The Swordswoman's Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 29 Truth

Geoffrey said nothing, but his face darkened, a storm brewing behind his silence.

Finished

Seeing his lack of response as consent, Matilda pressed on. “Didn’t you ask me to arrange a match for Harley? The estate is little more than an empty husk now. Even if we secure a marriage, we can’t send a shabby betrothal gift. You’re the Duke. “Your status demands a wedding befitting your title. With this gold, we can host the banquet in proper splendor. It’s your face we’ll be saving, after all.”

Geoffrey’s expression remained inscrutable, though his eyes hinted at something deeper. “Didn’t Prunella leave a manor and shops that brought in money every month? How has the estate been reduced to this- an empty shell?”

Matilda looked aggrieved. “The manor’s been parched with drought these past two years–there’s been no income. As for the shops, poor management has run them into the ground. They barely sustain themselves, and when they don’t, I’ve had to use household funds to keep them afloat. The larger sums are in Mother’s care; whether they yield profit or loss, I cannot say.”

Geoffrey considered her words for a long moment before replying. If the manor is barren and the shops. are failing, then hand them over to Isolde. They belonged to her mother and will be hers sooner or later.”

Marilda gasped. “Hand them over? To her? She’s a young girl! How can she possibly manage manors and shops? Besides, those were Prunella’s dowry, yes, but she’s been gone for years. Her dowry is part of the family estate now. Handing it to Isolde? People would lk! Even if we agreed, the gossip would destroy her.

Geoffrey’s voice turned icy. “I’ll not stomach the theft of Prunella’s dowry. Even if I could, my conscience wouldn’t allow it. What do I care for the whispers of outsiders if her mother’s legacy is returned to her rightful hands?”

Matilda’s composure faltered, her voice rising in panic. But what about Harley? You must think of him! Isolde will marry out one day, and if she takes the manors and shops, what will he have left?”

Geoffrey’s tone sharpened. “Harley is a man. Let him make his own way in the world. Did I rely on anyone. when I earned my title? No–I fought for it with my own two hands. If he desires wealth or power, he must earn it himself.

Matilda paled. “Are you saying you won’t even pass down your title to him?”

Geoffrey’s gaze hardened. “We’ll see what he’s capable of. If he remains as useless as he is now, then giving him anything would be a waste.”

Matilda recoiled, stunned. “How can you be so cruel? He’s your son!”

Geoffrey’s chest tightened at her words, as though something had crushed his heart.

Harley was his son, yes. But Isolde was his daughter–the daughter of the woman he had loved most in this

world

her. Even after bringing her back, he had turned a blind

always a sum marked for Isolde’s clothes and jewelry. Yet I visited the Pearl Tower this evening and saw barely a handful of garments. Where has that money gone? Who were the clothes

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Chapter 29 Truth

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to bring this up tonight. He had always avoided trouble in the household, choosing peace over confrontation. But Matilda’s words had struck a nerve–and

at her clothes? You distrust me? After all these years as husband and

was cold and resolute. “No, I don’t.

had entrusted her with everything–Prunella’s legacy, the estate’s holdings, the entire

and soul into this family,” she sail, her voice trembling with outrage and

expression would have melted any other man’s heart. But

on his failings toward Isolde, let alone Matilda.

for this woman–this second wife who meant

have three days.” he said coolly. “Return everything of Prunella’s to Isolde. With that, he turned and strode from the room, the sweep of his cloak marking

he ordered, “Harlan, prepare the Orchid Chamber. I’ll move there

since

by anyone.

but don’t think I’ll hand anything over. Not

there’s no need to challenge the Duke. Promise him for now. Even if

right. What’s the point? A dying woman–no matter what you give her —will return it to

panic, she’d nearly forgotten the plan.

up on the estate, trained in combat, and stood more than half a head taller than Michelle, who had known only a pampered

short on Tsolde. The sleeves stopped at her wrists, the hem dangled awkwardly at her calves, and her green satin shoes peeked out, plain for all to see. It was an

to Geoffrey

froze, his anger obvious. He turned sharply to Harlan. “Is

Harlan shrugged. “Nothing

to fit her properly. Immediately. Geoffrey couldn’t let Isolde appear before the court

by Fri, Mar

Chapter 29 Truth