Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 273

Heavy with hidden implication, the last of his words faded into silence, and Margaret chose that moment. to break her own quiet.

“Serve as Princess Noelle’s companion Fine, I’ll go.”

Christopher clenched his fists. “I pleaded and reasoned with you for ages, yet you wouldn’t budge an inch. The second Uncle Theodore’s name slips out, you cave without hesitation. It’s plain to see how deeply you’ve fallen for him.”

Norma cut across his bitter rant with calm authority, her tone flat and unyielding. “Since she has agreed, we shall return to the palace at once.”

Chaotic, warring thoughts stormed through Stella’s mind.

What did I just overhear? Christopher drugged Margaret? Does that mean the two of them already shared an improper bond? Theodore even fought Christopher physically over this incident.

Joy tangled with burning resentment inside her chest.

Good riddance–Margaret’s reputation is ruined now. She’ll never get close to Theodore again.

But it infuriates her that two powerful men came to blows, all because of Margaret.

What does she have that makes her worthy of such attention? I can’t let this stand. I have to destroy her completely and broadcast every sordid detail to every corner of the realm.

Tense gravity hung thick over the group, every face shadowed by private, conflicting schemes.

No single soul shared the same agenda.

Slow, unhurried steps carried Norma to Margaret’s side, her voice lowered to a faint murmur meant only for the girl’s ears. “Christopher speaks the truth. Even if this scandal hasn’t spread to the public, countless nobles already know what happened–and Theodore is among them. No man could set aside such a stain on the woman he fancies. Abandon any foolish daydream of climbing the social ranks through his affection; it will never come to pass.”

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Her tone drifted lighter still, soft enough to vanish if anyone else drew near. “Don’t label me cruel. Even King Spencer would forbid any match between you two once he learns the truth. Christopher alone turns a blind eye to your past missteps. If you have an ounce of good sense, you will find a way to restore his power and standing. Only when he regains influence can you reclaim your lofty status among high society.”

Christopher trundled forward behind them in his wheelchair, a strained, placating smile tugging his bruised jaw. “Rest assured, Margaret. I’ll lock this secret away forever, never breathing a word to anyone. But my truce with Uncle Theodore hinges entirely on you obeying every word I say.”

A cold, dismissive glance swept over the mother and son, unmasked contempt clear in Margaret’s eyes.

Obey him? That’s laughable. I made it plain I had no wish to set foot inside the palace, yet they bully and coerce me anyway. If they push me this far, I have no choice but to strike back.

Chapter 273–Theodore’s Visit

Not a single person in the Prime Minister’s Estate matters to me, so I can act without holding back.

When Norma wastes away from a mysterious illness, and Christopher sinks into crippling melancholy over his injury, neither can trace their suffering back to me. Their frail constitutions will be the only blame for their wasted lives.

Dozens of slow–acting poisons cycled through her thoughts one after another. She sorted through every subtle toxin that drained vitality bit by bit without leaving traceable evidence behind.

Such poisons demanded strict, measured doses administered over a long stretch of time–but staying close to the pair gave her the perfect opening.

Lost entirely to plotting how she might poison the two royals undetected and slip away scot–free, Margaret barely registered their nonstop, one–sided coaxing.

“Margaret, don’t blame me for wielding Uncle Theodore as leverage.” Christopher pressed on, desperation thickening his speech. “You see how broken and pitiful I am now. You’re the only person capable of healing my damaged leg. I exhausted every argument imaginable, yet you stayed unmoved. What else was I supposed to do?

“You are the daughter of the prime minister, yet your broken engagement to me already tarnished your good name beyond repair. Even if Uncle Theodore harbors soft feelings for you, he can never take full responsibility for your state. Even if he overlooked the drugging incident, the memory of that night would linger between you. I am the only man suited for your place. When will you finally see reason?”

Margaret tuned his ramblings out completely, yet Christopher chattered on without pause.

Even Norma grew irritated by his endless pleading.

A sharp, icy glare shot from her silenced Christopher at last.

The group drew near the manor’s main gates when a guard sprinted toward them, chest heaving from his hurried dash.

“Your Majesty–Prince Theodore has arrived at the estate.”

A faint flicker of alarm crossed Norma’s features.

Panic sharpened Christopher’s voice instantly. “What brings him here?”

Despite his anxious question, his eyes locked darkly onto Margaret’s frame, suspicion oozing from every word. “How far have the two of you gone? Why does he seek you out time and time again of his own accord?”

Margaret ignored his petty accusations.

Before Christopher could press further, heavy, synchronized footsteps echoed up the manor’s stone drive.

Lifting her gaze, Margaret watched dozens of uniformed attendants stream through the front gate, with Theodore leading the entire procession at their head.

A servant’s loud announcement cut through the courtyard hum. “Prince Theodore has arrived!”

10:22 am PPPM

Chapter 223 thecderc’s Visit

Venomuus hatred glinted in Norma’s stare as it fixed on the approaching man.

The closer Theodore drew the gloosier her expression turned.

45 Pearls

A large retinue marched in his wake, every servant’s hands piled high with wrapped parcels and fine goods.

Behind them, footmen strained to carry massive wooden storage crates through the entryway one after another.

Theodore broke the heavy silence first, casual and unperturbed. “I did not expect to find you here, Norma.”

Twitches pulled at the corners of Norma’s mouth as she darted glances between Theodore and his sprawling entourage. She gathered her composure to speak at last, “Theodore… what brings such a large procession here today?”

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Rejected by the Crown Prince? I Married His Uncle