Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 268

Chapter 268 A Favor Repaid

Keith’s gaze softened as he looked at her. “I knew you’d be interested.”

斷

Margaret, however, stared at him in disbelief. “Are you certain this information is accurate?”

He nodded. “Absolutely. Now, all I need to know is if you want to use it to turn the tables.”

A calculating gleam entered Margaret’s eyes. “Who would have thought she could stir up so much trouble? Playing the devoted woman in public while hiding a lover in secret…”

“If you wish to strike back, I can assist,” Keith offered with a faint smile.

Margaret raised an eyebrow thoughtfully.

“This is a payment I truly appreciate.”

“Glad it pleases you, Margaret,” Keith replied, his voice gentle and cultured.

As he spoke, he moved casually toward the window.

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Suddenly, Margaret drew an ornate vial from within her robes and tossed it to him with a flick of her wrist.

He caught it deftly. “What’s this?”

“I know the poison causes you excruciating pain when it flares up. Although the antidote is nearly complete, pushing your strength too far could still trigger it. This is a painkiller I developed myself. It works quickly. Keep it with you and take one if the agony becomes unbearable.”

For a moment, Keith simply stared at the small vial. Then, without a word, he tucked it carefully inside his own robe. “Thank you. I’ll keep it.”

With that, he didn’t linger. In a flash, he vanished from the room.

Only after putting significant distance between himself and the Prime Minister’s Estate did he finally come to a stop atop a rooftop.

A shadowy figure appeared behind him almost instantly, bowing low.

“Master, someone has offered five million for a life.”

Keith stood with his hands clasped behind his back. “Go on.”

“The client… is the heiress from the Prime Minister’s Estate.”

10:50 Fri, Jul 10

Chapter 268 A Favor Repaid

A gloom passed over Keith’s eyes. “Stella?”

“Yes, Master. She wishes to purchase Margaret’s life.”

Silence stretched between them.

The shadow guard, receiving no immediate response, ventured, “Our plans require substantial funds, Master. Should we… accept this contract?”

Keith turned a sharp, icy glare upon him. “What do you think?”

The guard flinched, immediately lowering his head further. “I understand. I shall send her away at once!”

As the guard turned to leave, Keith’s voice, cold as winter frost, cut through the air. “Issue a command. Anyone who dares accept this contract makes an enemy of the Spirit Shade.”

“As you command.” The shadow guard hastily retreated.

Alone once more, Keith slowly withdrew the exquisite vial from his robe, his fingers tracing its contours, lost in thought.

******

Having slept through most of the previous day, Margaret found herself wide awake and restless through the night. The next morning, despite the fresh morning air, a deep weariness clung to

her.

Today marked her final acupuncture session for Theodore. Once completed, his recovery would be complete, and she would no longer have a reason to visit the Ducal Palace daily.

Logically, I should feel relieved. So why don’t I?

“Ms. Campbell! The Crown Prince… No… Prince Christopher is here to see you!” Winter rushed in, her face pale with anxiety. “He’s truly crippled! He’s in that wheelchair again, being pushed straight toward us…”

Margaret frowned. “Go stall him. Tell him I’m not here.”

Without another word, she grabbed a few essentials and slipped out through the back door.

Facing Christopher and his inevitable madness was the last thing she wanted.

True to form, Christopher erupted in anger when he found Margaret absent. “Where could she possibly go at this hour? Off to see Uncle Theodore again?”

10:50 Fri, Jul 10

Chapter 268 A Favor Repaid

Refusing to believe she was gone, he ordered his men to search the entire Rose Court. Confirmation of her absence only worsened his temper.

He stormed off toward Rosethorne Court. “If Margaret is gone, where is Stella? Why is this entire estate so deathly quiet? Where is everyone?”

Roy, pushing the wheelchair, answered calmly, “Mr. Timothy Campbell is at the morning court session and has not returned. We don’t know if Mr. Jasper Campbell has risen yet. As for Ms. Stella Campbell, her maid claims she has caught a chill and is sequestered to avoid spreading it to you.”

Christopher’s expression darkened further as they arrived outside Rosethorne Court. “Stella! Stella!”

Inside her chambers, Stella panicked at the sound of his voice. “I thought he went to find Margaret! Why is he here?”

Nadia wrung her hands, saying, “With his title stripped and his legs useless, Prince Christopher is shunned by all. He has nowhere else to turn but to you…”

His voice drifted closer to her door. Seeing no other choice, Stella plastered on a smile and opened it, punctuating her greeting with a forced cough. “Chris, what brings you here?”

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