Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 123

**Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale**
**Chapter 123**

As Tessa left Callum’s residence, a sense of satisfaction washed over her. She had meticulously conspired with Halle, ensuring that Margaery would face utter humiliation at the party today. The thought of Margaery standing there, exposed and disgraced, filled Tessa with a dark glee. If the Hadley family continued to treat Margaery with the same reverence after the truth came to light, Tessa would be sorely disappointed.

She envisioned the moment when the whispers of Margaery’s tarnished reputation would ripple through the crowd, each murmur a dagger aimed at the young woman’s dignity. Tessa relished the idea that Margaery could kiss her dreams of marrying Dominic goodbye. No longer would suitors line up at her door; even the most ordinary of men would think twice before approaching a woman with such a sullied name. For now, Tessa resolved to endure the wait, but she was certain the moment of reckoning would soon arrive.

Meanwhile, the Hadley family was not as enamored with Margaery as they pretended to be. Beneath their polished facades, they too harbored discontent, their dissatisfaction simmering just below the surface.

Nearby, warmed by the heater, Sophia cast a furtive glance at Raul, her voice barely above a whisper. “Chancellor, with this many guests gathered today, how could you allow Margaery to appear in such attire?”

Raul’s brow furrowed as he took in Margaery’s outfit. “She is a young lady of the Chancellor’s estate, yet she dons coarse linen while flaunting a jeweled hairpin. What kind of propriety is this?”

Sophia’s thoughts raced. Is she trying to convey that she embraces a life of hardship within the Wallen family, relying solely on that gaudy hairpin for her worth?

Raul, too, felt a swell of frustration, but he understood the importance of maintaining composure at such a critical juncture. “Margaery has dedicated herself to martial arts training under Craig. This outfit is simply a reflection of her commitment to her practice,” he replied, attempting to quell the rising tide of criticism.

Sophia frowned, her concern evident. “But what about that hairpin? If something unexpected occurs, it could become a liability…”

As she spoke, her gaze flickered toward Margaery, whose demeanor softened with affection as she tried to persuade her to part with the hairpin. “Margaery, Lady Alicia from the palace is arriving soon. Please, remove the jeweled hairpin to avoid offending such a distinguished guest. You know how fragile your condition is; it might not be able to withstand the scrutiny.”

Margaery merely looked at Sophia, her expression a mix of amusement and defiance. “There’s no need for such concern. No matter who graces us with their presence today, none surpasses the late king.”

With a slight curl of her lips, she added, “This hairpin was a gift from him, and there was never a decree against wearing it in public.”

In her mind, she thought, The hairpin is my charm; I would never consider removing it unless I were completely irrational.

Sophia’s expression darkened. Margaery’s insistence on wearing the hairpin would compel people to show her undue respect. The very reason Sophia urged her to take it off was to shield her from potential embarrassment.

If an incident were to occur, they could feign ignorance about the hairpin and use it as leverage against her. Yet, Margaery’s refusal to comply turned the tables unexpectedly.

Sophia realized Margaery had made her point with striking clarity. She could only cast a disapproving glance in her direction, feeling the weight of the moment.

Meanwhile, Bryant, seated nearby, appeared oblivious to the tension. Not only did he fail to grasp Sophia’s intentions, but he also openly sided with Margaery.

“Margaery is correct. The late king gifted her that jeweled hairpin. Surely, even the king himself, upon seeing it, would be reminded of the late king’s legacy.”

“And if Margaery were to remove it, wouldn’t that imply a lack of respect for the late king?”

As he spoke, he surveyed the room, his gaze sweeping over the assembled guests. Today, he wanted to showcase Margaery as the Star of Fortune, an untouchable figure destined for greatness.

Let’s see who in the Hadley family dares to challenge my authority from this moment forward, he thought, a sense of triumph swelling within him.

Sophia found herself at a loss for words. Had he not been her own grandson, she would have been tempted to knock some sense into him.

“Do you even comprehend the nuances of human interaction?” she thought, irritation bubbling beneath her calm exterior.

Margaery straightened, offering a smile that lacked sincerity.

Nearby, Desmond approached, concern etched on his face. “Margaery, you’re injured. Be careful.”

Sophia rolled her eyes, and the room seemed to echo with the collective sighs of those witnessing the unfolding drama. How far had the Hadley family fallen to this extent? And for what? A mere trinket?

Raul, watching the scene unfold, felt a tightening in his chest. To curry favor with Margaery, the Hadley family had overlooked him, the Chancellor of the Eastvale Empire.

Could it be that in their eyes, he was less valuable than a mere girl?

As he recalled Simon’s words about his past assistance being tied to Margaery, a wave of resentment surged within him.

He glared at Margaery’s retreating figure, his thoughts darkening. You are not my daughter; you are my adversary.

It was only when Tessa’s voice cut through his reverie that he returned to the present. “Dad, what are you thinking? Everyone has left. Shouldn’t we join them?”

Raul froze, glancing down at Tessa, who was on the verge of tears. His heart softened, and he spoke gently.

“Tessa, your father is merely contemplating the circumstances. Once this pivotal moment passes, you’ll see just how the world treats that girl.”

Though he spoke with conviction, discomfort gnawed at him. He knew better than anyone that from this point forward, Tessa would never be able to rise to Margaery’s level, no matter how hard she tried.