The Swordswoman’s Revenge Story After Rebirth

Chapter 65: Threatening Matilda

Matilda seethed with anger, unable to control her fury. When she heard Isolde was there, she stormed out, abandoning the composure of the house mistress. “You still dare to come here? Haven’t you caused enough trouble already? You’ve taken away my mother’s dowry, and now you come to torment me further?”

This time, Isolde’s approach was calm. She smiled and said, “Why be so agitated? When two tigers fight, one will get hurt. If you win, I’ll still be miserable. Do you expect me to throw a tantrum like a madwoman? Since you’ve lost, perhaps it’s time to think about how to turn things around.”

Matilda’s words were laced with venom. Her anger cut deep as she hissed, “Stop pretending. Your face makes me sick every time I see it.”

Isolde stepped closer, her smile unwavering. “Rest assured, if you find me disgusting, I feel the same about you. But you really shouldn’t be this upset today. After all, Xavier paid you a visit earlier. You must have an idea of what’s coming, right?”

Matilda stiffened, her eyes narrowing. “I don’t know what nonsense you’re spouting.”

Isolde didn’t miss the brief flicker of triumph in Matilda’s eyes. She smiled gently and said, “There’s no need to hide it. Everyone knows what Xavier came here for, and it wasn’t to help you.”

Matilda’s expression instantly shifted to one of panic. “You…. What are you saying?”

Isolde kept her gaze steady, her voice lowering to a sharp whisper, “Money can make the world turn. Xavier knows where to find his best reward. Tell me, where do you think he can find the best opportunity right now?”

Matilda’s face paled, the fury in her eyes mixing with confusion and fear. Isolde pressed forward, “Prudence is cautious, nearly flawless in her methods. The first time she consulted with Xavier, but after that, you’re the one pulling the strings, right? Tell me, if Prudence were to turn the tables on you, who would bear the blame?”

Matilda’s face turned ashen, but she clung to her pride, snapping, “Don’t think you can fool me with your lies. You come here, spouting nonsense, trying to drag Prudence into this. You’re despicable.”

Isolde’s voice was filled with cold disappointment. “If you don’t believe me, then I suppose I haven’t been here. I don’t like you, but you didn’t kill my mother, so there’s no need to drag you down with me. But if you can’t see the situation clearly… Time’s up. Fate’s been sealed. You’ll have to face whatever comes your way.”

With that, Isolde turned to leave, walking away with such grace and certainty that Matilda didn’t even suspect it was part of a larger strategy.

After Isolde left, Matilda immediately sent Anne out to investigate. Anne stood outside the study, hearing the sound of things being smashed from within. She hesitated, hiding for a while, before seeing Harlan walk out, looking disheveled and exhausted. Anne approached cautiously. “Do you know why Geoffrey is so angry?”

Harlan, with a dark expression, replied coldly, “Don’t ask too many questions. Go back and take care of Mrs. Langley. Tell her to calm down.”

Anne, now more terrified, quickly returned to inform Matilda.

When Matilda heard the news, her fears intensified. “So… the little wretch really did buy off Xavier?”

Anne, unable to mask her concern, nodded. “It’s not surprising. Otherwise, how would she know that Xavier was the one you contacted? She’s right. Prudence is always cautious and keeps a backup plan. It looked like you were going to make a name for yourself, but if this all goes wrong, all the blame could fall on you. Geoffrey, being so filial, will never let this slide.”

Matilda, pale and trembling, sank into her chair, her mind racing. “Quick, go find Isolde and bring her back.”

Anne rushed off.

When Anne found Isolde in the garden speaking to Ryker, Isolde turned and smiled. “I see. Thank you, Ryker. You can leave now; there’ll be a reward later.”

Ryker, looking pale and feeling the burning anger from Anne’s gaze, bowed and left.

“Impressive, Isolde,” Anne said, her voice tinged with frustration.

Isolde smiled faintly. “Like I said, money makes the world turn.”

Anne hesitated but eventually said, “Please, come with me.”

Isolde understood her reluctance but followed quietly.

Inside, Matilda was pacing in agitation. Her anxiety was palpable as she struggled to maintain control over her emotions. When she saw Isolde, she tried to compose herself, though her eyes were wild with desperation. “So, tell me, what is it you want? What could you possibly do for me?”

Isolde, unfazed, replied, “Ask your questions. The more you tell me, the more I can do for you.”

“I don’t trust you,” Matilda spat.

“Then there’s nothing to be done,” Isolde shrugged.

Matilda, gritting her teeth, said, “Fine. Ask your questions, but you must plead for me in front of your father.”

“I won’t beg for you, nor do I need to. Once you speak, your father will know this is no fault of yours. He won’t hold it against you. But as for Michelle, I can speak on her behalf,” Isolde said, her tone casual yet firm.

Matilda’s face brightened at the mention of Michelle. Her hopes rested entirely on her daughter. If Michelle were returned to the Velmont family, she could gain time until Prudence’s return, but if Michelle was cast aside, her position would become impossible to hold. “Fine,” she said reluctantly.

Isolde wasted no time and went straight to the heart of the matter. “The marriage contract between my father and your sister—was it real or fake?”

Matilda, surprised by the question, responded without hesitation, “It was fake. It was Prudence who arranged it, offering 50,000 to secure a deal. She promised to help my brother enter the military in exchange.”

“Second question,” Isolde continued, “When my mother was pregnant with me, Prudence hired a doctor to stay at the estate. What was his name, and where is he now?”

Matilda was taken aback, but she answered, “His name was Yusuf Daugherty, from Sterow. As for where he is now, I don’t know.”

Isolde’s eyes narrowed. “Third question. After my mother died, why did all her servants leave the estate? Do you know where they went?”

Matilda, showing a flicker of discomfort, said, “Some were sent away by Prudence. Others were dismissed by your father after his return. Where they went, who cares? I certainly don’t.”

“Last question,” Isolde’s voice grew cold, “Did you know or participate in the poisoning of my mother by Prudence?”

Matilda’s face drained of color. She was speechless.

Isolde leaned forward, her smile tight. “You thought I knew nothing? I’ve been biding my time, waiting for proof. But today, I’m ready. Doug has been investigating the poison case at Montlins Manor, and Garrett is already on his way back from the frontier.”

Matilda’s face paled as she realized the full weight of the situation.