The Lady Nun Vows Revenge by Caroline Rowland

The Silent 188

Chapter 188

"Serenity," Nolan said softly, brushing away the tear that slipped down Eliza's cheek, "don't grieve for someone who never loved you. He's not worth it."

That one sentence struck straight to the heart.

"You're right," Eliza whispered, taking a deep breath and forcing the sorrow back down. "He never was."

"Don't let it bring you down,” Malaki added gently. “You may no longer be part of the Stonor family, but you are a Padilla. You carry Caroline's blood-you belong to us."

"Don't let it bring you down,” Malaki added gently. “You may no longer be part of the Stonor family, but you are a Padilla. You carry Caroline's blood-you belong to us."

It was the truth. And with the pain now spoken aloud, Malaki's heart began to lift. For years, he had thought the Padilla family line had ended, but now-with her return-the family had hope again.

"You're right, Malaki,” Eliza said. "I may have left the Stonor family behind, but the Padilla family... that's still mine."

She hadn't felt a deep connection with her mother's side when she was young- her maternal relatives had fallen early, and the bond had faded. But now, something had shifted. There was a strange but certain sense of belonging taking root in her chest.

"I'm Caroline's daughter. Of course I'm a Padilla."

She smiled. “Besides, Mr. Stonor already erased my name from the Stonor family registry. If I'm going to be listed anywhere, it'll be in yours."

"Yes! Yes, we have a family tree-we do!" Malaki's eyes lit up. "Back then, Mr. Padilla knew the path ahead would be dangerous, so he left behind some heirlooms just in case. When the family fell, I brought them here to keep them safe. I never had a chance to give them to Caroline-but now that you're back, they're yours. Come on, I'll show you."

He turned to lead the way, but then suddenly paused and looked toward Nolan. "Your Highness, would you mind waiting here? This is a family matter-Eliza and I will be right back."

Nolan gave a small nod. He had no objections-this was Padilla business, after all, and it wasn't his place to intrude.

That one sentence made Nolan straighten where he stood.

Malaki turned back and studied Nolan for a long moment, then nodded slightly.

quietly. "I'm not Gabriel. And I never will be." His voice was steady, but his heart was a storm. She trusted him-and he would be worthy

at Nolan, then muttered

friends. Trusted friends,

watching her boundaries a

missed

wasn't

eyes widened slightly, and after a moment's pause, he walked straight over to Nolan. "Forgive me for asking, but...

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Chapter 188

said, tone

blinked, then gasped. "Wait-you mean the Bennett family? You're that prince from

an

remember. After all, the Bennett family was wiped out when he was just an infant. He'd grown up alone-the

a twist of fate! After all these years, the Padilla and Bennett families are connected

head slightly. "Connected?

+83)

was too young when his family fell to remember much about their history.

Malaki knew things even he

said, his voice warm with nostalgia. "Your mother and Caroline were the closest of friends in their youth. The Bennett and Padilla families were deeply bonded because of them. They visited each

Eliza and Nolan

1

pact-to betroth their future children. If one had a boy and the other a girl, they'd be matched from

nearly burst

A childhood betrothal with Eliza? The Padillas had one daughter. The Bennetts had

ridiculous how giddy he felt- like a lovesick teenager. He hadn't

trying to sound composed while discreetly pressing a fist to his lips. "Is it

She stared at Nolan, eyes wide with suspicion. Something about this felt