Chapter 337 Crumbling Under Pressure

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Isolde’s voice was cold and sharp. “I must say, your words are quite astonishing. Oliver is a general, a commander of soldiers, a protector of this land. It has never been his duty to concern himself with trivial household matters. That has always been the order of things–men rule the outside world, women rule the home. Or does the Felton family not follow this principle? Tell me, when Arthur takes a concubine, does he not consult you first?”

Agnes let out a slow, chilling laugh. “What a sharp tongue you have.” Then, her expression turned icy. “No matter how eloquently you speak, at the end of the day, you’re simply watching Cristina die without lifting a finger. Do you have no heart at all? If Cristina hadn’t stepped aside, would you even be standing here today as Oliver’s wife? The very fortune you enjoy was given to you by her! And now, she doesn’t even ask to take your place–only to be a concubine. That is what a concubine is meant to be, after all! And yet, here you are, barely a day into this marriage, already jealous and petty. With a heart this narrow, how do you expect to ever command the Sharp family as its matriarch?”

She then turned to Allan and Pablo. “Grandfather, Father, I will not deny that Cristina has made mistakes. She is stubborn, and yes, she has acted recklessly. But this is still a human life we are speaking of. She has tried to end her life twice in one night–can you not see how deeply she feels for Oliver? Grandfather, you are a man of rules and tradition. Look at Cristina–her lineage, her reputation, her talent and beauty. Would being a concubine truly be beneath her? If not, then why not grant her this position? It would cost Isolde nothing–she would lose nothing–and she would gain the reputation of being generous and magnanimous.”

Allan did not appreciate Agnes‘ pushy attitude, but logically speaking, this was indeed the simplest solution.

So, he turned to Isolde. “Isolde, do you agree?”

Before Isolde could respond, Pablo stepped in, bowing slightly. “Father, this is unreasonable.”

Allan silenced him with a single look. “Sit down. I am speaking to Isolde.”

Allan’s gaze

remained fixed on Isolde, waiting for her response.

She stood slowly, her posture regal and unshaken.

“I do not agree.”

Agnes‘ head snapped up. “You would truly stand by and watch her die?”

Isolde’s voice remained calm 9

her eyes piercing.

“In this world, everything worth having must be earned. I did not become Oliver’s wife because Cristina ‘allowed‘ me to. I fought for this. When Oliver fell from grace, she was the first to abandon him. So tell me- what loyalty, what love, what devotion do you speak of?”

She took a slow step forward, her tone cutting like a blade.

when he returned victorious, when he was named Grand General, suddenly she changed her mind? And now, she is demanding a concubine’s position–using death as leverage? And if I refuse, I am the heartless one? I

words were sharp as steel,

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her from demanding my own position as wife tomorrow? Will I be expected

room had gone deathly silent.

I draw my own blade and slice my throat open? Shall I say that unless

in the air before adding, “I am not well–versed in poetry or philosophy, but I understand this much–nothing in this world comes free. And anything that does will never last. Nor will it earn respect. You may inform her that if she does not wish to remain here as a concubine, I will have her sent back to

paled, her breath caught in her throat. She hadn’t expected Isolde to be so

flushed

forward and kneeling

long before today. We have fought side by side, risked our lives for one another–not just as husband and wife, but as warriors on the battlefield. If Cristina had ever shown Oliver true kindness, had ever stood by him in

she not only abandoned

courtesy to

you have always upheld discipline and tradition above all else. But tell me–if Cristina were not Arthur’s sister, would you have tolerated this spectacle?

Allan was silent.

fingers on the

long moment, he turned to Oliver. “Oliver, tonight is an important night for you. Take Isolde and return

stood immediately. “Yes,

Cristina’s father was

had been turning to leave, stopped in her

her voice

“Silence!”

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imperial court knows that our Grandfather is a man of integrity–a man who upholds justice without bias. We have already disturbed him tonight with this nonsense. And now, you dare to pressure him using personal connections? Do you intend to sully his name? To make it appear as if he is willing to bend the

this would

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