Chapter 174: A Web of Lies and Manipulations
The rift between the Knight family and the Nash family had deepened, and Marigold had become especially wary of anyone from the Nash family. So, when Orion showed up unexpectedly, it caught her completely off guard.
“Hello, Mrs. Marigold,” Orion greeted, though she had once called her “mother.” Now, with the hostility between their families, she had to make the painful change.
Marigold was visibly surprised. “Why are you here, Orion? I just heard about your mother’s condition. Is everything alright?”
“It was sudden, but the doctor says there’s hope, so please don’t worry,” Orion replied, her tone carefully neutral.
Marigold’s concern was evident, but she quickly shifted her gaze to the large number of gifts Orion had brought. “You’ve brought so many gifts. What is it that you need to discuss?”
Before Orion could answer, Harry, who was lounging in the room, piped up with a sarcastic remark. “Excessive warmth from certain people often means they have something to hide.”
Orion’s eyes narrowed, her voice sharp as she addressed Harry. “What did you say?”
Harry feigned innocence, holding up a book as if deeply engrossed in it. “Oh, nothing. Just reading. The book says that when some people act too kind, they often have ulterior motives.” He added with a smirk, “And it says that a woman’s mind is the hardest to deal with, like trying to handle a bad person.”
Orion’s blood boiled at his insults. She was about to retort when she quickly swallowed her anger. Instead, she turned to Marigold, forcing a polite smile. “Mrs. Marigold, since Caspian is studying, let’s go to the room and talk so we don’t disturb him.”
“Alright,” Marigold agreed, and they both headed upstairs to the study. But Harry, ever the troublemaker, wasn’t far behind. Without knocking, he barged into the room.
“Caspian, weren’t you studying in the hall? Why did you come up here?” Marigold’s concern shifted to her grandson as she saw him entering the room. “You’ve been injured—don’t overexert yourself.”
“I’m just making sure you two bad women aren’t plotting something against me,” Harry blurted out, clearly making a point to disrupt their conversation. “I’m not leaving until I hear everything.”
“Harry, what nonsense are you talking?” Orion snapped, furious at his interruption. She was on the verge of losing her composure.
But Harry, ever the actor, feigned fear and quickly hid behind Marigold. “Grandma, Orion is going to hit me! She always does that!” His voice trembled, playing the victim to perfection.
Orion’s temper flared, but before she could make a move, Harry began to cry dramatically. “Grandma! Orion is bullying me again!”
Marigold immediately rushed to Harry’s side, soothing him with a calm voice. “Caspian, don’t cry. Don’t be afraid. I’ll protect you.” Turning sharply to Orion, she scolded, “Caspian is my precious grandson. I can’t bear for him to be upset, let alone have someone like you yelling at him!”
Orion seethed inwardly, cursing Marigold a thousand times in her mind. This old witch had always treated Caspian coldly, but now that she knew he was her grandson, she was spoiling him endlessly.
Despite her boiling frustration, Orion had a reason for being there, and she needed to control her anger. She forced a stiff smile and said, “I apologize for my attitude, Caspian. Please don’t be upset.”
Harry, still acting the part of the innocent child, looked up at Marigold with big, pitiful eyes. “Grandma, this woman is bad. You should stay away from her. Even though you’re a little bad too, you need to stay away from her. It’s not good for you.”
Orion was rendered speechless by his audacity.
“Caspian, I was wrong earlier. I apologize,” Orion said, her tone dripping with insincerity. “I came to discuss something important with Mrs. Marigold. You go on and study for now, and I’ll leave once we’re done. I promise, I won’t bother you again.”
Harry immediately protested. “No! I’m staying right here to make sure you’re not plotting anything bad! If you don’t let me stay, then you should leave right now!”
Before Marigold could respond, Harry threw in a dramatic threat. “If you don’t let me stay, I’ll jump out of here!” He crossed his arms, as if daring anyone to stop him.
“No, no, no! Please don’t!” Marigold cried, her voice filled with panic. She quickly grabbed Harry, her hands shaking. “Caspian, you can’t do that. You stay right here, alright?”
After soothing Harry, Marigold turned to Orion. “Caspian’s just a child. It’s fine for him to be here. Now, Orion, what was it you wanted to discuss?”
Orion had to fight back her disgust. She hadn’t expected Marigold to spoil Harry to this extent. But with the boy present, she had to tread carefully. Caspian had always been fond of Galatea, and speaking ill of her in front of him could backfire.
“Grandma, bad Auntie, you talk. I’ll just be quiet,” Harry announced, sitting on the sofa and acting like a little angel, but with mischief dancing in his eyes.
Orion paused for a moment, then decided to take a different approach. “Actually, I don’t have any business here, aside from offering a blessing.”
“A blessing?” Marigold looked confused. “There are no celebrations here. Why a blessing?”
Orion’s smile widened, her voice dripping with false sweetness. “Isn’t Alaric about to marry Galatea? What better occasion for a blessing? My mother’s condition is dire, and they’re planning a wedding. I’m not in the mood to attend, but I thought I’d come early and give my congratulations.”
Marigold’s expression immediately darkened. “Who told you that Alaric is marrying Galatea?” Her tone shifted to something far more serious.
Orion couldn’t help but feel a rush of satisfaction. Seeing Marigold’s reaction was a small victory. Harry, on the other hand, was less than pleased.
“Mrs. Marigold, don’t you know? Everyone at Nexus Innovations is talking about it. Galatea works there now, and everyone calls her ‘Young Madam.’”
“Nonsense!” Marigold’s face flushed with anger. “My son is getting married, and as his mother, how could I not know? Whoever started these rumors is to blame!”
Orion feigned confusion. “Oh, I thought it was true. But if it’s just a rumor… well, I guess I misunderstood. I’m not trying to meddle in Alaric’s life. He’s free to marry whomever he chooses. I just wanted to congratulate them. And Mrs. Marigold, you should meet Galatea—she’s beautiful. No wonder Alaric is so captivated by her. Such a woman… every man would lose control.”
Harry, listening intently, was momentarily stunned by Orion’s flattery. He now saw through her words. This was all just manipulation.
Marigold, however, wasn’t convinced. “I’ve already told you, it’s a rumor. I’ll find out who started it and put a stop to it. Orion, if you have nothing else, please leave.”
Orion smiled sweetly, her patience wearing thin. “Alright, Mrs. Marigold. Caspian, I’m leaving now.” She waved goodbye, her voice almost too sweet to bear, before making her exit.
As she walked away, she couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of satisfaction. She had sown enough doubt and trouble for now. As for Harry… well, she was used to dealing with pests.