Chapter 30 Chapter 30 Chapter 30 *46%A Raul let out a long sigh. "What Simon meant is that Margaery is a blessing. Everything we have today is thanks to her. "If I'd known this earlier, I would've never made her apologize to Tessa at the family party. That was so stupid" n Joshua kept quiet. Making Margaery apologize to Tessa at the recognition party was a decision made by him. Avery, Logan, and Raul together. Everyone thought that since Margaery had lived in the Chancellor's estate, enjoying all its wealth and splendor for so many years, she owed Tessa that apology. It was her duty. But now, thinking about it calmly, they realized it was never that simple. If that was the logic, then the five Wallen brothers should've apologized to Tessa too. After all, they had also grown up enjoying the Chancellor's estate's riches. Yet back then, none of them thought that way. "So, what do we do now?" Joshua could only look at Raul. Raul's face was lined with exhaustion. He replied, "Right now, we can only play it by car. Let's put Avery's matter aside for now. Once Dominic and Margaery's marriage is settled, there might still be a way to turn things around. "Dominic sent a message just now. Margaery mentioned at dinner that she plans to attend Janiyah's birthday party in ten days That shows she still wants to marry Dominic. After all, no matter what, Prince's a cripple. What future could she possibly have with him? "As long as she's willing to marry Dominic, everything else can be handled. Once a woman is married, she has to listen to her husband's family. "Even if Simon wants to protect her, he wouldn't interfere in someone else's daughter-in-law's affairs. "As for Dashnell, in his position, he can have any woman he wants. He won't lose his mind over another man's wife. No matter what, once Margaery is married, all of this will be over." Raul pressed his temples, wishing time could fast forward. He couldn't wait to send Margaery straight to Dominic's bed. Joshua frowned. "Given how things are now, we need to keep Margaery calm. Also, we can't let the marriage to Dominic be publicized yet." "You're right." Raul nodded. "Before it's done, we can't let Lady Serena or Prince Dashnell catch wind of it. We need to make sure everything's set in stone first." Raul added, "For safety, go meet with Dominic later and set up a situation to get Margaery into Dominic's bed as soon as possible. "Best if everyone knows about it. Though it'll damage the Chancellor's estate's reputation, that's better than letting things spiral out of control." Some things didn't need to be spelled out. But Joshua understood his father's meaning perfectly. Joshua nodded. "To achieve something big, we can't sweat the small stuff. As long as Dominic treats Margaery well after they're married, it doesn't matter if she suffers a little now. What outsiders say isn't nearly as important as having a husband who cares for her. "Once this matter's out in the open, no matter how stubborn she is, she'll have to yield. A woman's reputation, once ruined, leaves her no other choice. Her husband will be the only thing she has left to hold on to." 1/3 10:58 Thu, 21 Aug 6 610 Chapter 30 Raul agreed. "Go on, do it tomorrow." 46% Can "Perfect timing," Joshua said. "Pero Cela is having its grand opening tomorrow. Couldn't ask for a better opportunity," Raul waved him off. "Go find Avery. Have him prepare some drugs or incense, anything that can make her lose control. As long as it gets the job done." "I'll take care of it right away." Joshua turned and left in a hurry. Raul turned toward the portrait of his late wife hanging on the wall. His voice was filled with regret. "Dear, don't blame me for this. I've got no other choice. If Margaery keeps acting out, this family will be ruined. "It's my fault too. I didn't raise her right. That's why she's grown up so rebellious, she barely even acknowledges me as her father." As Raul spoke, tears rolled down his cheeks. "Please, forgive me this once." Under the night sky, Joshua pulled Avery aside and told him about the plan he'd just discussed with Raul. "Father wants you to prepare some drugs, anything that will make her lose her senses and forget everything afterward. "Once Dominic succeeds, Margaery's ties to Prince Dashnell will be completely severed." Avery's heart was filled with frustration with Margaery's reckless behavior. She had ruined his career prospects. Yet, hearing this plan still made him uneasy. "Joshua, isn't this going too far? "No matter what, we're still her family. Destroying her reputation, turning her into a shameless woman everyone spits on- don't you think that's a bit much? "Besides, if we go down this road, our family won't look good either. Wouldn't it be better to just send her to the Clan Court?" Avery cared deeply about appearances. Sending Margaery to the Clan Court would hurt her body, but destroying her reputation would disgrace the entire family. His own name would be tarnished as well. "You think I don't know this is going too far?" Joshua shot him a glare. "But this is all for you. Margaery was raised by me personally. "How much did I spoil her when she was little? It's my failure to discipline her that's led to this mess. "At this point, feeling sorry for her is useless. She has to bear the consequences of her own mistakes. "The Chancellor's estate raised her, gave her everything. If she refuses to repay that kindness and insists on dragging this family down, I won't stand by and watch." Joshua said, his tone brooking no argument, "Get to work. The family's interests come first. We can't worry about her reputation now. "When she gets married, we'll send her off with generous gifts. That'll be our apology." With that, Joshua turned and left. Suddenly, Avery remembered something. "Oh right, Phillipa came by earlier. I heard her voice. Didn't she look for you?" Joshua's eyes lit up. "When was this?" "About half an hour ago?" Avery wasn't sure. "You really didn't see her?" "No." Joshua was puzzled but didn't have time to think about it. 2/3 10:58 Thu, 21 Aug Chapter 30 46% 38) Right now, getting Margaery married was the priority. Joshua could only put the matter aside and head to the storeroom to arrange the dowry. But thoughts of Phillipa still made his heart race. His feelings for her weren't anything new. Joshua thought, "The last time I invited her over, I wanted to introduce her to Margaery. Somehow, I ended up offending her, and she hadn't spoken to me since. 'Now that she had come to the estate herself, surely that meant she had forgiven me, right?' Thinking this, Joshua decided that once everything here was settled, he would head straight to the palace to find her. For a moment, his heart surged with anticipation. Joshua strode quickly toward Russell's courtyard and called him out. "Russell, tomorrow when you go to Inkwell Academy, take Margaery with you." Russell had been sulking in his room these past few days. He hadn't touched any of the assignments his tutor had given him, brooding over the hairpin he had gifted Margaery, which she had then given to Tessa. The more Russell thought about it, the angrier and more wronged he felt. But in the end, Russell still believed it was his own careless words outside that had hurt Margaery's feelings and led her to give away the hairpin. Russell had been thinking of making amends. Hearing Joshua's words now gave him the perfect excuse to approach her. He nodded. "Alright, I'll take her." 3/3 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!