Chapter 449: Why the Urgency?

Martha’s wedding preparations were surprisingly simple. Since the wedding couldn’t be extravagant, many of the usual formalities were skipped. The housekeeper, Ryker, and a group of servants quickly arranged everything. However, one problem remained unsolved—the dowry.

Vance was destitute, and it was expected that Clark would provide it. But Clark had no savings and couldn’t afford anything substantial. Vance, of course, was in no position to help; he had been hiding in Zrork City and had nothing to offer even if found.

Nicole had a little money of her own, but she wasn’t yet married and needed it for her dowry. Emptying her entire savings wouldn’t be wise, especially since it wasn’t much to begin with.

This left Martha anxious, prompting her to drag the housekeeper to Isolde for help. Her attitude toward Isolde had softened, clearly driven by her need. The wedding had already been pared down to essentials, but Martha still needed a dowry. So, she went to the Pearl Tower, smiling sweetly as she grabbed Isolde’s hand.

“Isolde, my sister is getting married, but I have no money for a dowry. If you have extra funds, perhaps you could give me 10 million? I’ll remember this favor.”

Isolde pulled her hand away and replied coolly, “The Valen family will provide you with the money. Use that for your dowry.”

Ryker, standing nearby, couldn’t hide his irritation. Ten million? Was she really expecting that much money so casually?

Martha’s face darkened. “There’s no way the money from the groom’s family can cover the dowry. Besides, I don’t even know if the money will actually end up in my hands.”

Isolde raised an eyebrow. “If it doesn’t end up in your hands, whose hands will it go to?”

“It’s for my father,” Martha mumbled.

Isolde smirked. “I doubt you’ll give it to him.”

“I really don’t want to, but what can I do? He’s my father.”

“You’re the one who can decide,” Isolde said confidently.

Martha’s face twisted with anger, realizing Isolde wasn’t willing to part with any money. “We’re sisters, and you’re being so heartless? It’s just money. I’ll pay you back later, but if I get married without a dowry, it’s not just a disgrace to me, it’s a disgrace to you too. After all, you’re the County Princess. I don’t want to embarrass you.”

Isolde smiled lightly. “I don’t mind. I’ve never heard of a younger sister giving a dowry to her older sister. But Clark should be able to afford to give you money for your dowry. Don’t ask for too much. He doesn’t even have enough money for his own wedding.”

Martha gritted her teeth. “We’re a special family, and special families deserve special treatment. You have money to buy your dowry, but I will give you the money you need for the wedding expenses. Beyond that, there’s nothing more.”

Turning to Ryker, she added, “I’ll have someone deliver 3 million to you. Use it for household expenses and the wedding. Spend what’s necessary, but save on anything unnecessary.”

Ryker nodded quickly. “Understood.”

He was relieved Isolde hadn’t agreed to give Martha any money for the dowry. That would have hurt Isolde’s reputation. People might think she was taking control of her family affairs, which she definitely didn’t want.

Martha was clearly frustrated by the 3 million and the restrictions. “I’ve never seen someone so stingy. Giving me a little money is like you’re cutting off your own flesh. Don’t get too smug, Isolde. You’ll need someone’s help one day, and I swear, when that time comes, don’t come asking me.”

With that, she stormed off.

Ryker awkwardly turned to Isolde. “Please don’t take it personally. She’s just like that.”

Isolde smiled. “I’m not upset. Let her be. You just consider this a learning experience. When Clark and Nicole get married, you’ll be well-prepared.”

Ryker nodded, knowing Clark’s marriage was fast approaching, and his priority now was to serve him well, as Clark would be his future employer.

After Ryker left, Isolde anxiously awaited Keith’s response. He had gone to ask his parents, and no matter the answer, he would definitely let her know. Her worry was that if his parents didn’t agree, Nicole might not be able to accept it.

With so many things happening, now was not the time to stir up any more trouble, but Nicole’s marriage was urgent. If she wasn’t married within a hundred days, she’d have to wait another year or two. It would be hard for Nicole to bear that, and the wait would be agonizing.

As evening approached and there was still no news, Isolde’s heart sank. She waited for Keith to come back and let her know. If he had an answer, it would be quick, but as the day went on with no word, she couldn’t help but worry. She suspected that Keith’s parents had refused, and he didn’t know how to break the news, so he simply avoided coming.

Nicole was equally anxious, waiting for Keith to arrive. The maids had run to check several times, but there was no sign of him.

Isolde, realizing waiting wasn’t helping, decided to go search for him. She silently regretted bringing it up in the first place, since if she hadn’t, her older sister wouldn’t have gotten her hopes up. She knew Nicole’s impulsive nature, and the thought of her possibly doing something rash made Isolde nervous.

As Isolde walked out of the Pearl Tower, a servant rushed toward her and said, “Isolde, someone’s here to propose to Nicole. The housekeeper is handling it, and he sent me to ask if you want to bring Clark back.”

Isolde grabbed the servant’s arm. “Is it Keith’s parents?”

“Yes,” the servant replied, “and tell him to come back right away. There’s something important at home.”

“Yes,” the servant said, running off.

Isolde hurriedly adjusted her attire and hair. Esme laughed. “What’s all the fuss? It’s not like you’re the one proposing.”

Isolde smiled. “I can’t help it. It’s the first time meeting the in-laws. I have to make a good impression.”

Esme chuckled. “Stop acting like this is the wedding. You haven’t even finished preparing the bride! Go on, don’t keep them waiting. Nicole’s future depends on you.”

As Isolde headed out, she mused aloud, “I wonder why they’re suddenly proposing. This could have waited a few days.”

“I don’t know. Let’s go find out,” Esme said.