hapter 46 A Warning

D

Margaret could no longer contain herself. The regal poise she had upheld so carefully cracked, her expression turning icy with fury. “Doug, are you trying to control everything?

*B Pearls

Doug laughed. A slow, easy laugh, as if Margaret’s words had been the most amusing thing he’d heard all day. “Everything? Why not?”

“You- Margaret nearly choked on her rage. “She conspired to harm her own sister, her own cousin! Her actions are vile beyond measure, yet you, an officer of the Eryndral Empire, dare to shield her? Do you not fear that the censors will have you impeached in the morning court?”

Margaret’s father, Donovan Shaw, was none other than the Imperial Censor himself a man whose very duty was to bring officials to justice.

“Impeach me?” Doug’s smile vanished in an instant, his expression turning as frigid as a blade’s edge. “If Mr. Shaw still has the nerve to impeach me, he is more than welcome to try.

Margaret’s heart skipped a beat. Doug was the master of political intrigue, an expert at spinning traps of injustice from thin air. Could it be that he had already made his move against her father?

“What do you mean by that?” she asked, her voice tight.

Doug’s gaze bore into her, his words sharp as daggers. “The entire empire knows that Mr. Shaw is a man of impeccable virtue–a beacon of integrity, a paragon of justice. And yet, the daughter he raised condones her own son impregnating an unmarried woman, then breaking off his engagement to the Duke’s family on baseless rumors. “She is a woman who knows neither honor nor restraint. And now, to avenge a child that is already lost, she has stirred up a storm without cause. I wonder–when Mr. Shaw hears of all this, will he still have the face to remain in court? He is the Imperial Censor, after all.”

Margaret’s breath hitched. Her father was known as a righteous man–but only when it came to other people’s wrongdoings.

He had never hesitated to criticize officials, nor even the King himself.

But when it came to his own family? He would protect them at all costs. Donovan Shaw’s household was notorious–his so–called “virtuous children” were the subject of endless whispers. But with his influence and a network of powerful protégés, he had managed to keep their scandals under wraps.

Yet William and Eleanor’s affair had already become the talk of the capital. Doug’s words were no idle threat. If he chose to expose this, there would be no hiding from it.

Margaret clenched her fists. “That is a matter of the Valen family. What does it have to do with my father?”

chuckled. “Oh, you’ll find out

“Well? What are you all

air, cold and accusing. “It seems Mr. Becker came prepared. You knew exactly what happened here today–before even asking. Tell me, had you already arrived? Were you

Geoffrey, is there anyone here today who did not come with their

Milton etiffened

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A

*8 Pearls

over the faces around him–faces filled with

he held his tongue. He had heard the testimonies. Even if Milton wanted to use Eleanor’s grudge against Isolde, he would never risk an unborn child. Besides, with

gaze sharp as it scanned the room. “Anyone who has seen

the ladies in attendance hastily shook their heads, waving their hands in protest.

becoming an official witness. And

They had only meant to extend a favor, but at this

you.

face turned deathly

Watch? A. d, his voice

My daughter barely escaped with her life. One way or another, I will see justice done.”

Watch.” Oliver’s strikingly handsome face was devoid of warmth, an icy chill rolling off him

he smiled. A slow, sharp curve of his lips. “I have no doubt that, once we’re back

voice turned silky, almost mocking. “For instance…. about Shadowmere. About Wolf Mountain.”

a murderous glare on Isolde. Then, a cold, hollow laugh escaped his lips. “Well, well… imagine that, he sneered. “To have committed such an atrocious act and

curling into a delicate, almost playful smile. “Do you know

eyes burning with a hatred so fierce, it was as if he wanted to tear her apart with

himself above the entire court of ministers and nobles. With

was. Humiliated. Thwarted. Beaten by this woman. And now, to hear her speak so lightly of it?

her feet, her sharp gaze sweeping across the room

everyone is as ruthless and scheming as you, Milton. There are those who still value justice over intrigue. While you and

warned me.”

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