The Swordswoman's Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 26 Let You Off

The Duke of Blackmoor’s eyes flared with anger. “Are you so unwilling to call me father?”

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Isolde’s voice was icy, her gaze unyielding. “Why must we keep up this pretense? Before I was thirteen, I had no father or mother, and I managed just fine. Why take me back now, only for appearances? You’re uncomfortable looking at me, and I’m disappointed in you.”

She added, “It would’ve been better to leave things as they were at least then I’d have a fond memory to hold on to. Tearing it open only reveals blood and cruelty, nothing more.”

The Duke stiffened. That one beating had shattered her trust completely, driving an insurmountable wedge between them.

“I know nothing I say will matter,” he admitted heavily. But if you still wish to marry into the Marquis’s household. I will fight for you. If nothing else, I can ensure you the position of the first wife.”

Isolde let out a cold, scornful laugh. “No, I won’t take what isn’t mine. I’ll only reclaim what is.”

The Duke frowned, taken aback. “What is yours?”

A sharp glint flickered in her eyes. “My mother’s dowry

His brows drew together in thought. “Your mother’s dowry is yours by right. But part of it lies with your stepmother, Matilda. The rest remains with your grandmother.

“I want Matilda’s share back now,” Isolde replied evenly. As for that old woman Prudence… If you have any regard for my mother’s memory, then stand aside. Do nothing.”

Her unrelenting tone and her refusal to even call Prudence politely unsettled him. The bitterness in her words was unmistakable.

“If you don’t overstep your bounds, I won’t intervene,” he said at last. “But if you take things too far…”

Tll only take back what is mine,” she cut him off, a chilling smile on her lips. “If they give it willingly. I won’t harm a hair on their heads. If not…” She trailed off, but the menace in her voice was clear.

The Duke’s expression hardened. “I’ll see that Matilda returns what’s due. As for your grandmother, she’s far off in Caelmont-

when

face darkening. “Your grandmother would never covet such a thing. She’s merely keeping it in trust. When

place so much faith in kinship, Isolde said with quiet disdain. “Especially where there’s no blood. Even those

wore thin. “You’re speaking madness.

“The day you told me to come to you if anyone bullied me, do you remember? I said there was

Let You Off

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stand up for me. Since I was a child. I’ve learned to rely on

silent, her words cutting deeper than he cared to ad

last, his

speak like this, he

all despise me for my harsh words, yet no one questions the ugliness of

a change in topic. “How did

was drugged and taken away. I told Helena to send word to you, but the housekeeper intercepted her. He kidnapped her brother to force her to

such lies!” the Duke roared, his face

and mocking. “Had Helena reached you. you’d be celebrated as the hero who brought down the bandits.

veins in

escaped sooner,” Isolde said quietly, her voice edged with bitterness. “But I learned the heir was at Wolf Mountain. I thought I’d stay and act as an informant. I trusted Helena would reach you. 1 thought you’d come to rescue me, and we’d win a victory

did it come to? I fought, I bled…

voice was frosty. “With Marshal Blackwell and his wife at his back, how could he not act with such gall? If I were gone, Eleanor would step into the Marquis’s household without a

struck silent, his blood running cold. Beneath each layer, the truth unraveled, and

met with aloof indifference. Now the truth was plain: Milton had

meant to force the Marchioness’s hand and hasten Eleanor’s place in

through him. He spared Isolde

felt her own tension

had

Blood and tears alone care the

26 Let You