Chapter 187 - 134: Annie: "You Worked Hard Last Night.

Chapter 187: Chapter 134: Annie: "You Worked Hard Last Night.

Haven’t they gone too far with everything they’ve done?

And yet you’re still merciful enough to remember Lorne Jackson’s good side? He was completely unworthy of being your husband!"

Everyone’s expression changed at Lian’s words.

Mary’s Chief Knight, Yaxin Matic, gripped the hilt of his Knight’s Sword, seemingly ready to draw it at any moment to cut Lian down and shut his unfiltered mouth for good.

The Knight was also incensed by these rumors, his temper flaring.

’Even though Mary had killed her previous two husbands, calling her barren and a husband-killer was absolutely intolerable. She was simply a ruthless woman who would do anything to achieve her goals—a true ruler.’

But his reason overcame the impulse. He had already suffered at Lian’s hands before.

Smart people don’t make the same mistake twice.

So, Yaxin Matic merely shot Lian a venomous glare.

Sweat had already soaked through Alex Pool’s shirt. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed repeatedly, terrified that his Lord’s tirade would thoroughly enrage Mary.

True, such rumors were enough to be the social death of any noblewoman. The only exception was Mary, a woman who held both authority and Power. Nevertheless, such words were enough to infuriate any normal woman.

Even Nancy Stuart looked surprised.

Ultimately, all eyes fell on Mary’s beautiful, impassive face, waiting to see how she would react.

Only Lian paid them no mind, continuing to curse the Jackson family for another ten-odd minutes until Mary finally showed an expression of distress.

"The Jackson family does sound truly despicable."

"Yes. The Jackson family must compensate you for the damage to your reputation, and they owe me an explanation as well. We must punish the Blue Moon Territory."

Lian said, pressing his advantage.

Mary raised her gaze slightly. "And how should we punish them?"

Mary had been quite good to Lian recently. She had not only given him the most beautiful woman in her court to be his mistress, but also granted him half of Yusofa’s territory—land he had no right to. She had wined and dined him, satisfying his every request.

Now, Mary wanted to see the fruits of her labor. She wanted Lian to be the one to ask for an alliance.

This was her scheme.

After all, the letter from Catherine of the Blue Moon Territory had actually been forged under Mary’s orders.

As for the sudden death of the Minister of War, Sting Litt, that too had been within Mary’s calculations. The moment Sting Litt had forgotten his station and openly harassed Nancy Stuart in Black Rose Castle, he had already walked right into Mary’s trap.

To Mary, Nancy Stuart was actually more useful than Sting Litt.

Sting Litt’s provocation of Nancy provided the perfect opportunity to test whether Lian Moria truly cared for his mistress.

As it turned out, Nancy Stuart held a very high place in Lian’s heart.

And Nancy Stuart’s position in Lian’s eyes, in turn, determined her position in Mary’s.

Mary considered sacrificing Sting Litt in exchange for a pawn from the Moria Clan a very worthwhile trade.

Furthermore, Lian had handled the matter so flawlessly, leaving no trace of evidence, that it made Mary admire him all the more. It confirmed that Sting Litt’s sacrifice had been worthwhile.

Besides, Sting Litt was a man whose mind was filled with nothing but filth. If not for his family’s status, Mary would have replaced him long ago. This was the perfect opportunity to appoint a new Minister of War.

As for Lian, could he have failed to see that the letter was a forgery?

In truth, the handwriting was a perfect imitation.

The contents were just as convincing.

The only flaw in her plan was that Mary didn’t know her intelligence network had been compromised: Nancy Stuart was Lian’s woman.

And Nancy had already told Lian that the Rose Thorn had a member who was an expert at forging anyone’s handwriting.

Lian decided to beat her at her own game. If Mary wanted an alliance, then an alliance she would have.

They would form an alliance, march on the Blue Moon Territory together, and then he would turn on her and encircle her forces.

Making Mary experience the betrayal of an ally was one more step in adding to the tragedy of her life.

Only when her life was sufficiently tragic would the Eye of Misfortune be satisfied.

Lian had not the slightest bit of sympathy for Mary.

It didn’t matter that she was beautiful, with a stunning figure, fabulously wealthy, and held incredible status and Power. From the very beginning, she had been his opponent. Their worldviews and political stances were completely incompatible.

Lian was never merciful to his enemies.

The best hunters often disguise themselves as prey. So, what Lian had to do now was play the part of the quarry and walk right into the trap Mary had so carefully laid.

Lian finally spoke the words Mary had been waiting so long to hear.

"Let’s form an alliance. The Rose Army and the Green Shade Army will crush the Blue Moon Territory together."

A glimmer of light flashed in Mary’s eyes.

She knew that all her recent efforts were finally bearing fruit.

’But was her plan really just a simple alliance?’

"You’re right. Lorne Jackson was indeed unworthy of me. But my reputation is in tatters now. No respectable nobleman would be willing to marry me. Since you want an alliance... why don’t you marry me?"

This time, it was Lian who was left speechless.

He never expected Mary to make such a bold move.

’So after all that, she still has her sights set on me. She wants me to be her fourth husband.’

’But if I refuse now, it’ll be obvious I’m not sincere about the alliance.’

After all, he had just put on a grand show of sympathizing with Mary, expressing his disgust for how the Jacksons had slandered her.

Now, there was no way to back out.

He hesitantly looked at Nancy Stuart, who was also stunned.

At that moment, Nancy Stuart finally understood why Mary had told her not to dream of becoming Lian’s wife.

’This woman has been planning this for a long time. She’s trying to kill several birds with one stone.’

’First, she’ll use the conflict between Lian and Catherine to form an alliance with him and swallow up the Blue Moon Territory. Then, she’ll devour his Green Shade Territory, which will finally allow her to truly stand against the Simmons family in the South.’

’And during this process, if Lian proves to be useful, she won’t need to replace her husband again.’

’But the moment his usefulness is exhausted, she can just cast him aside.’

"I know you’re fond of Nancy. She can marry you along with me. She’ll become your official first mistress. I won’t interfere in your private life, nor will I stop you from seeking other beauties. Believe me, no one is more suited to be your wife than I am. I won’t get jealous and fight over you like those petty little women. I will respect you, and that includes your... preferences."

Mary waved her hand, and her Chief Knight and attendants tactfully withdrew.

Nancy Stuart and Alex Pool had no choice but to follow the others and temporarily withdraw.

Only Mary and Lian remained in the great hall.

Mary slowly approached Lian. She gently reached out, cupping his face in her hands. Her vibrant red lips drew near, and she whispered into his ear,

"I was never truly invested in my three previous marriages. To this day, I am still a virgin. If you need to verify that, we can do so right now. I won’t disappoint you."

Her voice was filled with a Charm that made Lian’s head spin.

To stay in character as a playboy and a lecher, Lian had no choice but to reach out and wrap an arm around Mary’s slender waist.

"Lady Mary, your station is far above my own. Why choose me?"

"Because you are special. If I was willing to part with Nancy for you, then naturally I won’t be stingy about your other requests."

Mary murmured, her warm breath tickling Lian’s ear like a soft perfume.

Gazing at the beautiful viper before him, Lian decided to test his new trait’s ability one more time.

He lowered his head and bit down on Mary’s bright red lips.