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.

when it came down to it, he had acted as

had handled it like a

the anger rising within him. After a moment, he set his

had been waiting for a short while when Doug entered.

to greet him. “Mr. Becker, I appreciate you seeing

Li–L

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Be Cast Aside

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Becker, I came today regarding the situation at Montlins Manor. As you know, it was merely a misunderstanding between sisters. There is no

if you’ve come seeking a favor, then on any other matter, I might grant it. We have been acquaintances for over a decade, after all. But

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

Doug, shutting the door in

it is not as serious as you think,” Geoffrey argued. “Isolde

dropped to an arctic chill. “If I had not returned in time, do you think Isolde would

in Doug’s demeanor sent an unexpected chill down Geoffrey’s spine. He had known Doug for many years. People spoke of Doug’s ruthlessness, but Geoffrey had never feared

in this moment, as Doug’s icy gaze locked onto him, he

continued, his voice unwavering. “Isolde is your daughter. Whether you choose to protect her or not is your decision. But she is my apprentice. From 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 camaraderie. But you stood by while others

words hit him harder than he expected.

thing—if you

would harm

another word, he turned to the guards outside. “Escort him out.”

common petitioner. He was accustomed to being treated with respect, even now when he held little power.

quickly turned to

was so special about Isolde that Doug

darkened. “If that is your stance, then I

turned and

fingers trembling with suppressed rage. “Unbelievable.”

back of the hall, where he had been listening the entire time.

is not a heartless man. And yet, when it comes to this daughter of his, he

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