Filed to story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
At her shout, Helen flinched instinctively.
However, Sophie erupted in anger.
“Who needs your approval? I want you to pay up! I’ve avoided saying some things outright because I didn’t want things to get ugly. But if you aren’t concerned about appearances, why should I be? After all, I was a once-divorced woman!
“Eric didn’t embezzle the funds from The Gilded Tower, It was you and Jessica who tricked my mother-in-law out of her money! You treated her like a fool and a big idiot.
Eric has confessed everything. My mother-in-law has been confined in the palace and was unable to leave easily, so you’ve done as you pleased all these years.
“Now that she’s finally left the palace, you had the nerve to show her portrait to the staff, making sure everyone knew who she was so they could say those customers were just people you used to boost business.”
“Utter nonsense!” Eleanor sneered coldly. “Why would you believe a thief’s words?”
“I’d rather believe him than trust you two,” Sophie replied firmly. “I came here tonight to settle this civilly- return the money you’re supposed to, and take back all the shares you should. If you do that, this whole mess will stay between us. But if you insist on making this ugly, I’m not afraid to go there.
“From the moment you gave my mother the miniature chastity belt sculpture, I vowed to hold a grudge against you. Don’t think you can hide behind your title as the grand princess to hold me down. After that stunt you pulled, I’ll never forgive you as long as I live!!
Eleanor’s face turned ashen with fury. Her hands, clutching a hot water bottle, shook with rage. Her glare was so fierce, it seemed like she wanted to devour Sophie.
“How dare you insult my mother? My mother is the esteemed grand princess! Sophie, you have offended your elder! Such a crime can’t be forgiven. I will report you to the Royal Court!” Jessica shouted. Sophie slammed her hand on the table, and said sharply, “Go ahead, make a scene-the bigger, the better! It would be best if you also exposed all the dirty secrets of Aunt Eleanor’s household.”
Eleanor’s face went pale. “What nonsense are you spouting? What dirty secrets could my household have?
Sophie’s voice was icy, “Don’t you have any? Should I go and investigate the western courtyard of this palace now?”
“Preposterous! Utterly preposterous!”
Eleanor was both furious and fearful. How did Sophie know about the western courtyard?
With a flick of her whip, Sophie shattered the mahogany wood coffee table in front of her, splitting it into two with a loud crash.
However, the noise was nothing compared to Sophie’s fierce shout, did
“When I was being reasonable, you cooperate? Hand over the money every last bit of it! Whoever wants The Gilded Tower can take it, but don’t use it to sully net mother-in-law’s reputation!”
The household soldiers rushed forward to stand in front of Eleanor, preventing Sophie from taking any physical action against the grand princess.
“How dare you!” Eleanor jumped, staring at the broken coffee table in shock. “Sophie, do you think I can’t deal with you?”
“Exactly!” Sophie snapped coldly, “You can’t touch me, but I can destroy you. Your hands are filthy, and I’ve got all the evidence in my grasp. You think you can keep those secrets from everyone? Not from me. If you don’t hand over every last coin tonight, I’ll bring the Supreme Court down on this place. I’ll have them investigate your crimes of…”
Eleanor’s voice rose to a sharp, angry yell, “Give it to her! Bring the banknotes!”
Helen clutched her chest in fear.
Heavens, where did Sophie get the nerve to confront Eleanor like this? And she actually won!
But what could possibly be the secret in the western courtyard? It was astounding that the usually dignified Eleanor had lost her composure!
Sophie continued to count the money. When the banknotes fell short, gold bars were brought out to make up the difference.
It seemed Eleanor had substantial reserves-producing over two hundred thousand silver coins was not difficult for her.
Sophie had underestimated Eleanor:
Over the years, Eleanor had supported the household soldiers, maintained hundreds of servants, frequently hosted guests, and adorned herself in luxurious clothing and fine jewelry. Every piece of her attire was of the highest quality.
Yet, seeing Eleanor’s pained expression as she handed over the money, Sophie knew this sum was hitting Eleanor where it hurt.
This time, they had completely ripped off the mask of civility between them.
At least, Sophie had recovered what was rightfully theirs and what had been deceitfully taken. There was no loss on her part. As for the rift, it was nothing new. There was no need to maintain the facade of hypocritical harmony.
With that, Sophie made her way out.
Eleanor and Jessica watched as Sophie walked away. There was none of the politeness from when she first arrived. Her straightened back radiated an air of arrogance and defiance.
“Sophiel” Eleanor ground her teeth in frustration; but at this moment, she was powerless to do anything.
Jessica was equally distraught. “All the hard work over the years has gone to waste, all because of that vile woman! I won’t let her get away with this!”
Though Eleanor was furious with Sophie, she warned her daughter sharply, “Don’t provoke her! You’re no match for her. The problems with The Gilded Tower are due to your negligence. How could you let them easily find the account books? And you kept all the account books at The Gilded Tower. How did you manage things?”
Jessica was both angry and aggrieved. “I was afraid that if I took them back to fronridge Estate, my mother-in-law would discover that I was managing The Gilded Tower.”
“Then, why didn’t you send them to another location? You don’t only have one residence to use. If nothing else, why not destroy them after every year’s accounts are settled? After all, it’s not a long-term business.”
“It was Eric who said we couldn’t destroy them. Among all our shops, only The Gilded Tower has paid its taxes in full. We kept the account books just in case.”
Eleanor frowned. ‘Forget it. No one expected Helen to really move out of the palace, and no one anticipated that Rafael would marry someone like Sophie, a once-divorced woman. With her family gone. and having been discarded by Blake, she’s clearly got nothing left to lose. It’s not worth clashing with someone like that. Just make sure your other dealings are clean, so she doesn’t get anything on you.”
“Those other businesses have nothing to do with her of Helen.”
“Didn’t you hear her? She’s determined to target us,” Eleanor said with a hint of frustration, her heart acking at the sight of parting with so much money. “Anyway follow my instructions. Be extra Careful and don’t provoke her.
Understood?”
“Got it.”
Though Jessica responded, she harbored deep resentment towards Sophie and was determined to find a way to get back at her.
As Sophie and Helen exited Harmony Palace, they saw Rafael and Dylan waiting on horseback at the end of the alley.
Upon seeing them, Rafael rode up and asked Sophie, “Is everything taken care of?”
He exhaled a cloud of breath into the cold air. The weather was extremely chilly, and the biting wind was harsh. He didn’t know how long he and Dylan had been waiting there.
“It’s all taken care of. Why are you here? You didn’t need to come.” Sophie hurried towards him, placing her hand on his to stop him from dismounting. His hands were as cold as ice, so she quickly urged, “Let’s hurry back. We can talk about if Pater.”
Helen stood nearby. She raised her hand and grinned widely, her smile stretching from ear to ear. Even as the cold wind whipped around her, she didn’t seem to notice the chill her heart was warmed by the moment.
“Yes, let’s talk about it after we get back.”