Chapter 44 After today's fiasco, there was a whole mess left behind, and he had to deal with it right away. Tessa, however, was still unwilling to give up and tried to stir things up. She cautiously said, "Margaery actually left with Lord Bernard..." Watching Bernard's retreating figure, she felt a sour pang in her heart. Actually, one of the people watching the drama got it right. She really was just a country girl who'd never seen much of the world. After coming to the Chancellor's estate, the only men she ever had around her were a few of the Wallen family's heirs and, of course, Dominic, Margaery's fiancé. Dominic was the son of Seamus, the Lord of Rites, the nephew of Lady Alicia, and the cousin of Prince Marcus. That kind of status was already the highest she could ever hope for. And seeing Dominic fussing over Margaery and the two of them always laughing and chatting together, she couldn't help but feel jealous, so she wanted to scoffeel him away. But now that she finally had him, she realized Margaery had landed an even bigger catch! Not to mention Dashnell-he might have a noble title, but he was disabled, and no matter how high his status, it couldn't change the fact that he'd never have any heirs. But Bernard? He was the real deal, a true powerhouse! Morales's estate had its own army, and even the King had to rely on him. Bernard was the sole heir to all that power, which was a world apart from someone like the Lord of Rites, who only held a fancy title, or Dominic, who still had to split his family's fortune with three younger brothers. The difference was night and day. She was so jealous that her eyes were practically turning red. But Joshua couldn't be bothered with her feelings. He grabbed Avery and Dominic and pulled them along, tossing over his shoulder. "We don't have time for this. Let's get home and figure out what to do with Father." As he said this, he shot Tessa a glare. "Seriously, what are you even doing here? Aren't you supposed to be recovering at home? "Move it already! "You're just embarrassing yourself! With that, he strode off downstairs without looking back. Tessa stared at Joshua in shock, completely taken aback by the way he was acting. "Joshua, you..." I've seriously never been scolded like this in my whole life, Tessa thought, feeling a mix of disbelief and hurt. Tessa's eyes filled with tears in an instant, and she couldn't help but look at Avery. "Avery..." Avery, his face battered and swollen from Russell's beating, had lost all sense of dignity and couldn't be bothered with her. "Stop crying. Save it for when we get home. Everyone's watching!" He was all about saving face. Chapter 44 Aug After today's fiasco, he'd lost every shred of dignity and reputation he had. 45% Tessa felt like a knife had been driven straight through her chest, and almost instinctively, her eyes darted to Raul, hoping for some kind of support. This time, she finally got the message and didn't dare say another word. 38) Raul shot her a look, his brow furrowing in frustration. He turned to Avery and said, "Help her into the carriage. Once we're back, come find me in the study. Make it quick!" Then he gave Dominic a sharp glare. "You can't even handle something this simple?" Dominic swallowed his frustration, wanting to talk back but holding it in. "We really didn't see this coming. For now, let's just figure out how to clean up this mess." Raul felt a splitting headache coming on. Finally, he tossed out, "We're heading back to the Chancellor's estate. Go fetch your father and have him come over. I need to talk to him. And if Prince Marcus can come too, all the better. "But keep it quiet. Make sure no one notices." This was no longer just a question of whether Margaery would get married, and even the smallest move could set off a chain. reaction throughout the entire court. With Simon, Quinn, and Bernard all appearing at the same time, it was clear this had become a matter of court politics. To make things even more complicated, Margaery was carrying the title of the Star of Fortune. That was enough to leave anyone at their wits' end. Raul shut his eyes in frustration for a second, then quickly climbed into the carriage. Avery helped Tessa to her carriage behind the restaurant, his temper flaring. "Why didn't you come find us before running upstairs?" After everything that happened today, he just didn't feel the same about her anymore. That was seriously embarrassing. Tessa was on the verge of tears. "Avery, I was just worried about you..." In truth, she'd gone upstairs to stop Dominic and Margaery from sleeping together, to ruin their plan. There was no way she could have walked in through the front door. But she never expected that even after she got what she wanted-spending the night with Dominic-so many people would still stand up for Margaery. It just made her feel like she'd desperately snatched up the worthless leftovers Margaery had tossed aside. And she felt like she'd swallowed a fly-completely disgusted with herself. Avery didn't know what else to say. He climbed into the carriage and tossed a blanket at her. "Cover up!" For some reason, he found himself feeling disgusted by her too. Tessa's clothes had been torn by Dominic, and she was barely covered, looking more like a streetwalker than anything else. She thought, 'But before, wouldn't Avery have been worried I'd catch a chill and get sick? How come all he cares about is how I look?' Aug 45% +38) Chapter 44 For a moment, Tessa just felt so wronged that tears welled up in her eyes. "Avery, my stomach doesn't feel good..." "If you don't feel well, why didn't you put on more clothes before coming out?" Avery was too distracted by his own troubles. He was still thinking about his situation with the Royal Medical Hall, so he couldn't be bothered with her right now, and his tone was anything but gentle. Tessa's tears streaked her face, but for once, they were useless, since no one cared. Frustrated, she balled her fists so tightly that her nails dug hard into her palms. She was there for one thing only-revenge. If that's how it's going to be... Tessa narrowed her eyes. 'Then don't blame me for making every move count. I'll see the Chancellor's estate ruined for good and send every last one of them straight to hell!" But whenever she thought of Margaery, Tessa just couldn't help feeling jealous and bitter. 'Compared to Bernard, Dominic is totally out of his league... Tessa thought, her heart twisting with envy. Margaery followed Bernard into the private room on the second floor. "I really have to thank you today, Lord Bernard. Without your help, I don't think I could've shaken off all that slander," Margaery said, raising her cup. "Let me offer you this toast with coffee instead of wine-for everything you've done for me." Bernard raised his cup and clinked it against hers, his eyes lingering on her face. "Honestly, I never would've thought your father and brothers could be so utterly crazy to have gone so far as to destroy your reputation with such dirty tricks... that's just low." "Aren't people always saying folks in the old times know all about manners and propriety?" he added with a smirk. "Doesn't really seem that way to me." Bernard took a sip of coffee and set his cup down. "With things like this, Sinderin City really isn't a place you should stay for long. How about leaving with me?" As he spoke, his gaze fixed intently on Margaery's face. Margaery hadn't expected him to be so direct, and for a moment, she was caught off guard. "Lord Bernard, you must be joking. It's not something I can just decide on my own. Besides, I'm engaged to Dominic, so I can't just leave with you." She quickly tried to change the subject. "By the way, what did you mean by 'people in the old times? That sounded kind of odd." Bernard caught himself and quickly clarified, "I just mean, your father and brothers always act like a bunch of antiques when they talk, but when it comes down to it, they're worse than street ruffians." "That's true." Margaery agreed with him. "Are you really not thinking about leaving with me?" Bernard leaned in a little closer, gently coaxing her. "You might not have anywhere to go, but I do. My family has an estate down south-beautiful mountains, clear rivers, the whole package. If you want, I can take you there right now" "Uh..." Margaery blinked, totally stunned that he'd steered the conversation back there again. Just as she was trying to figure out how to refuse him, a cool, commanding voice rang out from the doorway. "Lord Bernard, all the land beneath the heavens belongs to the King. You cannot take her away." 3/4 11:03 Thu, 21 Aug Chapter 45 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!