Chapter 39 Chapter 39 " Joshua's harsh words masked deep panic. He had no idea what truly transpired upstairs to cause this disaster. He stared at Margaery, his pupils trembling slightly. Margaery saw through his fear. A cold laugh escaped her lips. "Instead of questioning me, Joshua, perhaps you should explain what you put in my food today. "The moment I went upstairs, I felt dizzy with a stomachache and broke out in rashes. I had no choice but to rush to the toilet." She stepped forward calmly, locking eyes with him. "Are you unaware of my allergy? Why was peanut butter in the salad?" Margaery pushed up her sleeve, revealing an angry, widespread rash. "She really is having a reaction. Doesn't look like she's lying," murmured someone nearby, peering at her arm. "Those rashes look severe." Joshua also saw inflamed skin on her arm. He hadn't expected Margaery to actually have an allergic reaction. Margaery moved closer, her gaze piercing. "Joshua, answer me. Why did you try to hurt me? Have you forgotten I nearly died from this allergy before?" "You!" Joshua couldn't answer, momentarily. The peanut butter in the salad was his oversight. Preoccupied with trapping Margaery, he'd neglected to instruct the kitchen about her dietary restrictions. He hadn't expected it would cause such a violent reaction and send her fleeing. Now, he had no plausible explanation. Seeing Joshua flounder, Avery jumped in. "Who believes you were just in the toilet? Even if you were ill, would it take that long? We finished an entire round of drinks before you returned." "Exactly. We didn't see her when we arrived. That was at least half an hour ago, easily," another guest concurred. Dominic adopted a wounded expression. "Margaery, I only came upstairs to fetch you for the party. I never imagined this would happen." Nathaniel looked at Margaery. "Lady Margaery, you need to explain where you've been during that extended period. Otherwise, suspicion remains." Dominic immediately echoed, voice trembling with feigned hurt, "Margaery, we grew up together. Even if you don't wish to marry me, must you scheme against me like this?" Dominic's eyes were red-rimmed, looking extremely aggrieved, as if Margaery had wronged him. "I schemed against you?" Margaery almost laughed at the absurdity. "You defile my wet nurse's memorial tablet with Tessa in this vile act, and you dare smear me?" Margaery's hand shot out, landing a stinging slap across Dominic's face. Crack! Dominic reeled from the unexpected blow, his cheek instantly reddening. He stared at her, stunned. "You struck me?" "I strike a man without shame, Margaery retorted, her other hand swinging to deliver a second, equally forceful slap to his other cheek. "Margaery!" Joshua finally reacted, lunging forward to seize her wrist. His pupils shook with panic as he clung to the time discrepancy. "You still haven't explained where you were all that time." Margaery turned her head to meet his gaze. Her tone dripped with sarcasm. "I met Prince Dashnell downstairs. We talked for a while. Would you like me to invite him to testify, Joshua?" 1/3 11:02 Thu, 21 Aug 3D Chapter 39 46% If it hadn't been for Dashnell today, she truly would have been destroyed. A sharp glint flashed in Margaery's eyes, a mix of tears and determination. Joshua paled under her stare. "You mean Prince Dashnell is downstairs?" Anxiety surged. He released her wrist involuntarily. Purple bruises were already blooming on Margaery's skin, the clear imprint of five fingers stark evidence of Joshua's brutal grip. Margaery looked at the marks, her heart turning to ice. In her previous life, she'd been a fool, trying to win back this viper's nest of a family. She would not repeat that mistake. Margaery lifted her head, her gaze sweeping over Dominic and Tessa. She said, "These two committed this act before my wet nurse's memorial tablet. Today, I demand an explanation. Otherwise, I will go pound on the palace gates and demand justice, and then no one will know a moment's peace." "Margaery, this is a family issue. Why involve the court?" Joshua flew into a rage, roaring sharply. But Joshua was already putting on a bold front to hide his weakness, and no sooner had he spoken than his gaze drifted involuntarily to the floor below. If Dashnell truly was below, this ceased to be merely a Chancellor's estate scandal. It could explode into something far greater. Joshua knew he couldn't contain it if Dashnell intervened. Joshua's brow furrowed deeply. Desperate, he cast a pleading look towards Estelle. Estelle frowned, then turned her gaze on Margaery. "Margaery, have you lost your senses? Why would your wet nurse's tablet be in a place like Pero Cela?" She pressed on, accusation sharp. "It seems clear to me, you set this trap. You changed the incense and drugged Lord Dominic and Tessa. Honestly, does your flimsy excuse hold any water?" Estelle, daughter of Angelina but raised by Alicia after Angelina's death, naturally sided with the Chancellor's faction in this crisis. Estelle leveled a threatening glare at Margaery. "Margaery, if you can't provide a clear account of today's events, you will explain yourself to the Clan Court. Let's see how long your defiance lasts." Margaery looked up at the well-dressed Estelle. She was the daughter of Angelina and blood-bonded sister to Nathaniel. But after Angelina's passing, she'd been shaped by Alicia, the Chancellor's ally. Her defense of Joshua and Avery was predictable. In Margaery's previous life, Estelle had constantly wielded her status as a weapon, using any occasion to elevate Tessa and crush Margaery. Back then, intimidated by her power, Margaery would flee rather than confront her, allowing the slander to fester. But this time, she would not retreat. Margaery met Estelle's gaze steadily, her expression unflinching, her voice calm and measured. "Firstly, it was Joshua himself who claimed my wet nurse's tablet was here. "Were it not for his coercion and deceit, I would never have gone upstairs, and thus avoided being smeared with your filth." "Secondly," Margaery continued, "whether I go to the Clan Court is not yours to decide, Princess Estelle. Today hinges on evidence, not on who shouts the loudest." She held Estelle's gaze, utterly fearless. Estelle, coddled and revered since birth, had never been so openly defied. "You!" she hissed, fury contorting her features. 2/3 11:02 Thu, 21 Aug Chapter 39 " Estelle's hand rose, poised to deliver a vicious slap to Margaery's face. Margaery didn't flinch. As the blow descended, a cold, knowing smile flickered in her eyes. "Hold on!" Nathaniel's urgent command cut through the tension. He seized Estelle's wrist, pulling her back. His expression was grave as he shook his head. "Look at what she wears on her head" He'd never imagined that Margaery was wearing the jeweled hairpin hairpin the late king had bestowed upon Serena. Estelle froze. Her gaze fixed on Margaery's head. Her face darkened with shock and fury. "How is it that you're in possession of the hairpin granted by the late king?" AD Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!