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-

soon,” Isolde interrupted, her gaze sharp and calculating. “And when she returns, she’ll pass my

face darkening. “Your grandmother would never covet such a thing. She’s

said with quiet disdain. “Especially

thin. “You’re speaking

you told me to come to you if anyone bullied me, do you remember? I said there was no need–that I’d fight back myself. Do you

26 Let

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child. I’ve learned to rely on no one but myself. I’ve learned not to hope–hope only leads to

cutting deeper than he cared

last, his voice strained.

speak like this,

of cynicism. They all despise me for my harsh words, yet no

change in topic.

the carriage, I was drugged and taken away. I told Helena to send word to you, but the housekeeper

Duke roared,

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

in his temples standing out.

I trusted Helena would reach you. 1 thought you’d come to rescue me, and we’d win a victory together. I hoped that, perhaps, you’d finally look- upon me kindly. Maybe then my days in

calm. “But what did it come to? I fought, I bled… and for what?” She gave a bitter, empty laugh. “Forget

he not act with such gall? If I were gone, Eleanor would step into the Marquis’s household without a single hindrance. A marriage like that would raise the Blackwells from river–dwellers to lords of the land.”

the truth unraveled, and its depth was darker and more venomous than he could

Now the truth was plain: Milton had always set his sights on a grander

for the talk of love yielding a child? Nonsense. A calculated maneuver, meant to force

Duke’s anger erupted. His face flushed, and his temper seared through him. He spared Isolde no further glance. With a violent sweep of

she watched him retreat, so consumed by fury, Isolde felt her own

answer evaded her. Her path had always been a

and tears alone care

Let