**Chapter 30**
Raul exhaled deeply, the weight of the world pressing down on his shoulders. “What Simon was trying to convey is that Margaery is truly a gift. Everything we enjoy today, every privilege, every ounce of comfort, is because of her.”
He shook his head, a shadow of regret crossing his features. “Had I known this truth sooner, I would have never forced her to apologize to Tessa at the family gathering. It was a foolish move, one that I deeply regret.”
Joshua stood silently beside him, the tension palpable in the air. The decision to compel Margaery to apologize was a collective one, made by him, Avery, Logan, and Raul. They had all believed that because Margaery had basked in the opulence of the Chancellor’s estate for so long, she owed Tessa that gesture of contrition. It was her obligation, or so they thought.
But as the reality of the situation settled in, they began to realize that the dynamics were far more complex than they had initially perceived.
If that was the rationale, then surely the five Wallen brothers ought to apologize to Tessa as well. After all, they too had grown up indulging in the lavishness of the Chancellor’s estate. Yet, back then, none of them had entertained such thoughts.
“So, what’s our next move?” Joshua finally broke the silence, his gaze fixed on Raul, searching for direction.
Raul’s face bore the marks of fatigue, his brow furrowed in contemplation. “For now, we have to take things as they come. Let’s set Avery’s situation aside for the moment. Once Dominic and Margaery’s marriage is finalized, we might still find a way to rectify this.”
He paused, his expression shifting as he recalled a recent message. “Dominic just reached out. Margaery mentioned during dinner that she intends to attend Janiyah’s birthday celebration in ten days. That indicates she still has intentions to marry Dominic. Regardless of the circumstances, the Prince is a cripple. What future could she realistically envision with him?”
Raul leaned back, a glimmer of hope creeping into his voice. “As long as she remains committed to Dominic, we can manage the rest. Once a woman is wed, she is bound to heed her husband’s family.”
He continued, his voice steady, “Even if Simon wishes to protect her, he will not involve himself in the affairs of another man’s daughter-in-law.”
Raul’s thoughts turned to Dashnell. “In his position, he could have any woman he desires. He won’t lose his composure over another man’s wife. Once Margaery is married, all of this chaos will come to a close.”
Rubbing his temples, Raul wished fervently that time could accelerate. The thought of sending Margaery directly to Dominic’s bed filled him with a sense of urgency.
Joshua frowned, a hint of concern etched on his face. “Given the current state of affairs, we need to ensure Margaery remains composed. We also can’t allow the news of her impending marriage to Dominic to leak just yet.”
“Absolutely,” Raul agreed, nodding gravely. “Before everything is finalized, we must ensure that neither Lady Serena nor Prince Dashnell catches wind of it. We need to solidify our plans first.”
He then added, “For precautionary measures, arrange to meet Dominic later. We need to create a scenario that will lead Margaery to Dominic’s bed as swiftly as possible.”
“Best if everyone knows about it,” Raul continued, his tone resolute. “Though it may tarnish the Chancellor’s estate’s reputation, it’s preferable to letting things spiral out of control.”
Joshua understood the unspoken implications behind Raul’s words. “By achieving something monumental, we cannot afford to be weighed down by trivial matters. As long as Dominic treats Margaery with kindness post-marriage, it doesn’t matter if she endures a bit of hardship now. The opinions of outsiders pale in comparison to having a husband who truly cares for her.”
He took a deep breath, conviction fueling his words. “Once this secret is out, no matter how obstinate she is, she will have no choice but to yield. A woman’s reputation, once tarnished, leaves her with little else to cling to but her husband.”
Raul nodded in agreement. “Go ahead and execute this plan tomorrow.”
“Perfect timing,” Joshua replied, a spark of excitement in his voice. “Pero Gela is having its grand opening tomorrow. What better opportunity could we ask for?”
Raul waved him off dismissively. “Go find Avery. Have him concoct some drugs or incense, anything that can make her lose her senses. We need to ensure it gets the job done.”
“I’ll handle it immediately,” Joshua said, determination coursing through him as he hurried away.
Raul turned his gaze toward the portrait of his late wife hanging solemnly on the wall. Regret washed over him, and his voice trembled with emotion. “Forgive me, my love. Don’t hold this against me. I have no other choice. If Margaery continues her rebellious ways, this family will be shattered.”
Tears streamed down his cheeks as he confessed, “It’s my fault too. I failed to guide her properly. That’s why she’s grown up so defiant, barely acknowledging me as her father.”
As Raul spoke, the weight of his sorrow hung heavily in the air. “Please, grant me this one act of forgiveness.”


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