Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 291

Chapter 291 Set Up

“Are you sure you said it right to her face?”

Finished

“I can’t remember clearly, my lady. I might’ve mentioned it in passing. But whether she heard or not… well, that’s another matter. I hope she did. Once she believes the bracelet belonged to Prince Theodore’s mother, she’ll be eager to prove her loyalty by helping to find–it. When the time’s right, we’ll let her know the truth–that it was actually a gift from you. can’t wait to see the look on her face then.”

A soft chuckle drifted through the air. “Let her have her little victory today. The fact that Theodore treasures something I gave him so dearly… surely that means he holds me in his heart. Otherwise, why would he keep that bracelet tucked away like a precious secret?”

Their voices gradually faded into the distance.

After a struggle, Margaret finally managed to haul herself onto the top of the courtyard wall. Peering over, she found another yard on the other side, though this one lay bleak and neglected.

It seemed meant for other consorts, but Theodore hadn’t taken any wives yet.

Sitting there on the wall for what felt like ages, Margaret’s mind began to drift.

Of course, she liked Theodore.

Yet in moments of quiet, doubts crept in.

Am I truly prepared to spend my whole life confined within these walls?

The courtyard next door, now occupied by Myrna–who would live there tomorrow?

Could Theodore really keep his promise to have only me as his wife, now and forever?

Lost in thought, she found herself climbing down without thinking and walking slowly toward the gate.

Just opposite the entrance stood two or three trees. If Myrna and her maid were telling the truth, the missing bracelet lay buried beneath one of them.

To think they’d actually steal something–is there anything they wouldn’t do?

“Margie, what are you doing out here?” Theodore’s voice startled her.

Turning, she found him standing before her, his expression gentle yet questioning.

After a pause, she replied, “Just thinking.”

“About me?”

ľ

She met his warin gaze but shook her head. “What if I told you I overheard Myrna and her maid talking just now? Would you believe me?”

Theodore’s brow furrowed slightly. “I believe whatever you say. But..”

12:14 pm

Chapter 294 Set Up

shed

They said the missing bracelet was buried under a tree… one of those right over there,” Margaret spoke plainly, holding nothing back.

With the man she loved, she chose honesty over games.

Without another word, Theodore signaled to a servant, who hurried over to start digging beneath the

trees.

His voice remained calm, almost detached. “Myra… she used to train in martial arts, you know.”

The remark caught Margaret off guard. “Why bring that up now?”

“Because I never speak ill of others behind their backs.” Myrna’s voice cut through the air, sharp and clear.

She strode forward confidently, her maid trailing behind. “Imagine my surprise arriving just in time to hear you slandering me, Ms. Campbell. Even if you’ve caught Theodore’s eye, that’s no excuse for such underhanded behavior.”

Her maid chimed in, indignant, “Exactly! Ms. Hickman would never gossip or steal–and she possesses cultivated Core Vitality. If someone were lurking nearby, she’d sense it immediately. Why would she plot a theft knowing you were eavesdropping? Honestly, Ms. Campbell, if you’re going to lie, at least put some thought into it.”

Both women looked genuinely offended, as though Margaret’s accusation had cut deep.

So that’s their game. Suddenly, everything clicked. Their entire conversation had been a setup.

Familiar with every corner of the Ducal Palace, they must have known Margaret was nearby.

Yet they’d spoken just loud enough, right behind that wall, deliberately luring her in.

They’d counted on her straightforward nature–even predicted she’d go straight to Theodore.

“Your Highness! We found it!”

Cyan rushed over, clutching an ornate box caked with dirt.

Inside lay the missing bracelet.

Brushing soil from his sleeves, Cyan glanced at Margaret, his expression unreadable.

Theodore had always kept this bracelet close.

If not for the anticipated conflict over the treasure map today–fearing it might be lost in a fight–he would never have left it behind in his study.

Theodore took the box, tucking the bracelet safely into his robe. “Good. Let the matter rest.”

Cyan stared, stunned. This was his most cherished possession–and he’s just letting it go?

Silently, he stepped back.

But Myrna wasn’t satisfied. “Theodore, the truth is obvious now. She stole the bracelet, hid it, and then