Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 118

Chapter 118 That Will Not Be Necessary

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Finished

He fixed a cold, stern stare on Jasper. “What reckless mess has left you looking so disheveled? As the young master of this estate, you lack even basic dignity and poise.”

Jasper bowed at once. “Father.”

The moment Timothy arrived, Stella buried her face in her hands and broke into loud sobs. “Father, you’ve finally come home. I’ve suffered so many wrongs and hurts.”

A flicker of concern crossed Timothy’s face at the sound of her crying. “What trouble has befallen you? You’re covered in bruises and swelling–this is no proper appearance for a noble young lady.”

Stella opened her mouth to pour out all her grievances, but Jasper said quickly, “We were ambushed by a band of thugs on our way back. They are likely old enemies of mine. We’ve detained them all. No lasting harm was done, yet Stella was caught up in the attack and injured by accident.”

Stella’s lips twitched with quiet frustration.

What does he mean?

All my careful planning to pin this whole attack on Margaret, and he brushes it off as his own enemy’s revenge.

This is the perfect chance.

If Father learns Margaret wants to harm me, she will suffer harsh consequences for good.

Jasper always rushes to defend me and speak up for my side in the past.

Why is he shielding Margaret now?

Rage and anxiety twisted in Stella’s chest, yet she kept up her gentle, reasonable act. With Jasper already sweeping the matter aside, pushing the blame further would only make her look petty and unreasonable.

She clamped her mouth shut and fell silent.

Timothy’s expression turned dark and displeased. “You cannot even deal with a handful of petty foes, nor protect your own sister. You grow more incompetent by the day.”

Jasper hung his head in shame. “You are right, Father. I will be far more careful from now on.”

“Enough.” Timothy turned toward the main hall. “Come inside and sit.”

He paused mid–step and asked sharply, “Where is Margaret?”

Jasper hurried to answer, but Stella tried to speak first. “Margaret was punished by Crown Prince Christopher…”

“She is resting in her quarters,” Jasper cut in abruptly.

He shot Stella a sharp warning glance, silently telling her to hold her tongue.

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Chapter 118 That Will Not Be Necessary

Finished

Timothy held great respect for Christopher. If he learned Margaret had been publicly flogged by Christopher–even amid a misunderstanding–he would surely grow disappointed in her and heap blame upon her.

Jasper had already ordered every servant on the estate to keep the truth hidden from Timothy.

As the young master, his word held weight, and no servant would dare speak out of turn without direct questioning.

Stella swallowed her unfinished words and nodded stiffly. “Yes, Margaret is still resting in her room.”

This is strange.

Why does Jasper keep standing up for Margaret today?

Has his guilt over our past misunderstandings with her softened his heart?

I will never let that continue.

Burning with quiet anger, Stella followed them inside. Timothy took the main seat at the head of the hall, his tone cold and commanding. “It is far too late in the day for her to laze in bed. Send a servant to fetch her and bring her to me at once.”

He tapped his fingers slowly against the tabletop. “I sent men to summon both of you the moment I returned. Yet you all linger and delay. It seems you no longer hold any respect for me as your father.”

A heavy silence fell. Jasper and Stella bowed their heads, clearly intimidated by his imposing anger.

Jasper spoke softly to calm his temper. “Do not anger yourself, Father. Margaret is worn thin from endless duties lately. She saved Prince Theodore’s life not long ago, and he has since named her his personal doctor. She is often called to the Ducal Palace to tend to his wounds, which leaves her exhausted day after day.”

“Prince Theodore?” Timothy’s eyes widened with surprise. “She saved his life?”

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