Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 85

**Chapter 85 You Were Still The Best**

“Perhaps everything she said was a lie, just to make us kill each other.”

Joshua’s thoughts spiraled into chaos once more.

‘How could someone like Tessa ever harm anyone?’

The image of Tessa, with her gentle smile and warm embrace, flooded his mind. He remembered how she had flung herself into his arms, her softness enveloping him, almost consuming all rational thought. It was a moment that had felt so pure, so innocent, yet now it seemed tainted by doubt.

Russell took a step closer, his voice quivering with uncertainty. “So, you all still believe in Tessa?”

The question hung in the air like a heavy fog. Deep down, Russell yearned to hold onto that belief. If Tessa was innocent, then perhaps his earlier judgments had not been misguided, and he hadn’t falsely accused Margaery. That notion would bring him a sliver of solace in this tempest of confusion.

But what if he was wrong?

Joshua placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, trying to steady his friend’s spiraling thoughts. “I just saw Tessa. Margaery is the one threatening us now, insisting that only she can marry Dominic. Tessa, for her part, agreed, saying that as long as her sister is happy, that’s all that matters.”

“Think for yourself, who is really being aggressive here?”

Joshua sifted through the chaotic events in his mind. “Remember that day? Margaery apologized just to escape the woodshed. She claimed she held no grudge against Tessa, yet she still slapped her.”

“She said she would let Dominic be with Tessa, but tonight, she insisted with force that Dominic could only marry her. She never budged an inch.”

Russell stood there, momentarily stunned by the revelation.

“Did she really say that?”

This was not the Margaery he had come to know over the past few days. “But she has been so kind lately; how could she suddenly turn like this…”

Joshua’s voice was steady, yet it carried a weight of experience. “A person’s nature is hard to change.”

Russell fell silent, grappling with the truth of those words. After what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke, “I can’t believe it. I need to ask her myself! Where is she?”

Joshua pressed his brow, frustration creeping into his voice. “Stop causing trouble. Right now, it’s not about whether you believe it or not; it’s about appeasing her. Even if you go, you’ll only be kneeling alongside Father.”

“Prince Dashnell is over there, and Father has been kneeling all day.”

The thought struck Joshua hard. Margaery was truly ruthless; she hadn’t even pleaded with Dashnell, leaving his father to kneel outside the door like a common beggar. “The one who hurt her was Clyde, not Father.”

“And yet, Father is her elder. She doesn’t show the slightest bit of compassion. This kind of her…”

Joshua shook his head, his heart once again leaning toward Tessa. With a heartfelt tone, he advised Russell, “Russell, Tessa is good, but the situation doesn’t allow us to favor her. Remember, our only goal right now is to appease Margaery and ensure she obediently marries Dominic.”

“Otherwise, the Chancellor’s estate is headed for utter ruin.”

Russell felt a chill creep into his heart at Joshua’s words. “Is it really that serious? But before Tessa arrived, Margaery wasn’t like this!”

“Back then, she used to chase after us all day long. Our bond was so strong.”

He lowered his head, a wave of discomfort washing over him.

Joshua sighed deeply, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. “Yes, that was then, and this is now.”

After a moment of contemplation, he spoke again, his voice low and serious. “The Margaery of today is no longer the Margaery of the past.”

“Let’s go. She’ll be back early tomorrow morning. No more impulsive actions. We can’t afford any mistakes right now. If you have time, go keep Tessa company. After all, she’s lost her innocence, and Dominic can’t marry her now.”

He felt a pang of regret for having ruined Tessa’s innocence at Pero Cela.

“She was foolish too. As soon as she heard the maid mention that the second brother had been set up, she rushed over, thinking she could save him.”

Joshua pressed his brow, determination etched on his face. “Go see her tomorrow morning. I’ll check on Clyde and see how his wound is healing. Doctor Nolan rarely makes house calls; I’ll ask him if he can treat Tessa’s stomach illness.”

With that, he strode towards where Clyde was resting.

Russell returned to his room, lost in a daze.

Only by bringing humiliation to the Hadley family in front of everyone would she create a situation where negotiations were impossible. Otherwise, marriages were often dictated by parents and matchmakers. She and Dominic had been betrothed since childhood, and unless the Hadley family and Raul agreed to a private annulment, the engagement could not be severed.

If this entanglement continued, it would never see an end.

Margaery contemplated this, inhaling deeply, and turned to Craig, who stood nearby. “Mr. Eastwick, do you think I will be able to get up and move around within three days? The day after tomorrow is Sophia’s birthday party, and I wish to extend my best wishes.”

Dominic’s heart soared at her words. “Margaery, if you can come to my grandmother’s birthday party, that would be wonderful!”

He rushed to her bedside, his eyes sparkling with hope.

Margaery glanced at him, noting how some people’s appearances couldn’t withstand even a single sleepless night. He looked rather disheveled at that moment.

She forced a pale smile, her voice steady. “You have treated me so well all these years. How could I not attend your grandmother’s birthday party?”

He had treated her well, even while secretly entangled with Tessa.

Had everything gone as planned, Tessa might already be with child by now.

By the time the birthday party arrived, everyone would witness the truth for themselves.

The smile on Margaery’s face widened, warmth flickering in her eyes. “Rest assured, I will repay the kindness you have shown me a hundredfold. Whatever you desire, I will make it happen for you.”

Unaware of her true intentions, Dominic was moved to tears by her words. “Margaery, I always knew you were the best…”

Margaery ignored him, redirecting her attention to Craig.

Without the support of those around her, Dominic would not hold her in such high regard.

Her heart felt cold, the warmth she once felt long since evaporated.

Observing her expression, Craig spoke, “Although the wound may not fully heal, you should be able to move around. I will use silver needles to seal your acupoints, preventing the wound from bleeding.”

Dominic, unable to contain his admiration, exclaimed, “Sir, you truly deserve the title of divine physician! Margaery endured such a severe injury, yet she’ll be able to walk in just three days and even attend my grandmother’s birthday celebration!”