Chapter 132
You think they call me the Desert Rose for nothing?” Priscilla shot him a withering look, her eyes gleaming with disdain. “Want to best your tra
mez
“Priscilla’s already injured today. No need to show off,” Waldo said quickly, of course believing every word she said.
If Raul, the famed master of mounted archery, had been nearly bested by her, then Priscilla’s skills were clearly far beyond ordinary.
Finally, it seemed, he wouldn’t need to beg anyone else for help.
Just the thought of humbling himself before Jessica again made something inside him twist with unbearable discomfort.
Still, Waldo couldn’t help wondering, ‘If Garbisch doesn’t join my team, will he really side with Davon? Or will he pull some trick and throw his lot in with
Leon House instead?‘
Meanwhile, Jessica had been sitting in Harmony Palace with Consort Adele for quite some time.
At first, Adele made no mention of serious matters, keeping the conversation light, sipping coffee as if idly chatting. Jessica, seeing through the facade, played along without pressing the issue.
They exchanged polite remarks for nearly half an hour before Adele finally chuckled and said, “You’re far more composed than I ever imagined.”
Jessica lifted her gaze, meeting Adele’s eyes without a ripple of emotion. “Thank you for the compliment,” she said evenly.
Adele smiled–but there was a sharpness behind it. “You’re an excellent girl, but infuriating too. You have no idea how many times I’ve nearly been driven to madness by you.”
Jessica lowered her head slightly and said in a soft, respectful tone, “Forgive me, Your Highness. If I have caused offense, please enlighten me.”
“You really intend to pretend you don’t know why I called you here?” Adele set down her coffee cup with deliberate slowness, her patience finally thinning.
Jessica remained silent. At this point, continuing to feign ignorance would only make her seem disingenuous. But truthfully, she had little interest in this
conversation.
Adele saw it too and decided not to waste any more time.
“In half a month, the Autumn Hunt will begin,” she said, her voice growing firmer. “I want Garbisch to return to Waldo House’s hunting party, just like he always has.”
Jessica replied coolly, “Garbisch’s health has been poor lately. Frankly, even Waldo himself probably doesn’t have much confidence in him anymore. Otherwise, he would’ve come to the Yates estate personally to ask–just as he did in past years.”
“Waldo’s not coming because he’s afraid you’re still angry,” Adele said with a forced smile. “That’s why he asked me to intervene.”
She leaned forward slightly and added, “Jessica, you know how much I favor you. As for that wild girl at Waldo’s side, I would never allow her to become
his wife. She’s unworthy.”
Jessica knew this much already, without needing Adele to spell it out.
But Adele made her intentions even clearer.
“I favor you for two reasons,” she said bluntly. “First, because Garbisch commands the Yates Army. If he stands with Waldo, they’ll be an unstoppable force. It would benefit both Waldo House and the Yates family for generations. Second, because you’re sharp–sharper than any girl I’ve ever met. With you at Waldo’s side, I could rest easy about the future.”
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Chapter 132
Jessica, however did not hesitate:
“Our ties are already severed,” she said flatly, “I will not marry a man who does not truly love me. Waldo is not my destined match. Plek: this again.
Adele opened her mouth to argue, but Jessica cut her off.
“Actions speak louder than words,” Jessica said, her voice cold. “Today, when Priscilla nearly destroyed my face, Waldo’s only concern was whether she was hurt.”
Lowering her lashes to hide the flicker of pain in her eyes, she added, “I lost all faith in Waldo long ago. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave
She stood up without waiting for permission.
Adele’s face darkened slightly. “If you’re willing, I can help you remove that wild girl once and for all,” she said, her voice low and measured. “But Jessica, no matter how fond I am of you, my patience has its limits. Think carefully. I’ll give you one day to decide.”
Jessica raised an eyebrow, a glint of mockery flashing in her eyes. “And if I refuse–what will you do?”
