Chapter 151 Plotting Against Pablo
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At breakfast this morning, Pablo seemed in high spirits, but since the happy news wasn’t official yet, he couldn’t bring himself to tell Geoffrey.
Geoffrey, on the other hand, was left in the dark, feeling increasingly suspicious that Isolde and Pablo were hiding something from him. But, out of politeness, he didn’t dare ask directly and just awkwardly went along with the meal.
Once breakfast was over, Pablo even urged Geoffrey to head to the courthouse, claiming he still needed to talk to Isolde for a while.
Geoffrey lazily said, “There’s nothing urgent at the courthouse today,” his mind racing to figure out what exactly they were hiding from him.
“Then you should go carly and return early. I’ll wait for you at dinner,” Pablo said, implying that he intended to stay at Duke’s estate all day.
Reluctantly, Geoffrey stood up, muttering, “Then I’ll leave you to it. I’m off to the courthouse.”
Pablo smiled. “Come back early tonight.”
Geoffrey thought, So it’s turned into a game of who’s the host and who’s the guest?
After Geoffrey left, Pablo’s expression shifted. He turned to Isolde with a more serious demeanor. “Isolde, tell me. What exactly have they done to you? Don’t try to hide it. I know everything, but I want to hear it from you.”
Isolde gently ran her fingers over the intricate carvings along the edge of the table, her eyes soft as she -answered, “The truth is, when two people marry, it’s meant to be for life. If there’s no love and their
temperaments are worlds apart, it’s impossible for them to stay together. William and Margaret made the right decision in calling it off–it’s for the best. At least I won’t have to sacrifice my entire life for it. As for whether I resent them or not, of course I do. I’m no saint. Anyone who’s been treated so cruelly, with such venom and coldness, would hold a grudge for years. But, well, what’s done is done. They backed out, but in the end, they didn’t gain anything from it, and I didn’t fall apart either. So, let’s just consider it even. We won’t bring it up again.”
The things in this life didn’t matter to her anymore. But the grudge of her past life, the betrayal and loss- those were things she could never forget.
Pablo was deeply impressed by her broad–mindedness. Who would’ve thought a young woman like her could possess such a heart? If she were a man… she’d be extraordinary.
“Good. Since you’ve let go of it, we won’t speak of it anymore. Tomorrow, let Geoffrey go to my estate to formally break off the engagement.”
“Is that really necessary?” Isolde asked.
“It is,” Pablo replied firmly. “Regardless of whether you end up with Oliver or not, the best outcome would be for you to marry him. If not, we can’t allow your reputation to be tarnished.”
“I don’t care about my reputation. If anyone judges me solely by my name, I don’t want their atter anyway,” Isolde replied.
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Pablo sighed, “You’re just like your mother…” His eyes darkened with a trace of melancholy, the memories of
many years aơ0 floodino hack—a time when there had been another foolish airl
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Chapter 151 Plotting Against Pablo
Isolde’s curiosity was piqued. “Pablo, did you know my mother before?
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“I did, Pablo replied, his gaze distant. “Back then, like your father, I was an officer under your grandfather.
Isolde understood that they must have their own stories to tell–stories of the older generation. It wasn’t something she could ask about, so she stayed silent
At the same time, Priscilla, upon hearing that Pablo had arrived, got an idea.
For the past few days, she and Vance had been running around, throwing money at anyone who might be able to help free Braden, but to no avail. Even worse, the authorities had banned her from visiting him because of her constant running around,
Just when she was feeling desperate, she heard Pablo had come. She was overjoyed.
Everyone in Argentum knew who Pablo was. A war hero fresh from a victorious campaign, he was now one of the hottest figures in town. If he could lend a hand, the High Magistracy of Argentum would have no choice but to give him some face,
Besides, the Valen family was in the wrong when it came to the marriage talks, so if Priscilla could use that as leverage, there was a good chance this could work out.
Without wasting a moment, Priscilla rushed to Blesertin to find Prudence.
Prudence had been not very well lately. The main reason was Isolde’s rebellion, but she was also anxious about Braden still being locked away.
She had given Priscilla a large sum of money to try to secure Braden’s release, but with no results, she was growing more frustrated.
When Priscilla arrived with her news, Prudence asked, “Do you know what Pablo is here for?”
“I heard he brought gifts, so it seems like he’s come to apologize because of breaking off the engagement,” Priscilla said.
“Has Margaret come with him?” Prudence asked.
“No, it’s just Pablo and a few of his men,” Priscilla replied.
Prudence thought for a moment and nodded. “That’s fine. If Margaret were here, it would be harder to talk. But with Geoffrey gone, now’s our chance.”
“Geoffrey’s gone? He left for the courthouse?” Prudence asked, surprised.
“Yes, he left,” Priscilla confirmed.
Prudence paused, then said, “Help me up. If we have an important guest, I can’t just sit here. I’ll go greet him myself.”
Priscilla eagerly nodded, “Mother, this must work!”
Prudence’s eyes gleamed with a dark, calculating light. “Don’t say too much later.”
“Of course,” Priscilla replied, her voice quiet, but her heart racing.
Prudence, followed by Priscilla and Vance, entered the main hall, where Pablo stood and immediately rose
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Chapter 151 Plotting Against Pablo
to greet them.
“Prudence, forgive me for not coming to see you sooner,” he said, a bit apologetically.
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Prudence smiled and gave a polite bow. “No need to apologize, Pablo. It’s me who need to apologize for not welcoming you properly.”
“Mrs. Prudence, you’re too kind,” Pablo said with a smile. “Isolde and I were just talking. Geoffrey had matters at the courthouse, so of course, he had to prioritize his duties.”
Priscilla and Vance stepped forward to greet him. “Pablo.”
“Mr. Vance, Mrs. Priscilla,” Pablo replied, returning the greeting.
Seeing how respectfully Pablo treated them, Priscilla couldn’t help but feel hopeful. She fixed her gaze on Prudence, silently urging her to speak up.
Prudence ignored her and, after taking her seat, asked a few polite questions about Pablo’s travels, offering compliments about his status as a pillar of the Eryndral Empire and a solid protector of the frontier.
Pablo responded modestly, smiling throughout.
Isolde remained silent, her head lowered. If Prudence and Priscilla had no ulterior motives, Isolde would
never believe it, no matter what.
Finally, Prudence broached the subject of breaking off the engagement. With a tone full of regret, she said, “When I first heard about the Langley family’s engagement to the Valen family, I was so happy I couldn’t sleep. I never imagined it would fall apart like this. It seems Isolde just isn’t fortunate enough for this kind of happiness.”
Pablo replied sincerely, “Mrs. Prudence, the Valen family acted too hastily. I’ve come today to offer my apologies, and I hope you can forgive us.”
Prudence waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, Pablo, there’s no need to apologize. The engagement was always forced. If it had gone ahead, it would’ve ruined these two young lives. It’s better this way, isn’t it?”
Pablo sighed. “Mrs. Prudence, your generosity puts me to shame.”
Though he didn’t know Prudence well, he had always been respectful toward his elders. And in this case, he knew the Valen family was at fault.
