NovelFinishChapter 23 Did You Do It?
Finished
Isolde slowly lifted her head, fixing him with an icy stare. “You don’t know? That's unfortunate. | had thought... if
you gaveHelena'’s brother, | might spare your life. But it seems this deal is no longer on the table.”
She rose s
gracefully, advancing toward him. The butler stumbled back in terror, his feet fumbling clumsily.
With deliberate ease, Isolde plucked the dagger embedded by the bed. The cold steel caught the dim light,
flashing menacingly as she twirled it before him. Her smile sharpened. “I'll give you one more chance- where is
Helena’s brother?”
The butler swallowed hard. Mary's grisly end replaying in his mind. His heart pounded, but pride gave him a
shred of defiance.
“Lady Marilda.” he rasped, struggling to sound bold, I'm no bonded servant of the Duke’s house, nor was | ever
sold to it. If you kill me, you'll answer for it-you can’t escape the noose.
Isolde chuckled, soft and low. “A life for a life? Perhaps But.. Her gaze turned sharper, predatory. “Who's to say |
killed you?”
The dagger’s blade pressed against his cheek, the chill biting deep. The butler froze, petrified, afraid to move a
muscle.
“You... you'll regret this,” he stammered, his voice trembling despite himself. The Marshal and the Duke won't let
you go unpunished!”
The words had barely left his lips when Isolde’s hand moved. The blade swept in a clean line, slicing from the
corner of his mouth to his ear. Blood streamed down his face as he screamed-a sound swallowed instantly by the
rolling thunder outside.
Somewhere, Lady Cantrell fled, her skirts flapping as she disappeared into the storm. She had no mind to
intervene, leaving the butler to his fate.
The wind howled, the rain drummed ceaselessly, and no soul in the house dared cnear.
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At last, the butler’s spirit cracked. Sobbing through his pain, he croaked, “The woodshed... in my family’s
woodshed...”
Isolde’s lips curved into a cruel smile. She yanked him to his feet, her voice soft and mocking, “Lead the way,
then.”
The butler was dragged out. The pouring rain poured on his wound, making him cry out in pain.
At the shed, Isolde kicked the door open. A jagged bolt of lightning split the heavens, briefly lighting the inside.
There, huddled beside the firewood, was a small, trembling figure.”
Even in that fleeting light, Isolde saw the scars etched across the boy's face. Fury ignited in her eyes.
In one smooth motion, the dagger flashed again. The botler howled, and two ragged pieces of his ears dropped
to the muddy ground.
By the this wife arrived with the maids, Isolde was long gone.
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Chapter 23 Did You Do It?
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Duke's estate!”
The storm raged on, fierce as the end of days, shaking the heavens and tearing through the earth. It wasn’t until
dawn that the rain finally ceased.
At the Pearl Tower, the gates shuddered under a barrage of furious pounding-like thunder given form
Noelle opened the door to find Geoffrey striding in, followed by his butler with ears bandaged and Matilda trailing
close behind. fury written across her face.
In the yard. Isolde was planting vegetables. Noelle had brought back seeds earlier, and Isolde intended to scatter
them-simple labor for a life of self-reliance. She was a farmer returned to her place, knowing her role, as
expected.
Hearing the racket. Isolde slowly stood. leaning on her hoe for support. A cold, defiant smile played across her
lips as her gaze met the Duke's. “Well Your Grace, what an unexpected honor. To what do | owe this
visit.”
Geoffrey's face was shadowed with anger and disappointment. “You're incorrigible. Sneaking out last night to
seek revenge-what madness is this? If you've a scope to settle, then settle it with me. I'm the one who struck
you
Dragging her aching leg. Isolde limped forward, her voice sharp with mockery. “Your Grace, what accusation is
this? Speak plainly. But if you wishto raise my hand against you-my father, by name- surely such a sin would
invite heaven's wrath. | couldnt dare, could |
The butler broke in, his voice booming with indignation. My Lady, all I've done has been under His Grace’s and
Madam’s orders. If I've offended you. punish me! Kill me, if you must. But what right have you to harm my
family?
Isoldes laughter rang out, cold and cutting. Your family was harmed? Well, perhaps you’ve made one too many
enemies, and someone cknocking. Why lay that burden on me?”
Matilda's voice rose, sharp and angry. “Isolde, the builer is no common servant-you’ve no right to treat him so? If
he brings this to the magistrate, you'll not escape.
Then let him go,” Isolde said coolly. “But if you wish to accuse me, evidence will be required.”
Matilda scoffed. “Evidence? The butler’s wives saw you They'll testify against you.”
Isolde’s smirk deepened. “Very well. Let's take it to the High Magistrate. While we're there, I'll inquire about how
Constable Harmon draggedoff in the dead of night on a trumped-up murder charge. drugged me, and sent
Geoffrey's face paled. “What nonsense is this?”
Isoldes gaze turned to him, her voice low, steady, and bitter. “You've already judged me, haven't you? You asked
Helena, you questioned the guards, you listened to Lady Blackwell and the butler. You believe you've uncovered
the truth But tell me, Your Grace-did you ever ask me?”
Geoffrey's voice was cold. “The evidence is clear. How can you deny it? Even if | asked you outright, would you
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmadmit it?
The anger on Isolde’s face disappeared in an instant. She seemed to steady herself, her expression calm. her
eyes devoid of emotion.
12:49 Fri, Mar 7 F G
Chapter 23 Did You Do It?
“Very well,” she said softly.
Finished
Geoffrey froze, momentarily taken aback. He studied Isolde closely. Though not the most cunning man in the
court, he had dealt with enough people to recognize true grievance.
Could it be... | misjudged her?
No. The city guard had witnessed it firsthand. Helena had confessed. And the Duchess claimed Isolde had long
been consorting with a scholar, exchanging furtive glances and secret notes.
How could this be a false accusation?
Matilda seized the moment, her voice cutting through the silence. “Don’t change the subject, girl. You had the
gall to do it, yet none to own up to it? You injured the steward last night-admit it. Apologize and offer proper
compensation, and I'll see to it you're forgiven
Geoffrey turned back to Isolde, his tone grave. “Was it you?”
Standing alone, Isolde faced their scorn without flinching, her frail silhouette stark against the room's tension. “If
you say so.
“It really was you?” Geoffrey's disappointment cut deeper than his words. “You truly are... heartless.”
*Summon the authorities! Matilda screeched, her voice shrill with triumph. “She’s confessed-let her face the
consequences.
Isolde’s lips curved into a faint, mocking smile. “Go ahead. Call them.”
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