Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 296

But Megan had always been kind, so Margaret couldn’t bring herself to drug her.

Margaret let out a deep, weary sigh. “You know as well as I do, even if I stayed, His Highness wouldn’t have time for me today.”

Silence stretched between them. Finally, Megan’s grip on her sleeve loosened and fell away.

A quick, reassuring pat on Megan’s shoulder, and Margaret was free to turn and go.

She hadn’t made it more than a few steps before Baxter materialized in her path.

“Ms. Campbell…”

A flicker of irritation ignited into full–blown anger. “You, too? Here to block my way?”

“No, ma’am!” Baxter dropped to one knee, his expression grave. “I witnessed everything and felt I had to speak up.”

Margaret had no patience for this, but he pressed on. “General Randall passed peacefully yesterday. His Highness must have told you. The General wasn’t just His Highness‘ savior; he watched him grow up. Besides the King himself, no one commanded more of the Prince’s respect. That’s the only reason for his… special consideration of Ms. Hickman.

“General Randall had one granddaughter, Myrna. He begged His Highness, repeatedly, to look after her. These past months, with the General ill and fading, His Highness visited constantly. He’s not one for long explanations, and I couldn’t bear you misunderstanding. You needed to know the whole story.

“The General’s last wish was for his granddaughter’s pain to be softened. That’s why His Highness let her stay last night–to break the news gently today. And Ms. Hickman… she grew up under the General’s eye, too. Everyone knows she’d be shattered. The entire General Hickman’s Estate pleaded with His Highness to stay by her side in her worst moments. He’d promised the General he would.”

“I already know all this,” Margaret said flatly.

Baxter wasn’t deterred. “This morning, when Ms. Hickman learned the news, she was beside herself. That’s why His Highness went to her–not because he didn’t want to be with you. But if he leaves her side now, she tries to drown herself again, like before. It’s… heartbreaking to watch.”

Margaret looked down at the kneeling man. “I know.”

A frown creased Baxter’s brow. “Ms. Campbell. Losing someone so close… Ms. Hickman’s grief is natural.

You…”

“What? You think I shouldn’t be upset while she’s in pain?” A cold laugh escaped her.

“That’s not what I meant!” Baxter shook his head vigorously.

“Your face says otherwise. I can read it plain as day.” Margaret’s tone was detached. “I get it. I understand everyone’s point. You don’t all need to line up and tell me. I’m not some monster who’d begrudge her her

sorrow.”

12:15 pm PTNM

Chapter 296 Step Pestering Me

Finished

“If you understand, then why… insist on leaving?” Baxter ventured cautiously.

Margaret’s smile held no warmth. “She grieves. I go home. We keep to our own lanes, don’t we? Her family member died. She’s hurting. acknowledge that. And then what? Am I supposed to mourn alongside her? Play nursemaid? I didn’t cause this. We’re practically strangers. Do I put on black for every stranger’s funeral?”

The absurdity of it almost made her laugh. “I’m not stopping anyone from comforting her. I just want to return to my own house. Is that a crime?”

“No, it’s not like that. Ms. Campbell, we just meant… His Highness misses you. He wants you nearby,” Baxter insisted, flustered.

Seeing the conversation spiral, Megan stepped forward, but Margaret cut her off.

“He needs my company? He’s busy enough keeping her company.” Exasperation sharpened her voice. “What I don’t get is this: if you all feel so sorry for Myrna, focus on her. Why waste two people pestering me?”

Megan opened her mouth to reply. But Margaret stated, her voice turning to ice, “Enough! I won’t waste another breath. Don’t follow me.”

With that, she strode past them.

When Baxter made a move to speak again, a single, sharp glare from her silenced him. “Push me further, and you’ll see what real anger looks like!”

Her words hung in the air. Neither Baxter nor Megan dared another word, rooted to the spot as she disappeared from view.

It was Megan who snapped out of it first, hurrying off to find Cyan.

Cyan said wearily, “Ms. Hickman was hysterical, demanding to see General Randall one last time. His Highness has personally escorted her back to the estate. With the General’s passing, he’d have gone anyway. Given the circumstances… regarding Ms. Campbell, you’ll have to handle it yourselves.”

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