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

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

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12:51 Fri, Mar

Chapter 29 Truth

Finished

hadn’t intended to bring this up tonight. He had always avoided trouble in the household, choosing peace over confrontation. But Matilda’s words had struck a

look at her clothes? You distrust me? After all these years as husband and wife, you don’t trust me

resolute. “No, I don’t.

disbelief in her eyes. For years he had entrusted her with everything–Prunella’s

her voice trembling with outrage and grief. “And you repay me with this? Geoffrey Langley, how can you

would have melted any other

on his failings toward Isolde, let alone Matilda.

for this woman–this second wife who meant

he turned and strode from the room, the

Orchid Chamber. I’ll

Ever since her death, it

by anyone.

into the chair, her tone sharp with defiance. “Fine. Fine! Don’t come if you like, but don’t think I’ll hand anything over. Not only will

to challenge the Duke. Promise him for now. Even if you give up those

woman–no matter what you give her —will return

panic, she’d nearly forgotten

in combat, and stood more than half

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

she presented herself to Geoffrey in that very outfit.

sharply to

Harlan shrugged. “Nothing

fit her properly. Immediately. Geoffrey couldn’t let Isolde appear before the court looking so absurd.

by Fri, Mar

Chapter 29 Truth