Chapter 16
Seeing this, Clarissa quickly rushed forward, eager to protect Arabella.
But Charles grabbed Arabella’s collar in one swift motion, a cold, ruthless look flashing in his eyes.
Clarissa gasped in shock, “My lady!”
She dared not move any closer, terrified that Charles might do something worse and harm Arabella.
Arabella gritted her teeth, struggling to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall.
Rage flooded through her, overwhelming her senses, and in that moment, a murderous glare filled her eyes. She thought, ‘One day. I would make this beast pay–hundredfold, thousandfold
Behind the screen. Tristan clenched his fists. With the last bit of his composure, he forced himself to calm down.
Arabella didn’t want anyone seeing her in such a pitiful state. He thought, If I go out now, my identity would be exposed, and what would happen to her then?
Charles.. the Duke’s estate. The loss of this family wouldn’t affect the Urghpool too much.
Charles’s gaze grew darker as he looked at her. If the situation allowed, he would have taken her right then and there.
Once he had claimed her, she would be more compliant–she wouldn’t keep talking about separation. Maybe he could even get her
pregnant
and trap her forever.
Arabella met his eyes, her fury bubbling up uncontrollably. Without warning, she raised her hand and slapped him hard across the face.
The sharp crack of the slap echoed in the room, and Charles’s head jerked to the side. Seizing the opportunity, Arabella broke free from his hold.
Clarissa rushed forward, immediately throwing her arms around Arabella, her tears falling like a broken string of pearls. “My lady..
Arabella managed to stay calm, glaring coldly at Charles. “You really are nothing but a mad dog.”
She turned away after saying those words, linking her arm with Clarissa’s, and walked out without a second glance. She was mostly worried that if they kept struggling, Charles might discover Lord Swan hiding behind the screen.
Charles watched her retreating figure, unable to stop himself from pressing his tongue against the numb spot on his jaw where she had slapped him.
He thought. Not allowed to touch you? You wouldn’t get a say in that. One day, I would claim you for myself.
Soon after Arabella left, Charles’s personal servant, Jess Conway, entered from outside.
“Mr. Farrow, why are youarguing with Mrs. Farrow again? We urgently need money to build connections in the military. You should be trying to win over her,” he said.
Charles straightened his sleeves, speaking in a measured tone. “Once I have her, she’ll naturally be on my side. Why should I stoop begging for her attention? Go back to the mansion”
The footsteps gradually faded, and Tristan pushed open the screen, stepping out.
Charles’s words, “Once I have her,” kept echoing in his mind. A bloodthirsty smile curled on his lips
Since ascending the throne, he had focused on self–discipline, refraining from unnecessary bloodshed. But the Farrow family would be the first to be purged now that he was in power.
“Lord Swanreau“The leader of the shadow guards. Fredric Bowers, appeared silently behind him. He reported on the three tasks Arabella had given to Henry
After listening, the killing intent in Tristan’s eyes faded, replaced by a calm smile. He had known Arabella wouldn’t just let the Farrow family push her around. She had something big planned
“Go investigate who Charles is trying to win over in the military Look into every single person, and don’t miss any generals, especially those from the northern border. he satıl.
Bribing border generals was a serious offense, and if any generals were found to have rebellious intentions, the officials behind them would share the blame. If Charles was courting death, Tristan wouldn’t mind sending him on his way.
Fredric responded, “Yes,” before silently disappearing out the window.
He had just left when Henry hurriedly walked in, “Sir, I’m terribly sorry, but my young lady had to leave urgently. She asked me to come and let you know that we can still go ahead with the business deal.
Til handle all the follow–up from here, and if you need anything, you can come directly to me.
Tristan gave a slight nod. From the moment she rushed out of the room, he’d known she wouldn’t be coming back to see him. The rare chance to spend time together had been ruined by that good–for–nothing Charles. It was such a letdown.
“Alright, I’ll have my manager take over. Thank you for your help.
Henry immediately responded with several polite words of gratitude.
After exiting through the back door of the jewel shop, Tristan walked straight toward the carriage waiting in the alley.
Outside, James, who had been waiting, saw Tristan emerge with a dark expression, and his heart sank.
He thought. ‘Hasn’t His Majesty been going to meet Arabella? Why does he look so serious? Did they part on bad terms? Or… did he not get what he was hoping for?”
Coughing nervously, James pushed aside his unsettling thoughts and cautiously approached. “Your Majesty, should we head back to the palace?
Tristan paused for a moment, then asked, “Is your sister close with her?”
James blinked, confused. Why is His Majesty suddenly asking about this?
Seeing Tristan’s displeased expression, James quickly answered, They were very close before she got married, and even now, they still meet about once every two weeks.”
Tristan’s thoughts lingered on the image of her hurried departure from the room, and his gaze grew darker.
He thought. ‘She must be feeling fragile and helpless in that moment. Maybe now is exactly when she needs someone. Those two maidservants are close to her, but their humble backgrounds and limited perspectives can’t offer much support
your sister to go spend some time with her tomorrow.
James was taken aback, then quickly responded, “My sister is newly pregnant and suffering from severe morning sickness”
Seeing Tristan’s face darken further, James quickly changed his approach. “I’m also worried that her mother–in–law, Princess Celia Sos won’t let her leave the house.
Tristan shot him a side–eye. Tm sure you’ll figure out a way,”
James was speechless. He thought, ‘Is it really necessary to put me in such a difficult position? I have already risked angering the Empress Dowager to arrange a private meeting between His Majesty and Mrs. Farrow.
Now, I am being asked to offend Princess Celia too? Doesn’t His Majesty feel any guilt?
In the carriage to Duke’s estate, Arabella gently wiped away the tears from Clarissa’s eyes, then playfully poked her forehead.
“Why the tears? I was bitten by a mad dog–should I bite it back?” she asked.
Clarissa sauled through her tears. But after a couple of laughs, she suddenly seemed to remember something, and her face shifted to
one of concern.
“My lady, the young man who was discussing business with you–did he overhear your conversation with Charles? Do you think he’ll spread it around?” Clarissa asked.
Arabella paused. The humiliating scene had been witnessed by him. She thought, “How could I ever face him again after this?
23
Chapter 16
She had originally planned to tell Clarissa about Lord Swan’s true identity, but now she had second thoughts. She and he would probably never cross paths again.
“That young man is reasonable. He won’t go around gossiping. Don’t worry” She quickly changed the subject, “I wonder how Daphine is doin
“Is her morning sickness still as bad? I can’t really go to Princess Celia’s estate like this–it would just make her worry more
