The Swordswoman's Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 189 Is That All?

40 Pearls

Upon hearing that Isolde had returned, Geoffrey immediately made his way to the Pearl Tower. But as he approached the towering gates, he slowed down, and then, just shy of crossing the threshold, he stopped entirely. A sudden wave of hesitation washed over him. He stood frozen, caught by an overwhelming sense of dread, as if a part of him couldn’t quite bring himself to face what lay beyond that door.

How could I have treated her that way? Geoffrey thought, the regret gnawing at his heart. How could I have been so cruel? I called her a disaster, a curse, and I lashed out at her–whipping her like she was nothing more than an animal. I let Harlan trick her into drinking the sleeping potion, pushing her away from Argentum, from this family…

She was the child that Prunella had sacrificed her life to bring into this world. Everyone had urged him to cherish her, but he had thrown her away like a stray dog, leaving her to rot in the Windermount estate for fourteen years, as if she were already dead. If it hadn’t been for the court’s pressure, he wouldn’t have even considered bringing her back. Geoffrey had once thought it better to let her live in some distant place, far from him, and die without ever crossing paths again.

Even these last two years, after Isolde returned, had he ever shown her any kindness? No, he hadn’t.

His mind drifted to the first time Isolde had come back from Windermount, hiding behind a large tree. watching him with those bright, hopeful eyes. How had he reacted then? He didn’t remember the words he had spoken, but he couldn’t forget the sight of her walking away, small and lonely, glancing back twice- each time with a flicker of hope, only to have that hope crushed by his indifference.

For two whole years, he had ignored her, and perhaps, in a twisted way, that had been better for her. At least she hadn’t had to endure his cruelty and coldness.

He looked at the dark gates of the Pearl Tower from a distance, and despite everything, he couldn’t move any closer.

That was Prunella’s daughter.

He remembered the day Prunella had told him she was carrying a girl. It had been a joyful moment, and he had told her it didn’t matter whether it was a son or daughter–any child of hers would be a treasure in the Duke’s house. Prunella had smiled then, and with her calculating mind, had said that she now understood why her own mother had provided so much dowry when she married, so that, if her husband didn’t treat her well, she wouldn’t have to rely on anyone.

She had said that when their daughter married, she would give her everything she had, just so she could live peacefully and without fear. She had vowed to protect their child with all her might.

Geoffrey had once believed in his deep affection for Prunella, but in truth, he had failed her.

And now, neither Prunella nor Isolde would allow him the chance to redeem himself.

He staggered away, unable to take another step toward the gates, oblivious to the figure standing in the shadows behind them. Isolde, having just emerged from her cold water bath, stood there in a flowi gown, her face pale and icy.

The suffering my mother endured was mostly due to your stupidity, Isolde thought, her gaze cold.

reen

pain settle in. After a brisk cold bath, she felt clear–headed and focused,

with

tray of medicine and kolde spoke her voice even “Do you want to

189 in That All

nodded. “As

“Then let’s go.

cast downward, she walked down the stone steps

+ Pearls

servants were around. Nicole and Martha had left to handle

returning and quickly approached her. “Ah, Isolde’s

her expression unreadable. “She’s sleeping?

into the room.

and shadowy, as Prudence, ever since her stroke, had become extremely

back the curtains. Light flooded the room, bright

resting on the bed, stirred slightly, and an

there?”

sleep and filled with a

years.

widening, though it was as cold as ice. As Prudence slowly opened her eyes. Isolde watched her with

me, Isolde. I’ve come to greet you, Prudence. How are you?” she asked, her voice dripping with

sweetness.

quickened, her eyes narrowing with pure venom. She twisted her mouth into a grimace, and through

laughed softly, the sound ringing with cruel amusement. “You don’t want to see me,

Ryker to

over without a word, ignoring the poisonous glare Prudence directed at him. He stepped back, standing silently, his posture calm.

mixture, her smile blooming like a deadly flower. “Don’t worry, this isn’t poison. In fact, it