Chapter 34 Chapter 34 ཊཱི་ 46% "So Lady Christina gave Russell a hard time. What's that got to do with me?" Margaery looked at Avery, trying to figure out his purpose for being here today. Avery was taken aback. Remembering his task, he held back from scolding her. "Just get in the carriage. A new restaurant called Pero Cela just opened. 38 "Let's go and give it a try. Dominic's already ordered food. He's waiting for us there. And about the prescription thing, I owe you an apology." Margaery glanced at him. 'If he's acting this strangely, there must be a scheme. What on earth are Avery and Dominic up to?" she mused. Seeing her hesitation, Avery urged, "Come on, it's freezing out here." He sounded genuinely concerned. "Fine." Margaery climbed into the carriage without another word. Avery relaxed slightly and offered her a candy. "Made it myself. Have a taste." "No, thanks. I've got a toothache." Margaery shook her head, refusing the treat. She wouldn't be fooled by such petty gestures anymore; it wasn't worth it. Avery frowned. The Margaery he used to know wasn't like this. She would happily take whatever he gave her, regardless of whether it was tasty or not. It was the first time she'd rejected his kindness. 'So the distance between us is real now, he thought, a pang of discomfort making him clench his fists on his knees. He turned and tossed the candy onto the snowy ground. Margaery caught his movement from the corner of her eye and gave a cold laugh. 'Now, he can't even pretend anymore,' she thought. The silence in the carriage grew heavy. Avery, feeling awkward, grasped for something to say. "Lord Dominic's birthday party is in ten days. What gift did you prepare? Need any help?" "It's handled. Don't trouble yourself," Margaery replied flatly. "Alright." After another pause, Avery continued, "Your wedding to Dominic is approaching. This morning, the Hadleys sent their formal proposal. "We need to start preparations here. Mother passed away early, so the arrangements for your dowry will fall to you." Avery added, "If you don't want to do the work yourself, hire someone. Have them work through the night; they will surely get it ready before the wedding. What style of bridal gown do you favor?" Thinking that after the wedding, Margaery would be forced to confess the prescription in front of Cillian and then be punished in the Clan Court, Avery felt a bit better. After all, it would be cruel for a young lady like her to spend the rest of her life in the Labor Division or Laundry Bureau. So Avery wanted to make things a bit nicer for her before that happened. "I am your brother, after all," he added. "If there's anything else you truly need, just tell me. I'll see you have it." Sitting so close, Avery's words grated on her nerves. Margaery turned her head sharply. "Is that a promise? Anything I want?" "Of course," Avery nodded. "Then I want nothing else," Margaery stated clearly. "I want that bolt of silk Queen Angelina gifted us a fortnight ago. I'll use 1/3 10:59 Thu, 21 Aug O S Chapter 34 it for my wedding gown." Avery frowned upon hearing this. "Impossible. That silk has already been given to Tessa." ཊཱི་ 46% Margaery gave a cold laugh that was sharp with scorn. Avery was left speechless for a while, his expression darkening. 38 "In that case, Avery," Margaery said, turning back to the window, "spare me empty promises. It saves me the effort of playing along." Avery stared at her profile, his eyebrows knitted tightly. He thought, 'It seems there's no mending things with her. 'So be it. The plan goes ahead today. She leaves me no choice. Avery tightened his grip on the vial of medicine and made up his mind. After getting off the carriage, he put the vial in his pocket and said to Margaery, "Oh, Margaery, about your birthday last time. "We were all so preoccupied with Tessa, and we didn't properly celebrate for you. We felt bad about it. So we arranged a little surprise for you upstairs. Why don't you go and take a look first?" "A little surprise?" Margaery looked up at the newly opened Pero Cela. The ground floor is where meals are served. The second floor is for taking refreshments. And the third, it seems, is for lodging. She couldn't figure out what kind of surprise would be waiting for her here, so she was on her guard. "You'll see when you get there," Avery said with forced warmth, gesturing vaguely upwards. "Last room at the end of the third-floor corridor." "All right." Margaery nodded but made no move towards the stairs right away. "I need to go to the toilet first." Avery instinctively reached out to stop her. But then he thought there was no reason to stop her from going to the toilet, so he let her go. Margaery quickly rounded the building towards the back courtyard toilet. Amber, who had been waiting anxiously near the rear entrance, rushed over. Glancing around to ensure they were alone, she whispered urgently, "I followed Lord Dominic here, but I dared not get too close." She continued, "But I overheard Lord Joshua plan to host other guests here later. Even Prince Nathaniel and Princess Estelle are expected. I don't know what they're up to, but it must be something serious." Amber clutched Margaery's hand, worries in her eyes. "Lady Margaery, you asked me to keep an eye out. Do you think they mean you harm?" Margaery's expression was grim. "Harm or not, I can't say yet. Listen. Go to the outskirts of the city and find Craig. "Tell him I'm having a party at Pero Cela and might get into trouble when I'm drunk. Ask him to come and help as soon as possible." Amber nodded fervently. "I'll go right away, Milady." Margaery pressed some money into her hand. "Get something hot to eat on the way." Amber took it and ran off. Margaery took a deep breath and turned towards the front entrance of Pero Cela. Just then, a figure left the balcony on the second floor of Pero Cela and entered the teahouse. He addressed the man seated by the window, "Your Highness, the Wallens have set a trap for Lady Margaery at Pero Cela. 2/3 10:59 Thu, 21 Aug Chapter 34 ཊཱི, 46% 38 "They plan to force Lord Dominic and Lady Margaery into an irreversible situation. They've even invited Prince Nathaniel and Princess Estelle to witness it. This could be quite a problem." The man by the window was Dashnell. His eyes narrowed dangerously. "Is that so?" he murmured, his voice cold. "Then find someone. Inform Tessa." "Right away, Your Highness." Leandro left quickly. A cold smile touched Dashnell's lips. "Push me downstairs." Adam stepped forward and pushed Dashnell out of the rear exit. Once settled in the waiting carriage, Adam asked, "Where to now, Your Highness?" "I'll wait here. Fetch me another carriage. We're going to the alley behind Pero Cela." Dashnell's voice, even in the depths of winter, held a chill sharper than the frost-laden air. Across the street, Margaery returned to Pero Cela. As soon as she entered the room, she saw Dominic coming downstairs. Avery and Joshua were already seated, but the other promised guests hadn't arrived yet. Seeing her, Dominic greeted her warmly. "Margaery, there you are. We've been waiting. Come and take a seat." A pleasant smile played on his lips. The sight of Dominic's amiable expression made Margaery feel a bit dazed. Ever since Tessa came, Dominic had never smiled at her like this. Every time they met, he either disliked her, forced her to apologize to Tessa, or called her jealous and vicious. Today, it was unexpected. 3/3 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!