The Swordswoman's Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 58 Be Cast Aside

Harlan returned and relayed Isolde’s words exactly as she had spoken them.

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Geoffrey’s face darkened with fury. “She expects me to apologize to her? What has she done to deserve that? So unrelenting, so insufferable–no wonder even Margaret wouldn’t take her as a daughter–in–law. She would rather welcome a morally corrupt Eleanor than accept Isolde, the legitimate daughter of Duke’s estate.”

“You know full well that has nothing to do with Isolde’s character,” Harlan said evenly. “Margaret is simply strengthening her alliance with Milton. She needs military power in her faction.”

Geoffrey waved his hand dismissively. “No need to concern yourself. Let her act as she pleases. My relationship with Mr. Becker is longstanding–he will grant me this favor and drop the matter. And as long as he does not pursue it, the Velmont family will not dare to cast Michelle aside.”

“Michelle was clearly involved in framing Isolde,” Harlan reminded him.

“Sisters squabbling in the inner court is normal,” Geoffrey replied coldly. “But once such disputes spill beyond these walls, they become disgraceful.”

Then, after a pause, he ordered, “Prepare my horse. I will go to Southern Watch myself.”

Harlan hesitated for a moment, then let out a quiet sigh. “If Geoffrey had ever gone to such lengths for Isolde, perhaps she wouldn’t have become so hardened.”

Geoffrey’s expression twisted, something unreadable flashing through his eyes.

Doug had been busy ever since returning to Argentum.

He had spent the previous day in the palace for an audience with the King and had since been tied up at Southern Watch, investigating the Shadowmere case and the Wolf Mountain incident.

He had already pieced together the truth. Between Isolde’s and Lord Theodric’s abduction to Wolf Mountain, and all the strange occurrences surrounding it, Doug was no fool–he knew exactly what had happened.

“Mr. Becker, Geoffrey Langley has arrived,” his guard announced.

Doug’s expression remained unreadable, but his grip on his coffee cup tightened.

He had shared the battlefield with Geoffrey for years. He knew what kind of man he was. Geoffrey had told Oliver outright that Milton was entangled in this affair.

he

he had handled it like

rising within him. After a moment, he set

for a short

“Mr. Becker,

Li–L

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58 Be Cast Aside

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two sat down, and Geoffrey wasted no time getting to the point. “Mr. Becker, I came today regarding the situation at Montlins Manor. As you know, it was merely a misunderstanding between sisters. There is no need to escalate it any further. Let us put

seeking a favor, then on any other matter, I might grant it. We have been acquaintances for over a decade, after all.

aback. He had not expected Doug to reject him so outright. He had assumed Doug wouldn’t press the issue. But if there was even the slightest chance Isolde

the door in his face.

is not as serious as you think,” Geoffrey

sharp as a blade. His tone dropped to an arctic chill. “If I had not returned in time, do you think Isolde would

demeanor sent an unexpected chill down Geoffrey’s spine. He had known Doug for many years. People spoke of Doug’s ruthlessness, but

locked onto him, he felt the full weight of that reputation.

the day I took her in, I told her this: I will guard her honor, her life, and when the time comes, she will see to my death and my burial. “So let me be clear, Geoffrey–if you had insulted me personally, I might have overlooked it for the sake of our past

momentarily speechless. Doug’s words hit him harder

voice carried finality. “One last thing—if you will not protect

harm

without another word, he turned to the guards outside. “Escort

a common petitioner. He was accustomed to being treated with respect, even now when he held little power. No

quickly turned to embarrassment,

about Isolde that Doug would go

“If that is your stance, then I have nothing more

turned and

watched him go, his fingers trembling with suppressed rage.

of the hall, where he had been listening the entire

And yet, when it