Chapter 262 Consequences
The memory of clutching him desperately, refusing to let go, clung to her thoughts.
Seeking clarity, Margaret lowered herself deeper into the water.
Submerged, she could finally let her mind settle.
So this is what it feels like. I can’t stop thinking about him. I can’t stop reliving those moments…
Even the thought of his scars stirred an ache in her chest.
+5 Pearls
“Margaret! Get out here right now!” Stella’s furious shout shattered the quiet. “How dare you crawl back and poison Father’s mind with your lies? You’re despicable!”
Ignoring the commotion, Margaret rose from the bath and began dressing at a leisurely pace.
“Out of my way, you worthless maid! I’ll kill you if you don’t move!” Stella roared.
“Ms. Stella Campbell, please! Ms. Campbell is still bathing. You can’t go in!” Winter protested.
“What decent person bathes in broad daylight? Two nights gone and now this? She’s clearly been up to no good!” With a violent shove, Stella pushed Winter aside and kicked the door open. “Margaret! Are you listening to me? Have the guts to-”
“I heard you,” Margaret interrupted calmly, her voice soft but firm.
Fresh from her bath, she stood wrapped in a simple white robe, looking serene and untouched. The sight ignited Stella’s jealousy like a flame.
She longed to slap that composed face, but fear of Margaret’s hidden weapons kept her rooted near the doorway. “You came straight back to slander me to Father! What’s your game?”
“Slander?” Margaret glanced her way, a faint smile touching her lips. “You healed up fast. Impressive. I must have been too gentle with the dose…”
like a
“So
admit it! It was you! Sneaking in at night, drugging me, making me swell you
up balloon! You made me lose my hair! You did all of it! Even the humiliation in front of the entire court! That bastard who attacked me—was he your doing too? You’re a monster! How can anyone be so cruel?” Stella’s refined facade shattered completely, leaving behind raw, furious hysteria.
Margaret merely watched her with an amused expression. “Think whatever you like.”
“How dare you!” Enraged, Stella snatched an object from a nearby table and hurled it to the floor. “Why are you doing this to me? Do you want me to suffer?”
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10:49 Fri, Jul 10
Chapter 262 Consequences
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+5 Pearls
Margaret replied, her tone casual, “Exactly. I want you to suffer. What did you expect? Did you think your endless slander would never come back to haunt you?”
She observed calmly as Stella began wrecking the room, her own demeanor unchanged.
Winter rushed in, her face pale with worry. “My lady, are you all right?”
Margaret shook her head, her gaze never leaving Stella. “Instead of throwing a tantrum here, you should focus on regrowing your hair. If I were you, I wouldn’t be so foolish.”
Just then, Jasper stormed into the room. “Stella! Have you lost your mind? How could you barge in here like this? Father’s condition is on you! If those pastries hadn’t been poisoned, he wouldn’t be in this state! He hasn’t even punished you, and yet you have the nerve to cause a scene here? Get back to your quarters. Now!”
Tears streamed down Stella’s face. “Jasper, didn’t you hear her? She confessed! She did everything-”
Jasper roared, “Enough! One more word and you’ll be punished!” He grabbed her arm and dragged her out, ignoring her struggles.
Stella couldn’t believe it. Her doting brother, who had always indulged her, was now manhandling her without a shred of mercy. “You’re my brother! Since when have I ever been punished?”
Jasper retorted, his voice icy, “So you know that, do you? Do you have any idea how many times Margaret was punished? We thought she was the difficult one, but it turns out the real problem was you all along! Did it never occur to you that your constant lies and manipulations would have consequences? This is my fault, too. Father and I spoiled you rotten. Look what you’ve become!”
His grip was firm, dragging her from the room with a force born of frustration. “I just don’t know what’s gotten into you lately. Look at yourself! You’re a mess. I bet you wouldn’t even recognize the person in the mirror anymore.”
His harsh words cut deep. “Jasper, you’ve changed!” Stella choked out between sobs. “You always take her side now, even when the truth is staring you in the face—“
Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.

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