Chapter 36 Selling the Estate:

+8 Pearls

On the outskirts of Argentum, there were three estates under Matilda’s management. One of them. Montlins Manor, had been secretly added to Michelle’s dowry–something Geoffrey was completely

unaware of.

And today, it was Montlins Manor that they were heading to.

Montlins Manor was far from Argentum. Even after leaving the city, it required another hour of travel by carriage.

Three carriages were used for the journey. Matilda, Michelle, and Eleanor shared one. Isolde rode with Jacqueline and Helena. The third carriage was cramped with maids and servants. As for Harlan, he followed behind on horseback.

The final carriage lagged behind, slowing the entire procession. By the time they arrived at Montlins Manor, night had already fallen.

Ryker was waiting in the darkness with estate workers, torches in hand. As soon as Matilda and Isolde stepped down, the overseer and laborers rushed forward, crowding around Matilda and Michelle with excessive enthusiasm while completely ignoring Isolde.

Helena, noticing the slight, whispered angrily, “They claim this is a handover, but Mrs. Langley hasn’t even introduced you properly.”

Isolde merely smiled faintly, signaling them to follow her inside.

Montlins Manor was vast, spanning over a hundred acres, with numerous farmhouses built to house workers and their families.

At its center stood a three–courtyard estate made of blue bricks. Though aged, it had clearly been renovated in recent years.

Ryker lingered at the back, waiting until Isolde passed before speaking coldly. “Isolde, don’t take it personally. The workers don’t know you yet, so they didn’t greet you.”

Isolde smiled slightly. “It’s alright. They’ll know me soon enough.”

Ryker let out a mocking laugh, adjusting his hat as if trying to hide the spot where his ear had been cut.

“We’ll see about that.”

Then, he turned and strode inside.

Inside the main hall, the estate’s overseers and housekeepers surrounded Matilda and Michelle, eager to please. Matilda, looking warm and benevolent, listened attentively to their concerns before addressing them one by one. “Randy, how’s your rheumatism? It hasn’t flared up again, has it? Estella, is your cough getting any better? Aviana, this is your third child, isn’t it? And finally, you have a son! Your late mother–in–law must be watching over you.”

her own family, proving just

a round of pleasantries did Matilda turn to business. “Since you’re all here, let me

someone.”

retired toured lealde and annaungad “This is tealda Beam now on cha will he managing

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36 Selling the Estate

have any concerns, you may bring them to her

+8 Pearls

Isolde, their expressions indifferent and half–hearted as they murmured.

pleasure to meet you

“Where’s Otto? Have him bring the manor’s account books for

muttered sarcastically, “Does Isolde even know how to read

stroked Leonis,

understands them or not is irrelevant. If she doesn’t, she can always have someone else review them

been running at a loss, just barely covering wages. This year,

quarters. Have the account books delivered to my room.

picked up Leonis

said? The estate has been losing money every year! Mother

Isolde replied smoothly, “If it’s such a burden, then there’s no need to keep it.

over the room. The estate workers paled. Selling the estate meant they would have to leave.

expression darkened. “Isolde, hold on. The manor belonged to

If I say I’m selling it,

matter.”

word, she walked away, completely ignoring the overseers whose faces

been standing outside the entire time. As Isolde exited, he merely glanced at her briefly, his face unreadable, saying

one came to escort Isolde to a room.

stormed in, face twisted with displeasure. “Isolde,

room.”

“And? Are the other

hesitated. “No, they’re all equally comfortable.”

ני

Selling the

12 Hourly

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