Chapter 57: Come to Me Himself

Bryant was furious with Geoffrey’s decision. After being thrown out, he intended to seek revenge. However, his servant quickly dissuaded him, warning that Geoffrey had issued a direct order forbidding anyone from provoking Isolde.

Bryant, coddled by Matilda his entire life, was arrogant and spoiled. He had never tolerated humiliation, let alone being beaten and forbidden from retaliating. Enraged, he stormed off to confront Geoffrey.

“Father, that wretched girl clearly schemed against Mother, and you still believe her? If you ask me, she’s the one who should be locked away!”

He burst into Geoffrey’s study, his youthful face flushed with indignation. Geoffrey slammed his palm against the table, the sound echoing through the room like a thunderclap. “You are a grown man, yet instead of studying or striving for a future, you waste your days entangled in the petty squabbles of the inner court. Do you not find yourself utterly disgraceful?”

“I…” Bryant hesitated under his father’s withering glare but quickly recovered his stubbornness. “Why should I study for some worthless title? I’m going to inherit your duchy one day. What use is seeking merits when I already have my future secured?”

Geoffrey let out a sharp, bitter laugh. “Yes, it is true that the title will be passed down. But do you know who earned the right for this estate to remain hereditary? The very girl you just called a wretched brat!” His voice rose to a furious roar, making Bryant flinch involuntarily.

“Get out!” Geoffrey seethed, his entire body trembling with anger at the sight of his weak-willed, entitled son.

Bryant stammered, “There’s… there’s one more thing—Mother wanted to arrange a marriage for me with Princess Bourbon.”

“Ridiculous! Utter nonsense!” Geoffrey bellowed. “Have you and your mother lost all sense of reality? You think you are worthy of marrying Princess Bourbon? Do you believe the royal family would even consider you?”

Bryant, proud and egotistical, refused to back down. “Father, you shouldn’t say that. When Prunella married you, she was far above your station. But didn’t you rise to power thanks to her family? If I marry Princess Bourbon, I’ll rise just the same! I’ll be untouchable, just like you are now.”

Geoffrey’s face twisted with rage. “Harlan! Harlan!” he shouted.

Harlan stepped into the room immediately. “Yes, sir.”

Geoffrey, his face red with fury, pointed a shaking finger at Bryant. “Throw him out!”

Seeing his father’s genuine anger, Bryant lost his bravado. Without another word, he turned and fled. Geoffrey watched him retreat, his chest heaving with fury.

Harlan, watching the scene unfold, let out a dry chuckle and muttered, “It seems Isolde is the only one in this estate with any sense.”

Seeing Geoffrey’s dark expression, he added, “The King has summoned Great Marshal Sharp back to the capital.”

Geoffrey’s eyes remained cold. “And?”

Harlan shrugged. “I just thought you should be aware. Garrett will undoubtedly visit Isolde. And if she decides to air her grievances to him… well, you know how he is. That won’t be good for you.”

Geoffrey scoffed. “If Garrett Sharp is the type of man who can forget how Prunella died, then let him do whatever he pleases.”

Harlan’s expression turned grim. “Geoffrey, what does Isolde have to do with that?”

Geoffrey’s face paled, but his voice remained firm. “Nothing, you all say. Because none of you cared about Prunella.” His voice was hoarse with restrained emotion. “Get out.”

Harlan sighed heavily but obeyed. Left alone, Geoffrey clenched his fists, his entire body trembling. Everyone insisted that Isolde was not at fault. And yet, the truth was undeniable. If not for her, Prunella would still be alive. They had made promises to grow old together. From their youth to now, there had only ever been one person he truly cared about. What was the point of all the power and prestige if she was no longer there to share it with him?

He was not an unambitious man—he had once reveled in the glory he achieved. But now, whenever he sought to strive for more, it all felt meaningless. Harlan was right—he had always been cold to Isolde. He had brought her back not out of affection but out of obligation. He felt no love for her, only duty. That was why he had summoned his mother to return—so that he could arrange Isolde’s marriage and restore things to the way they were before. He had spent years carefully maintaining the illusion of normalcy. But Isolde’s return had shattered that illusion. He was exhausted. He wanted nothing to change. He just wanted life to flow on quietly, as it had before.

Harlan, understanding his master’s thoughts all too well, hesitated outside the door before making his way to the Pearl Tower. No matter what, they were still father and daughter. He could only hope Isolde did not hate Geoffrey too much.

Inside the Pearl Tower, Isolde was calmly directing her servants when Harlan entered. She looked up, her expression unreadable. “What do you want to say, Harlan?”

Harlan studied her, noting the sharp intelligence hidden beneath her composed demeanor. In a low voice, he said, “Don’t blame your father too much. He’s struggling as well. He has already sent for Prudence to return.”

Isolde’s lips curled in a faint, knowing smile. “Then things will only get worse for him.”

Harlan frowned. “Why must you be so confrontational? You are family—there’s no need to constantly be at odds.”

“This has nothing to do with me,” she replied coolly. “I’m just stating facts. If Prudence returns, and if Michelle comes back as well, the estate will be in chaos.”

Harlan narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean?”

Isolde gave him a sly, almost amused look. “Harlan, do you think the Velmont family will be willing to offend Doug by keeping a daughter-in-law who deliberately schemed to disfigure her own sister?”

Harlan’s face darkened. He had not considered that. Kendrick Velmont was obsessed with maintaining his noble reputation. He prided himself on his distinguished lineage and could not tolerate scandal. More importantly, he had no desire to make an enemy of Doug. If Doug decided to make an issue of Michelle’s actions, Kendrick would rather discard her than challenge Doug.

Harlan exhaled sharply. “Isolde… you have some influence with Doug. Couldn’t you speak to him?”

Isolde’s eyes turned cold. “Harlan, you are not the person who should be making that request.”

Harlan gave a weary smile. “This will only make things harder for your father.”

She arched a brow. “And when he made things hard for me, did you say anything?”

Harlan sighed. “You and Geoffrey are more alike than you think.”

Isolde’s expression remained impassive. “Go back and tell Geoffrey this—if he wants me to speak to Doug, he can come and ask me himself. He owes me an explanation.” She had repaid her debts. Whatever lingering ties they once had were severed the moment he struck her with that whip. If he wanted something from her now, he would have to face her directly.