Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 44

**TITLE: Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale**

Dominic’s body quaked with a fierce anger that threatened to boil over, yet he knew this was not the appropriate moment to confront her. The chaos of the day had left a trail of destruction, and he felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility to address it immediately.

Tessa, however, was undeterred, her determination palpable as she sought to provoke further discord. With a careful tone, she remarked, “Margaery actually left with Lord Bernard…”

As she observed Bernard’s figure receding into the distance, a sharp pang of bitterness twisted within her heart. Deep down, she recognized the truth in the eyes of those watching the unfolding drama; she was merely a naive country girl, unacquainted with the broader world beyond her humble origins. Since arriving at the Chancellor’s estate, the only men she had been exposed to were a handful of the Wallen family’s heirs and, of course, Dominic—Margaery’s betrothed.

Dominic was not just any man; he was the son of Seamus, the esteemed Lord of Rites, the nephew of the formidable Lady Alicia, and the cousin of the illustrious Prince Marcus. Such lineage placed him in a realm of social standing that felt like an insurmountable peak to Tessa.

Watching the camaraderie between Dominic and Margaery, their laughter echoing like a mocking chorus, jealousy clawed at Tessa’s insides. She had longed for Dominic’s attention, only to realize that Margaery had ensnared an even more significant prize than she ever could.

And then there was Dashnell—yes, he bore a noble title, but his disability rendered him incapable of fathering heirs. No matter how grand his status, it could not alter the reality of his limitations. In stark contrast, Bernard was a true titan of power.

Morales’s estate was fortified with its own army, a force so formidable that even the King himself depended upon it. Bernard was the sole heir to that vast influence, a reality that dwarfed the title of the Lord of Rites or even Dominic, who was burdened with the obligation to share his family’s wealth with three younger brothers. The disparities were glaringly obvious.

The jealousy coursing through Tessa was so intense that her eyes felt like they were on the verge of bursting into flames. Yet, Joshua, oblivious to her inner turmoil, seized Avery and Dominic, dragging them along with an urgency that brooked no argument. “We don’t have time for this nonsense. Let’s head home and figure out how to deal with Father!”

As he spoke, he shot Tessa a withering glare. “What on earth are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at home recovering? Move it already! You’re just making a fool of yourself!”

With that, he stormed down the stairs, leaving no room for dissent.

Stunned, Tessa could only watch in disbelief as Joshua’s words struck her like a physical blow. “Joshua, you…”

In that moment, a torrent of emotions surged within her—disbelief, hurt, and a sense of betrayal.

“I’ve never been scolded like this in my entire life,” Tessa thought, her heart heavy with sorrow. Tears brimmed in her eyes, and she glanced over at Avery for some semblance of support. “Avery…”

But Avery, his face marred and swollen from Russell’s earlier assault, had lost all sense of dignity. “Stop crying. Save it for when we get home. Everyone’s watching!”

His focus was solely on preserving his own reputation, which had been thoroughly tarnished by the day’s events.

Tessa felt as if a dagger had pierced her heart, and instinctively, her gaze flickered toward Raul, silently pleading for understanding.

This time, however, she grasped the message loud and clear; she dared not utter another word.

Raul shot her a frustrated look, his brow furrowing with irritation. He then turned to Avery, instructing him, “Help her into the carriage. Once we’re back, find me in the study. And make it quick!”

His gaze then shifted to Dominic, a sharp reprimand evident in his eyes. “Can’t you handle something this simple?”

Dominic swallowed his frustration, the urge to retort bubbling within him, but he restrained himself. “We truly didn’t anticipate this. For now, let’s just focus on how to clean up this mess.”

Raul felt a headache brewing, the pressure mounting.

Finally, he declared, “We’re returning to the Chancellor’s estate. Fetch your father and bring him here. I need to speak with him. If Prince Marcus can join us, that would be ideal. But keep this under wraps. We can’t afford any prying eyes.”

This situation had escalated beyond mere wedding plans; even the slightest misstep could unleash a storm of political turmoil throughout the court. With Simon, Quinn, and Bernard all making their appearances, it was evident that this had transformed into a matter of courtly intrigue.

To complicate matters further, Margaery bore the title of the Star of Fortune, a burden that left everyone on edge.

Raul shut his eyes momentarily, frustration boiling beneath the surface before he climbed into the carriage.

Avery assisted Tessa into the carriage hidden behind the restaurant, his temper flaring. “Why didn’t you come find us before running upstairs?”

After the events of the day, his feelings for her had begun to shift, tainted by embarrassment.

Tessa felt the sting of tears threatening to spill. “Avery, I was just worried about you…”

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