Chapter 101

Chapter 101

It seemed as though Iona had planned all this, trapping her in a scheme of her own making.

In the end, Iona did hold the upper hand in their relationship, but not in the nefarious way Yvonne had. The truth was quite the opposite. It was Yvonne who had wished for Ionas misfortune and plotted against her. Thus, Iona could not reciprocate any answer that met Yvonnes expectations.

Just like Nils, who had promised to fulfill a wish in exchange for solving the mine issue, ultimately had to pay not with material wealth but with an apology.

Nils and you really are truly like siblings, Iona murmured in admiration before slowly shaking her head.

...

Sorry, but you dont have a hidden ace to suddenly resolve this situation. Youre not that significant to me.

What, then why are you doing this? I said its my fault. What more do you want me to do here!

Its simple, youll receive the punishment you deserve for your mistakes.

To Yvonne, that was the most unrealistic thing. She had never faced the consequences of her actions, regardless of what she did. Her successes were exaggerated, and her failures minimized. Even now, Yvonne comforted herself, believing she would find a way out, but she felt a sinking feeling in her heart, her heartbeat irregular.

Iona reached out to a speechless Yvonne, sweeping back her hair as if pretending to be real sisters, revealing Yvonnes pale face.

For the first time, Iona gave sisterly advice to Yvonne.

Go and confess. Say it was a conspiracy with Florence, that you werent the only one at fault.

And what if I dont do that?

Then youll end up bearing the punishment for Florences part too.

If you dont accuse me... if we go back to the mansion together now

Yvonne gasped for air as if she had forgotten how to breathe. Her voice, uneven in volume, finally died down like a mouses.

It was unclear whether hope had faded first, or if it was only after she stopped speaking that its absence was realized. The important thing was that whatever future Yvonne had hoped for, it would never come, and the reason for that was none other than herself.

Yvonne, its time for you to pay for your sins.

It was a declaration long foretold.

***

The news that Yvonne had plotted a heinous scheme against her half-sister spread rapidly throughout the capital.

It was a deed too terrible for one woman to inflict upon another, and more shockingly, the identity of Yvonnes alleged accomplice was deeply disturbing.

The fact that Florence had contributed to humiliating Iona, a subordinate of the Crown Prince, was unfathomable.

Initially, people were dismissive, wondering why Florence would do such a thing. However, as those in the know began to speak up, the narrative started to shift dramatically.

While everyone kept a tight lip, it was already well-known within the palace that Florence had been particularly malicious towards Iona.

However, due to a lack of decisive evidence, suspicions against Florence had remained mere gossip.

While no legal troubles had arisen, this did not mean Florences personal life remained unchanged. In the public sphere, the authorities had to prove her guilt, but privately, it was Florence who needed to establish her innocence.

Consequently, Florence dismissed the accusations as absurd fabrications and locked herself away in her mansion, away from those demanding explanations.

Although Florence claimed her innocence and was not officially a criminal, her self-imposed isolation at home was not much different from Yvonnes current confined situation.

Relieved to step away from the mirror, Iona rose from her seat.

Marsha, clutching a small handbag, quickly followed behind Iona.

As Iona stepped into the hallway, she paused, sensing a lingering silence.

Unlike other noble houses bustling with ball preparations, the Modrov residence was eerily quiet. The reason wasnt hard to guess.

Continuing to walk, Iona asked in passing, What about Yvonne?

I heard shes given up eating and just lies in bed. She refuses to come out, making it easier to look after her, actually.

Thats unfortunate.

Unfortunate? Shes enjoying luxuries she doesnt deserve, considering shes a criminal.

Marsha, excited by Ionas indifferent reply, chimed in.

Her words, though reflexive, seemed to comfort Marsha. She couldnt fathom how someone could do such heinous acts like Yvonne had and argued that Yvonne deserved a harsher punishment a sentiment Iona secretly agreed with.

As they neared the ground floor, their conversation naturally dwindled.

Approaching the last set of stairs, Iona pondered who might have come to meet her.

It couldnt be the busy Crown Prince himself, could it? Would Saskia, the head lady-in-waiting, be a significant enough escort? Or perhaps just a nearby servant...

With these thoughts, Iona peered down the foyer, only to freeze in place.

Hearing her approach, the person below looked up at the same time.

Their eyes, initially wide, quickly narrowed back to normal.

It was Richard, smiling with only the corners of his lips, greeting her.

Ive been waiting for you, my knight.

His voice carried a strangely tender tone, as if he was thoroughly immersed in the role of a man coming to meet a lady.

Iona walked downstairs, making eye contact with him, feeling as if she were possessed.

In sync with her movements, Richard approached the foot of the stairs and took her hand as if he had been waiting for this moment.

His lips brushed slowly over the silk of her glove.

Iona felt something soft and warm graze her hand as his lips parted, sending a shiver through her. Startled, she almost stepped back, but Richard firmly held her hand, preventing her from pulling away.

After a moment, he lifted his head nonchalantly, leaving Iona to wonder if she had imagined the whole thing.

Perhaps it was just a misinterpretation caused by the glove covering her skin.

Regardless, it wasnt something she could directly inquire about, so Iona, hiding her confusion, changed the subject.

I didnt expect you to come for me personally.

--- End Of The Chapter ----

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