Chapter 95 Everyone is Happy
After the Duke of Blackmoor left Blescrtin, Prudence ordered a servant to follow him. She wanted to know the Duke's attitude toward Isolde. However, the servant returned shortly after.
“You’re saying he didn’t see that little wretch?” Prudence asked in astonishment.
“I didn’t see her,” the servant reported. “The maid from the Pearl Tower said she had gone out, and the Duke of Blackmoor left immediately without asking anyone to check.”
Prudence sneered coldly. “Gone out? I’ve already given orders that if she leaves, she must report to me, and the gatekeeper wouldn’t dare conceal it. She must not have gone out.”
Priscilla furrowed her brow. “Mom, is it really so easy for Geoffrey to be deceived by her?”
“Deceived?” Prudence said coldly. “He knows she’s inside, but he doesn’t want to conflict with her. Saying he’s going to find her is just an excuse to appease me for now. Well, I’ve only been away in Caelmont for just over two years, and he’s already become disloyal and unfilial.”
Matilda and Michelle exchanged a disappointed glance, as they had originally hoped that Isolde would be harshly reprimanded. Not daring to face Prudence’s anger, the two quickly found an excuse and left.
Priscilla dismissed the people in the room, closed the door, and said with worry, “Mom, Geoffrey clearly doesn’t take you seriously. Do you think he will really return Prunella’s dowry? And as for the hereditary position… can you still convince him to leave it to Braden?”
A flash of fierce anger crossed Prudence’s eyes. “The dowry is impossible to recover. As for the hereditary position, whether he wants to or not, he’ll have to leave it. He is only a bastard of the Langley family. Everything he earns must be left to the legitimate heirs of the Langley family. He is nothing but a useless man of the Langley family.”
Priscilla felt relieved upon hearing her mother-in-law’s words. Having been by Prudence’s side for many years, she knew her methods well. If Prudence truly wanted something, she would go to any lengths to take it back and had never failed.
Prudence continued, “I’ve already arranged that dowry. When the two girls marry, each will receive a portion. Since Clark isn’t a legitimate son, he’ll receive his share according to the rules. The majority will go to Braden. As for Bryant, I had already given him the estate and the shop. If he can’t keep them, he has no one to blame but himself.”
Priscilla felt even more at ease upon hearing that the majority would go to her own son. She eagerly stepped forward to massage Prudence’s temples and continued, “When we came back, my husband mentioned wanting to find a position in Argentum. Do you think Geoffrey could help?”
“There’s nothing he can’t help with; it’s just whether he’s willing to,” Prudence replied as she closed her eyes to rest. Her expression relaxed slightly, though the fierce look between her brows remained unchanged.
“Mom, you still have to tell Geoffrey about it,” Priscilla said.
Prudence spoke slowly, with a hint of lazy affection, “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.”
A smile appeared on Priscilla’s face. “Yes, everything depends on you, Mom.”
Prudence didn’t speak, only quietly considering how to deal with Isolde first. After a moment, she opened her eyes and said, “Don’t provoke that little bitch yet; we need to gather more information first.”
Priscilla replied, “Okay!”
The Pearl Tower had been very quiet these past few days. Hattic and Hazel waited by the door every day, expecting someone from the other side to come looking for trouble, but there was no sign of movement. It was disappointing. After all, they were ready for a big fight.
“Miss, are you afraid?” Hazel went in to ask Isolde, who was drinking coffee leisurely.
Isolde smiled and said, “What’s wrong? Can’t you wait?”
“It’s not that I can’t wait, it’s just that with Mrs. Blackwell looking so fierce, I thought she wouldn’t let it go easily.”
“Of course, she won’t let it go easily, but she won’t act rashly either.” Isolde stretched lazily, but her mind was quietly calculating Oliver’s steps. By now, he should have reached Frostvale. In Frostvale, there are many eerie occurrences and taboos, and if one wasn’t careful and offended the locals, things could easily go wrong. Ever since Oliver left, her mind has never been at ease. She always had a feeling that something troublesome might happen this time.
“Miss Langley…” Hazel called out when she noticed Isolde suddenly lost in thought.
Isolde came back to her senses. “What’s wrong?”
Hazel asked, “Then when do you think Mrs. Blackwell will attack the Pearl Tower?”
Isolde smiled and said meaningfully, “Soon. She knows that my grandfather is on his way back. She will definitely get rid of me before he comes back.”
Prudence was like a venomous snake in the desert, waiting for the right moment to strike. She wouldn’t miss an opportunity, but of course, she wouldn’t act without being certain first. The methods used by Matilda seemed like child’s play to her, and she would never resort to such tactics.
Isolde wasn’t wrong in her assumption. Two days later, Prudence ordered the Duke of Blackmoor to send out invitations, announcing that she would be hosting a banquet. She had originally lived in Argentum, and after being away for two years, it was only natural for her to receive guests and resume social connections.
During her time in Argentum, she often hosted banquets, inviting colleagues and their families to enjoy wine and coffee to solidify relationships. Although she did not hold a noble title, her presence in Argentum was strong, due to the connections she had built in the past. It was August, and the golden chrysanthemums in her estate were in full bloom. She used this as an excuse to invite some of the wives and children of officials to admire the flowers. Of course, Prudence had another goal in mind, which was to find a husband for her eldest granddaughter, Nicole.
With Prudence hosting a banquet, many people naturally came to pay their respects. After all, the Duke of Blackmoor was no longer the same man he had been in the past. He had received hereditary honors, and after successfully eliminating Milton, he was praised by the royal court. His daughter had even been granted the title of County Princess, making her an influential figure at court. This banquet was especially grand, more so than any before.
Isolde had received an early notice and was expected to attend in formal attire. Prudence’s message was clear. Whether she liked it or not, she had to attend. After all, since the engagement was broken off, no one had come to propose to her. It was a good opportunity to make an appearance and show her face.
The person who came to invite Isolde was Priscilla. Priscilla gently took Isolde’s hand and kindly explained that everything had been a misunderstanding and that her grandmother held no ill will towards her. The words were sweet and convincing, saying that they were all family and that her grandmother was only thinking of her best interests, even trying to find her a suitable marriage match. Priscilla also brought a headpiece, saying that it was a gift from Prudence. It was supposed to be given to her on the day she returned, but some misunderstandings had delayed it. Priscilla repeatedly reminded Isolde that when in public, she must show the utmost respect to Prudence, not allowing anyone to mock her.
Isolde was deeply moved by Priscilla’s words. She was so touched that she almost immediately wanted to apologize to Prudence. She kept holding onto Priscilla’s hand, asking her to convey her apologies and assuring her that after the banquet, she would personally beg for forgiveness.
Priscilla expressed her satisfaction with Isolde’s thoughtful and obedient attitude. The two of them exchanged pleasantries, from everyday matters to how they felt that day. Overall, their conversation was very pleasant. Priscilla made sure that Isolde would attend the banquet, and Isolde ensured that Priscilla would pass on her apologies to Prudence.
Everyone was happy.