Chapter 62: Calamity Approaches

Isolde, having attended to her shops, decided to visit Doug at Southern Watch.

“You’re just passing by today?” Doug raised an eyebrow. He had returned only a couple of days ago, and she was only now appearing.

“I came on purpose,” Isolde said with a grin, stepping closer. She walked behind him and began massaging his shoulders, her small hands working diligently. “How does that feel?”

Doug closed his eyes and lazily replied, “Not bad. At least you haven’t lost your touch.”

“How could I lose it?” Isolde added more pressure, her voice playful. “I came to bring you a special gift today.”

Doug snorted. “Keep the good stuff for your father. I hope he doesn’t get too cruel with you.”

“This gift is for you,” Isolde whispered something in Doug’s ear.

Doug’s eyes snapped open. “Are you serious?”

“Of course,” Isolde said. “I’ve arranged everything. If you want to ask, feel free. Whatever you find, the evidence will be there.”

Doug gave a small nod, appreciating her thoroughness. “You’ve become much more capable. But don’t rush it. Let him wander around a few more days. As for this, you shouldn’t be involved. These are things beyond your reach. If people catch wind of it, how many lives do you think you have?”

“Who would dare offend me?” Isolde chuckled. “Are you afraid of your own disciple?”

“You’re smart with those in your own house, so I’m not worried about you.” Doug’s gaze dropped, and a shadow of concern crossed his eyes.

“Don’t worry,” Isolde said, tightening her grip. “Everything that’s mine, I’ll take back. And if it’s not mine, I’ll make it mine if I want.”

“Have you set your sights on William?” Doug asked, his voice probing.

“Not interested.” Isolde’s face turned dismissive.

Doug said nothing but smiled faintly. He seemed pleased with her answer.

After a pause, Doug suddenly asked, “What about Oliver?”

Isolde froze. “What?”

“The engagement arranged by Pablo—although Margaret called it off, that doesn’t mean it’s Pablo’s wish. Oliver is still his son.”

Isolde frowned, her annoyance growing. “What are you getting at? Does your daughter have no suitors? Besides, Oliver is already betrothed, about to marry.”

“Whether he marries or not is yet to be seen.” Doug walked over to her, placing a hand on her arm, his tone full of meaning. “I can’t protect you forever, and you never know what your father might find for you. For you, there will be someone extraordinary. If you’re interested in Oliver, once Pablo returns, I can help with that.”

Isolde shifted the topic. “There are other things I’m not involved in, but I want to be part of the Milton matter.”

Doug raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

Isolde looked at him, her voice quiet but firm. “Because I despise him.”

“Is it worth it? Over the Montlins Manor issue?” Doug’s tone was cold. “I’ll handle it. Your father came to me asking for mercy, but I refused. This matter is personal for you, so I’ll deal with it. But you, Isolde, have no reason to get involved.”

Isolde’s heart tightened. It wasn’t just about Montlins Manor—it was personal. Milton had killed her in her past life. The hatred had been buried for too long, but it burned brightly now.

“I just want to be involved. Let me experience it,” she pleaded, not revealing everything, but determined to have her way.

Doug didn’t respond immediately, but brought up the topic again. “You still haven’t answered me—what do you think of Oliver?”

Isolde thought for a moment before replying. “He’s a man who stands tall.”

Doug nodded in satisfaction. “So, you do have a good impression of him?”

“Let’s not talk about that. Let’s focus on the important matters.”

Doug patted her hand lightly. “Alright, you should head back. Don’t come around Southern Watch too often. If you need anything, come find me at the house. Or, if you prefer, you can stay with me for a while.”

“Why?” Isolde raised an eyebrow.

Doug gave her a pointed look. “Southern Watch isn’t the place for women. If you keep showing up, what will others think? Your future mother-in-law is going to have her eyes on you. You need to be careful.”

Isolde threw her hands up in mock surrender. “When did you start caring about what people say? And she’s not my future mother-in-law.”

Doug gave her a sharp glare. “I’ve never cared about gossip. But when it involves you, we need to be cautious. This isn’t Windermount. Here, in Argentum, things are different. And my protection of you won’t last forever.”

Isolde’s heart skipped a beat. “What are you talking about?”

Doug met her gaze with a serious, almost sorrowful look. “You’ll understand one day. Go now.”

Isolde paused, still determined. “I’ll go, but I need to be involved in the Milton matter.”

Doug sighed. “Alright. I’ll have Oliver take care of it.”

As Isolde left, she ran into Oliver entering. Remembering Doug’s words, Isolde felt a little awkward. “Oliver.”

“Come to see Mr. Becker?” Oliver asked gently.

“Yes,” Isolde replied.

“Then head back safely. Take care on your way,” Oliver said before heading inside.

Isolde bowed and left.

Geoffrey returned home from Southern Watch later that day. After reading for a while, Harlan entered, delivering news. “Geoffrey, Xavier has arrived.”

Geoffrey’s face flickered with concern. He quickly rose to his feet. “Quick, bring him in.” He hadn’t seen Xavier in a while. Why had he come now?

Harlan led a man in, about fifty years old, dressed in simple robes. Geoffrey greeted him at the door and bowed respectfully. “Master, please, come in.”

Xavier Tanner gave a small smile. “Geoffrey, it’s been a while.”

“It has indeed,” Geoffrey said, smiling, though his anxiety remained.

“I’ve been well,” Xavier replied, sitting down and gazing at Geoffrey with a penetrating look. “But I’m afraid you are not.”

Geoffrey let out a deep breath. “I haven’t been well for half my life, so I’m not concerned about it.”

Xavier shook his head. “You and Prunella were one heart, one soul. If you suffer, so does she in the afterlife. Her soul is disturbed. That’s why I’ve come to see you today.”

Geoffrey’s face turned ashen. “What do you mean? What’s happened?”

Xavier sighed deeply. “Geoffrey, I’ve warned you before. Your daughter, Isolde, is a soul that brings death. You must send her away. You didn’t listen, and now, as she returns, your house and your heart are unsettled. This disturbance is why Prunella’s soul cannot rest. More than that, the Duke’s estate might be on the brink of a great calamity.”