314: Chapter 12, Soul of the Water Moon_1 314: Chapter 12, Soul of the Water Moon_1 “Miss Isabel, you ought not to speak so carelessly.
Claiming that because I already have a fiancé and cannot marry you, you have grown hateful from love and seek to tarnish my reputation – that strikes me as rather cruel.”
As he spoke, Hudson propped up Isabel’s chin with one hand, a clear warning in his gesture.
Upon seeing this, Isabel was dumbfounded.
He was blatantly shirking his responsibility and had absolutely no intention of admitting any fault.
“Hatred born from love,” he wanted her to bear the full brunt of the notoriety.
His argument was consistent with popular opinion.
On one side stood his noble fiancé; on the other, a beautiful singer.
It was clear who garnered more favor.
Deny it?
If the clergy wished to silence her, this seemingly lustful man in front of her might also wish she didn’t leave alive.
He hadn’t acted immediately, likely due to considerations for his reputation.
A noble could be passionate, but a noble could not be cruel.
Killing a “lover” indiscriminately would not only instill fear in his followers, but also make the Hollis family question the validity of their alliance.
People were naturally inclined to make assumptions.
Due to numerous encounters between Hudson and Isabel, everyone had accepted the existence of a relationship between them.
“Sorry, Viscount.
I am a bit confused and would appreciate it if you could release me.
Your actions trouble me greatly, and I am afraid that I am unable to handle it!”
Isabel stiffly echoed.
Despite knowing that Hudson was playing a charade, she had no choice but to continue the act.
Her intuition told her that her safe exit depended on the upcoming conversation.
“Miss Isabel, are you being insincere?
You have been clinging to me, how can you now turn the tables?”
“I require an explanation that can mend my damaged reputation.
Should my fiancé find out, she will be displeased.”
As he spoke, Hudson’s hand began to wander recklessly, signaling to Isabel that if she continued her coquettish act, he would not hesitate to retaliate.
Nobles would judge based on their own restraints.
If a beautiful woman persistently pursued him and Hudson claimed to have done nothing…
People might doubt not Master Hudson’s virtuous character but rather his physical capabilities.
He wasn’t about to take that kind of loss; if he couldn’t clear his name, he might as well enjoy the rumors.
Experienced in dealing with all kinds of routines and well-versed in men’s behavior, Isabel was secretly cursing her situation.
The man before her was far too rational.
Despite the desire evident in his gaze, he never forgot to maintain control, masterfully toying with her as he wished.
“Was everything before this part of an elaborate act?”
Isabel asked with a trembling voice.
“Ha ha …”
“Miss Isabel, as expected, you’re as sharp as a tack.
You quickly spotted the problem.”
“However, the flaws today were glaringly clear.
The guards let you pass without any hindrance; anyone would easily suspect something out of the ordinary.”
“The mysterious organization’s men have already departed with their items, and I have received the traded goods.
We are all satisfied with the results.”
“The only problem remaining is you.”
“Do not fear, I am known for my compassion towards women.
I find it hard to act against a beautiful woman in my arms.”
“Yet, for your safety, you are not going anywhere for a long time to come.”
“I am aware Miss Isabel is independent and will probably dislike lazing around.
Why not display some worth and show me…”
Hearing this explanation, Isabel rolled her eyes, pressing her body against Hudson as she whispered in his ear, “What else do you want from me, given how things stand now?”
“I know very little about the mysterious organization.
Even if I told you everything, you wouldn’t gain much.”
“As for performing, I’m afraid certain folks wouldn’t be able to control themselves before my performance finishes.
And other things, well, I simply don’t know!”
She was speaking the truth; the Singing Maiden Group’s skills seemed artistic in nature but were actually techniques to handle men.
For instance, the seductive scene unfolding now was already pushing Hudson’s limits.
“Having been a part of the mysterious organization for this long, you surely must have learned a few things.
Like how to gather intelligence, or how to cultivate informants?”
“Of course, if you don’t know how to do these things, that’s also fine.
Show me your skills in serving people, and I, as your master…”
Halfway through his sentence, Isabel’s tears began to flow freely as she buried her face in Hudson’s neck, crying inconsolably.
Her professional acting skills made Hudson realize that this woman would not be easily subjugated.
Seizing an opportunity to exploit a weakness was easy, but persuading her to give her all was considerably more challenging.
Having been abandoned by the mysterious organization, Isabel was more guarded than ever.
Coming from that kind of environment, she had seen countless instances of women trading their bodies for survival.
Now, she would much rather allow Hudson to take advantage of her than become embroiled in another scandal.
Hudson had anticipated her reaction.
If she had been easily swayed, he would have been suspicious and wondered if she were an undercover agent dispatched by the mysterious organization.
The damage to his reputation was done; all he could do now was go with the flow and try to minimize the damage as much as possible.
If the outside world thought so, then so be it.
As long as no breaking news materialized, this scandalous affair would soon be forgotten.
If Isabel’s abilities weren’t required, then she could remain as a decorative piece, highlighting the irresistible charm of Master Hudson.
Trying to establish emotional ties would be simply asking for trouble.
A woman who could thrive in the Singing Maiden Group likely didn’t have a heart left to give.