Chapter 696 - Plans For The Future

After Topher had revealed everything to the people seated at this table with him, they fell into deep silence.

The mother too who had been smiling when she heard that Minister Leopold had praised her just like the King had done, was now lost in serious contemplation.

She would not mind facing the criticism of the other women if there were any, however, she did not wish her child to experience such incidents at any given time.

They had already seen how the various noble families had reacted to the news that those three ministers had revealed in passing during their lunch at the Palace.

Therefore, she knew that not everyone would see their involvement as a good thing.

Thus with a worried look on her face, she turned towards her husband who was seated next to her.

Rutherford, who felt his wife's gaze looked her way before giving her a reassuring nod to alleviate some of her troubled thoughts.

His eyes then fell on his child who was the center of their discussion until now.

'We should talk later.' He conveyed his thoughts to her through their etchers.

Yvonne raised her head and gave him a positive nod in response as she too needed to figure out countermeasures for what was taking place.

Thus coming to this conclusion, their lunch once again regained its former tranquility before Marquess Samed had provoked the Earl for the sake of his entertainment.

That man was also up to date with what was taking place outside thanks to his nephew's efforts so he no longer tried to initiate conversation and focused on his meal.

'She might find new ways to get back at me.' He gulped in fear of his ruthless pupil, finding another reason to keep his mouth shut right now.

Therefore, for once, Marquess Samed did not mind the silence and concentrated on what was on his plate.

With the main culprit remaining mum, the rest also had no reason to speak up.

Topher had already mentioned everything that he wished to so he too was busy with the food on his plate while Taylor was cursing him in his heart.

'My chance of enjoying this meal with Vonny is ruined now!' He grimaced as the news they heard wasn't one that they were all too happy about.

While Yvonne might have gained some appreciation from a few members of their noble society, those who were dissatisfied were most certainly higher in number.

Therefore, in Taylor's eyes, this wasn't a win for the child as she had just earned newer and more powerful enemies even when all she had done was a good deed for the citizens of this Kingdom.

After all, not everyone was as open-minded as the people seated in this room.

Their prejudice against females as well as their belief that women should not be involved in matters that held great importance would be their major concern with her now.

Though the King was trying to eradicate this mindset by using Yvonne and even Raylene, it was obvious that those who did not agree with the King's initiative would act against this pair of mother and child.

Since they could never get away with going against the King as that would be an act of treason, the best way for them to relieve their frustrations would be by targeting Countess Raylene and Yvonne.

By doing so, they would not only be able to suppress them from acting as they pleased in the future but also quell any such rebellious thoughts that might pop up in the minds of other women and children who were inspired by them.

Taylor wasn't the only one who had such theories about the consequences of the Minister's words as the others were thinking in a similar fashion.

Thus lunch came to an end on a somber note and everyone decided to withdraw to their respective rooms.

It was finally time for Marquess Samed to bid goodbye to them as he, the head of the Samed fief, had other appointments scheduled for the afternoon.

Therefore, while the rest were heading to their assigned rooms, the Marquess glanced at the child one last time who showed no reaction to him.

His glance was to check if she had changed her mind about charging him that exorbitant fee for the contract but it looked like she had no intention of doing so.

If Yvonne had known his thoughts then she would have quadrupled the amount to be quoted in the contract between CLOVER and the Samed fief.

Thankfully, Marquess Samed did not mention his thoughts and gave up soon after he noticed her indifferent expressions.

Yvonne was still focused on her thoughts so she had not noticed this anomaly in his behavior and turned around as soon as he entered his carriage to return to his estate.

The Tanner siblings did not accompany their uncle as Taylor was adamant about spending at least a little time with her while Topher had not yet achieved the goal for which he had come here.

Therefore, the two boys returned to the guest rooms below while Yvonne, Howard, and the twins went in the direction of their rooms.

On the other side, Marcus and Trisha returned to their room but the Earl and Countess headed in a different direction.

Yvonne changed into comfortable clothes and sat on her bed as it was now her naptime.

She mulled over everything that Topher had disclosed and also planned on what her next actions would be.

'Should I hide away until this incident cools down?' She rubbed her chin, giving this plan some serious thought.

Nobility was known for their short attention span and it was very easy for their focus to be shifted onto another scandal that surfaced.

Therefore, if Yvonne were to go ahead with this plan then all she needed to do was go underground until their attention shifted from her.

Thus on this bright and sunny afternoon, the daughter of the St. Claire family sat on her bed with the agenda of planning for her latest endeavor, 'Mission AWOL' which would be initiated once she discussed it with her parents.

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While Yvonne was pondering on how she would put her plan into motion, her parents were currently busy as well.

Seated on the couch in the Office, Rutherford and Raylene had their eyes fixed on the envelope placed on the table.

Bending forward to pick it up, Rutherford handed it over to its rightful owner.

The envelope which contained a letter had been addressed to his wife so he was respectful of her privacy as he placed it in her hands.

Raylene smiled at him before fixing her eyes on the envelope.

The seal stamped on it using a bright red wax was all that was necessary for her to recognize who had sent it.

Without wasting time, she tore it open before pulling its contents out.

Unfolding the letter she found, she scooted closer to her husband, allowing him to read it along with her.

Rutherford smiled at her kind gesture before they began reading through it.

The further they read, the more they agreed with what was mentioned in this letter.

After all, the sender was a well-wisher who wouldn't suggest something that might do them harm.

Therefore, as soon as the couple had perused through the entirety of the letter, they looked at each other to see how the other would react.

"I think this is the right thing to do." Raylene expressed her thoughts and Rutherford could not agree any more as he too had felt the same way.

However, in the next second, he found his wife to have a troubled look on her face which made him caress her cheeks.

"What is it, Ray?" He inquired, wished to soothe and elevate her mood.

Raylene leaned into his palm but her pursed lips and furrowed brows did not show signs of relaxing.

"Will Vonny agree? You know how much she dislikes this." The concerned mother sighed and gently shut her eyes for a moment.

Looking at her dismal attitude, Rutherford let out a soft chuckle which made her eyelashes flutter as she opened her eyes once again.

Raylene glanced at him with confusion apparent in her eyes because she found this no laughing matter.

Her rapidly blinking eyes only made him chuckle again, succeeding in gaining her ire.

"Don't worry, my Ray." He hurried to appease her lest she got mad at him like she had done yesterday in the palace.

Raylene was not quick to accept his words as she did not know what he was thinking right at this moment.

Finding doubt written all over her face, Rutherford could not help but shake his head before adding another sentence to ease her mind.

"Vonna won't say no." He guaranteed with a confident smirk which made her eyes narrow, wondering what he was up to.

However, this time, her husband chose to remain tight-lipped, refusing to disclose what he had in mind which was making her grumble.

'This father and daughter have too many secrets!' She scoffed at her husband whose appearance made it clear that there was something she wasn't aware of.

Also, his confidence strengthened her doubts that whatever this secret was, it was exactly what was going to help him achieve what he had just declared.

Rutherford had already noticed that she was onto him but he only smiled and pressed his lips against hers, silencing any doubts that she might be having at this moment.

His sneaky actions now confirmed that she had made the right assumption, making her roll her eyes at him but she did not reject his affectionate gestures and even responded soon after.