Chapter 170 Grandmother Has Everything Arranged

Though Esme tried to hide her concerns, Isolde still noticed something was off with her.

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Esme, who usually prided herself on drinking water slowly and mindfully, had been gulping it down in large swallows. She had always said that good health began with good eating habits, chewing each bite carefully, sipping water in small, measured gulps, even when she was thirsty. But today, there was something different in her demeanor. Isolde didn’t question her directly but stuck to her own thoughts, convinced that anyone in Eastonburg wouldn’t just travel to Zloimond. Maybe Esme was still bothered by Rosemary’s reprimands and was feeling a little uncomfortable.

After dinner, Isolde sent Hattie back to Ryker’s place to continue looking after Marley.

As Hattie left, Harlan walked in, holding a jar of wine. “Oh, dinner’s over already? And you’re still thinking about stealing some food?” he joked.

Isolde laughed and went to greet him, taking the wine jar from his hands. “Haven’t eaten yet? Should I ask Esme to make you something?”

“That would be great. Harlan said, waving his hand dramatically. “I’m craving some meat, not vegetables.” He dropped down onto a chair, massaging his shoulders. “It’s been a tough day.”

Esme smiled. “Anyone who works has to be tired, right? Luckily, there’s still some meat in the kitchen. I’ll get it ready for you.”

“Much appreciated, Harlan said, settling in,

Isolde took a seat and asked, “What kept you so busy today? You look wiped out.”

-Harlan shrugged nonchalantly. “Someone’s dying, so I went with your father to check out the graveyard.”

Isolde raised an eyebrow. “Someone really going to die? Is it that serious?”

“Yeah, the doctor says not much time left, Harlan replied flatly.

Isolde paused, thoughtful. “Is that so?”

“You don’t believe me?” Harlan asked, sensing her hesitation.

Isolde gave a soft, detached smile. “It’s not about whether I believe or not. It’s about whether it affects me or

not.

she does die, things will settle down for you. After Prudence is gone, Geoffrey probably won’t be so

whether my life is stable or not…” She thought for a moment but let it go. Instead, she suddenly asked, “Isn’t it about

care of the paperwork

hadn’t expected Braden to be so cooperative. She thought with his nature, he’d try to escape. After all, Prudence had money–enough to bribe him to run away, change his identity, and live the life of a rich

L

Sat, 15 Mar

170 Grandmother Has Everything Arranged

sit

and Hazel, knowing his personality, made sure

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down without question. Whenever Harlan had alcohol, he

the

Harlan asked, noticing the absence of the

be here soon, Esme replied.

Pearl Tower lightened a bit. After all, with Prudence’s illness, everyone had been on edge these past few days, speculating whether it was real or just another of her schemes to trap the County Princess of Cromwell.

their glasses, he stopped them with a grin. “Hold on, you two. Wait until we’ve had a few more rounds. With your drinking, if we start now, we’ll have no fun before you both pass out.”

laughed. “That’s true. Esme can hold her liquor better, but Noelle’s pretty much a one–glass

he thought. She’s never treated us like servants. Growing up in this estate, she

drinks flowed, and the mood was light, with stories and laughter

But as Esme and Noelle continued drinking, Isolde and Hazel soon began to notice something wasn’t

strong that they

up, but before she could do much.

head spinning. Harlan… the

sad, apologetic expression. His earlier

Geoffrey only wants to send you to

worry,

to leave, he could have just

her to turn her suspicions on him first. The realization made him feel even worse. He was a straightforward man, never one for trickery. He gritted his teeth and muttered,

suddenly grabbed a chair and shouted, “Tll

tumbled to the floor, crashing loudly. Isolde’s vision blurred, and she crumpled, her body going limp. “Braden…”

into the carriage. I’ll follow

it wasn’t long before Geoffrey

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