Chapter 127 A Trick
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At Blesertin, Prudence was unaware of the latest developments. After returning, Priscilla had followed her and
gone on and on about how Braden should take charge.
Prudence was at her wit’s end, so she ordered for Braden to be brought to her, intending to test his intellect
before discussing anything with Geoffrey. However, Braden’s servant soon informed her that he had gone to the
tavern with Clark.
Braden, who never associated with Clark, had suddenly behaved unusually, and Prudence immediately
suspected something was afoot.
She sat in silence for a moment, then lifted her gaze to meet Priscilla’s shifty eyes.
“Spill it. What exactly is he up to?” Prudence asked, having noticed Priscilla had just gone out, likely to speak
with Braden..
Priscilla pursed her lips and responded, “He’s probably out drinking”.
“Tellthe truth,” Prudence snapped.
Priscilla circled behind her, whispering, “Braden’s plan is to ruin Clark’s reputation, so he can’t go to the
Parliamentary Library.”
“Foolish!” Prudence exclaimed in anger. “It’s not just his reputation that’s at stake-it’s Vance’s and yours as well!
The outside world will say you've failed to discipline him.”
Priscilla, clearly upset, replied, “Mother, what else are we to do? If Clark goes to the Parliamentary Library, Vance
will be overshadowed by a bastard. You always said it-when a bastard rises, the legitimate heir remains
stagnant. If Clark hadn't been made a marquis, Vance wouldn't be so helpless now.”
Her words hit a raw nerve with Prudence. She felt a surge of anger and resentment.
If it hadn't been for that bastard son stealing the limelight and suppressing her own Vance, things wouldn't have
turned out this way.
Years ago, she had sought out Xavier to inspect the family tomb, and the priest confirmed what she already
feared-the Langley family’s fortune allowed only one person to rise; the rest would be suppressed.
Over the years, she'd tried to curb the influence of the eldest bastard-removing Prunella, sending Isolde away,
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇteven seizing her wealth to manage it—but Vance had still amounted to nothing. All her hatred and frustration
were now focused on Braden. If Clark were to steal that from him, the Langley family would truly be ruled by the
bastards.
“Enough,” Prudence muttered, waving her hand dismissively. “Just don’t go too far.”
Priscilla beamed. “Don’t worry, Mother. Braden isn’t heartless. He'll remember family ties. He's doing this for the
good of the Langley family.”
Prudence closed her eyes, unwilling to say more.
Westville was hto many taverns, but only one stood out-Westville Hotel.
It was grand, occupying four shop fronts with a courtyard turned into private rooms where scholars and writers
could enjoy their leisure in style, albeit at a steep price. A drink that cost fifty coins outside would go
for a hundred in the neiunte room
double the cost which meant only those with deen nockets could
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Chapter 127 A Trick
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Braden, a frequent guest, usually visited the Petfield Room at Westville Hotel. He and a group of wealthy young
men spent their there drinking and enjoying themselves.
Tonight, Martha led Clark straight to the Petfield Room. As soon as Clark entered, he saw Braden, already seated
with two other elegantly dressed individuals-one man and one woman. The man looked refined, while the
woman's attire and makeup suggested a much bolder nature.
Braden, usually cold to Clark, greeted him warmly, standing and pulling him into an embrace. “Clark, I'm so glad
you could make it. Letintroduce you to my friends.”
Clark, slightly confused by Braden’s sudden enthusiasm, nodded. “Okay.”
“This is Kameron Frazier, a businessman from Argentum. His family has a large business,” Braden said,
introducing the man.
Kameron gave a small nod. “How do you do?”
“How do you do?” Clark replied politely.
“And this is Jocelynn, a close companion of Jocelynn Cruz,” Braden continued, gesturing toward the woman.
Clark gave a polite nod to Jocelynn, though her flamboyant appearance reminded him of sof the girls his
father had introduced him to at Vermelle Hall. Still, since she was Kameron'’s close companion, he didn’t think
too much of it. “Nice to meet you.”
Jocelynn smiled and curtsied. “Nice to meet you.”
Braden enthusiastically gestured for Clark to sit, and Martha also took her seat.
Clark found himself seated next to Braden, with Jocelynn on his left and Kameron beside her, and the rest of the
group settled comfortably around the table.
Braden had already had a couple of drinks and was in high spirits. He turned to Kameron. “I'll tell you, don’t be
fooled by my lack of accomplishments-Clark’s a real achiever. Tomorrow, he’s heading to the Parliamentary
Library.”
Clark felt uncomfortable with Braden’s public praise. Why was he flaunting Clark’s business so openly?
He had always been cautious around Braden, knowing that he had a sharp, mean streak, and had never been
particularly kind to Clark.
Kameron looked at Clark with admiration. “Impressive, Clark. To get into the Parliamentary Library, your scholarly
skills must be extraordinary.”
Clark smiled and waved it off. “You flatter me.”
Jocelynn, pouring wine, smiled and said, “Let us toast you and wish you a brilliant future.”
Clark, knowing he couldn't drink before his important appointment tomorrow, politely declined. “I'm afraid | can’t
handle alcohol. Coffee will be fine for me.”
Jocelynn smirked, her gaze narrowing with a hint of mockery. “Of course, Clark, as someone from the
Parliamentary Library, you must have no interest in drinking with us.”
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Chapter 127 A Trick
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Martha quickly interjected with a smile. “Jocelynn, don’t be like that. Clark has business tomorrow. Letdrink
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmthis for him.” She stood, took the wine, and downed it in one gulp. The wine was harsh, causing her to cough
violently, tears streaming down her face, but she still smiled and said, “I'll drink another for you.”
She poured more wine and said, “Clark doesn’t have many friends here in Argentum. Tomorrow he’ll begin his
journey, and tonight we celebrate with Kameron and Jocelynn. This one’s for you.”
Clark was touched by Martha's gesture. Watching his usually arrogant sister show such support made him want
to return the favor, and he stood, taking the wine from her hand. “A gentleman cannot let his sister drink for him.
This one’s for Kameron and Jocelynn.”
Martha smiled widely, clapping her hands. “Well done, Clark!”
Braden raised his glass to keep the mood lively. “Here's to Clark! We must drink to his future success!”
Kameron and Jocelynn both stood and raised their glasses. “To Clark! May his future be as bright as his path
ahead!”
Clark, though not one for words, was grateful for all that was being arranged. He raised his glass and drank
deeply. However, he didn’t notice that the wine he drank cfrom the decanter in front of Martha, while the
others had their wine from Kameron'’s.
As he put the glass down, neither he nor anyone else noticed the sly, victorious look exchanged between Martha
and Jocelynn.
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