious, especially during this winter. She must not be exposed to the cold. Snakes are inherently cold-blooded, and her body is weak. We can’t give her overly strong tonics. I’ll prepare some warming medicines for her—daily doses, mixed into soups. Keep an eye on her to make sure she eats them.”

Isolde looked at Sadie, a strange emotion flickering in her eyes. “We’ll soon be family. No need for thanks. Just know that if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Got it,” Sadie replied seriously.

The Sharp family’s young men stood up, offering, “If you need our help, just say the word. We’re at your service.”

Sadie smiled at them. “Gentlemen, you’re being too polite. There are things Isolde can help with, but not everything is within your abilities.”

Peter spoke up, “What Isolde can do, we can do too.”

Sadie shook her head. “I’m afraid not. If I needed Isolde to say a few good words for me in front of Clark, that’s something only she could manage.”

Isolde chuckled. “You still need me to speak well of you? Clark is already in your corner. You don’t know this, but when we were in Zrork City, he got his head cracked open defending the pouch and jade pendant you gave him. He wouldn’t let go, no matter what.”

“Really? Why would he be so foolish? It wasn’t even something valuable. If someone took it, so what? Why hurt himself over it?” Sadie seemed taken aback, her eyes softening with concern.

“In his eyes, what you gave him is priceless. It’s not about the value of the pendant, but the thought behind it,” Isolde explained.

Sadie smiled, “I didn’t realize he cared that much. I always thought he was distant when we met, acting like he didn’t like me.”

“He’s just shy and reserved.”

“I’m not shy. What does he have to be shy about?” Sadie laughed.

“Who’s shy?” A weak voice came from the bed.

Everyone turned in surprise to see Natasha’s eyes slowly opening, looking at Isolde. Isolde immediately rushed to her, showering her face with quick kisses. “Grandmother, you’ve done so…”

Natasha smiled at her, but her eyes filled with tears. “If it weren’t for you, how could I have defeated death? My dear, this cannot happen again. Do you understand?”

“You knew?” Spencer leaned in, astonished. “You’ve been unconscious this whole time. How did you know it was sister who saved you?”

Natasha looked around at her son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, and husband gathered at her bedside, feeling truly at peace with her life. “When the end was near, my mind was clear. I heard everything you said, every word. Even now, I remember every sentence you spoke.”

Isolde laughed, “Good thing we didn’t say anything bad about you. Otherwise, you would’ve had a reckoning with us later.”

“Did you say something bad? Someone was talking about whether the inheritance you received would be reclaimed?” Natasha reached out to tug at Isolde’s car, but her strength failed her, and her hand slid down.

Isolde took Natasha’s hand and tapped her own face with it twice. “Yes, I know I was wrong. I started scheming about family wealth while you were still recovering. I’m greedy. I was wrong. I deserve to be punished.”

Amused by her own pride, Isolde forgot to be careful, and Natasha, despite her frailty, really did slap her twice. “Look at you. You should be more mindful of what you say.”

Isolde, seeing Natasha’s growing concern, immediately responded, “Yes, I know. I won’t say such things again. It was just a slip of the tongue in my excitement.”

“In Argentum, you must be careful with your words and actions. Understood?” Natasha’s tone turned serious.

“Understood,” Isolde promised.

Oliver added, “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure she behaves. No more mistakes.”

“With you looking after her, I can rest easy,” Natasha said, her gaze full of fondness for Oliver. She was growing fonder of him by the day.

“Alright, those who need rest, go rest. Those who need to leave, leave. Natasha is fine now, so don’t bother us old couple. All of you, out,” Garrett said from the side, clearly jealous.

With Sadie’s reassurance that Natasha was stable, everyone left the room. But none of them went down the mountain. Upon hearing that Geoffrey was to be buried there, everyone stayed behind.

Sadie, while mentioning that Natasha’s condition appeared to have improved, still cautioned that they should remain on alert in case of any sudden changes.

Isolde, seeing through her intentions, smiled, “You’re probably waiting for Clark, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” Sadie replied without hesitation, not even the slightest hint of embarrassment.

Isolde, hearing her candidness, lost interest in teasing her. She was tired herself and, with Oliver’s escort, headed back to her room for some rest.

When Clark returned later and heard that Isolde had safely returned, he wanted to visit her, but Sadie stopped him, saying, “She’s sleeping. Don’t disturb her.”

Clark, seeing Sadie, took a step back and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture. “Your Highness.”

Sadie looked at him, “Do we still need to be this formal with each other?”

Clark’s face reddened slightly. “Well, I’ve always been taught that too much politeness doesn’t hurt.”

Sadie, her voice softening, asked, “Is your injury serious?”

Clark, taken aback by her gentle tone, looked up at her; her eyes were filled with warmth, and for a moment, he was mesmerized. His heart raced, and an unfamiliar feeling surged within him. He found himself fighting the impulse to reach out and touch her face. He… didn’t dare. Lowering his head, he muttered, “It’s nothing. Just a small wound.”

Sadie took a step forward and, in a tender voice, said, “Why are you so foolish? If someone wants to take something from you, just give it. The object is nothing compared to you.”

Clark gazed at her, his chest filling with emotion. Her face was so close, and he couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming urge to touch her cheek. But he didn’t dare.

His heart was racing, and he whispered, “The things you’ve given me… I cherish them, but I can’t bear to give them away.”

Sadie shook her head, “Don’t be like this. I’m still here. I can keep giving you jade pendants and making pouches. If something happens to me later, then you can hold on to them.”

Clark’s heart skipped a beat. He suddenly looked up, his expression panicked, and he urgently said, “Don’t say such things!”

The word “death” had struck him deeply, causing him great emotional turmoil. He feared losing those he cared about.

Sadie, noticing the tension in his face, her smile softened. She gently stepped into his embrace, holding him close.

Clark stood still, his body stiff. His heart raced in ways he had never experienced; only he knew just how fast and how disordered it was.