The Duke's Masked Wife 2: The Prince's Outcast Bride-Chapter 159: Battle of women (4)

"Tyrion is your precious, perfect grandson, you believe can do no wrong. Since you see him to be this way, then you must accept that he chose me for a reason and stop meddling because you might lose him," said Penelope.

Tabitha found it funny that Penelope was speaking on Tyrion’s behalf. Acting like a grandson who adored his grandmother for years would just cut ties with her for his wife.

"You have not been married to him for long. There is a bond I hold with him that you wish to have. I do believe that Tyrion can make mistakes," Tabitha said, staring at one now.

Where had Tabitha gone wrong with her son and Tyrion?

Why did they both gravitate to women she did not like for them?

"Oh, so he can only make mistakes when it comes to me. I am not denying there is a bond between the two of you, but if you keep this up, it will be broken. I have been his friend for many years to know why you must be careful," Penelope said.

Tyrion was fond of Tabitha, but he loved his mother.

Penelope wouldn’t be the only reason for Tyrion not being close to Tabitha. Tabitha had forgotten her troubles with the queen.

"I think Teo will make a wonderful king. You must remember that there have been two princes and a princess. Each one of them is special. Holding an interest in only Tyrion will have Teo and Hailey feel left out. You have more important matters to focus on," Penelope said, standing since her time here was done.

Before she left, Penelope said, "I know you called me here to make a mockery of me. You would have dragged my mother’s name into it. Perhaps you planned to place me on the spot to make me regret my decisions, but that wouldn’t have worked. I am not going into the palace."

"And neither is my husband," Penelope added, just as Tabitha’s lips parted to speak. "I’m sure you have intimidated many ladies during your life, but that won’t happen with me. I was raised by Alessandra and Edgar Collins. There won’t come a day when I will fear you, but you will regret picking a fight with me."

Tabitha’s blood felt like it was boiling because of how hot she had become.

Tabitha’s hands gripped the teacup before her.

This wasn’t unnoticed by Penelope.

Penelope saw Tabitha’s hand move like she wanted to throw the hot tea in Penelope’s direction.

"If you throw that to my face, even if it is not hot, not only will you have Tyrion at your door, but my father as well. He will not care that you were once a queen," Penelope said, keeping her eye on the cup.

Tabitha looked down, finally aware of what she was doing. She could have thrown it out of anger, but it was not something she wanted to do.

"I do not fear Edgar Collins," Tabitha said, setting the cup out of reach. "I do not fear the duchess, and I certainly do not fear his mother. You are the greatest mistake my grandson has ever made."

Penelope sighed. "Thank you for the invitation, Lady Tabitha," Penelope curtsied. "I will not be able to attend the others in the future. I want to surround myself with women who are kind and care for others."

Priscilla stood to join Penelope in leaving. "It truly was time wasted to come here."

Lily was quick to stand to join Penelope walking away.

Priscilla remained since there was something she needed to say to Tabitha.

Priscilla leaned forward, enjoying the fear in Tabitha’s eyes.

Wasn’t this the same woman who said she didn’t fear her?

Priscilla chuckled.

Priscilla planned to give Tabitha a threat, but Tabitha was already afraid as she should be.

"You aren’t worth it," Priscilla said, standing up straight. "We will be seeing each other soon. I have more to say when my granddaughters aren’t around to hear my language."

"I have taken notice of all the ladies here. I will be keeping an eye on all of you and listening to what you say about my family. Mothers," Priscilla addressed the older women. "If you want your daughters to marry, be careful."

With this said, Priscilla left the gathering to join her granddaughters.

"Lady Tabitha-"

"Do not speak," Tabitha silenced the woman beside her.

This wasn’t what Tabitha had planned.

Priscilla spoiled everything.

Tabitha watched as Priscilla left the gathering. Priscilla wasn’t an easy woman to poke at since Tabitha knew of a few things Priscilla had done.

’What right does she have to judge me?’ Tabitha thought.

It wasn’t a secret that Priscilla hadn’t been fond of Alessandra at one point. Priscilla was also a stubborn woman, but she was too weak to fold and welcome Alessandra into the family.

At another table, Amelia disliked the display.

How was Penelope able to walk out with her head held high?

Couldn’t Lady Tabitha have done better?

Anelia looked around to see the women whispering amongst each other. Many were nervous to speak about the rumours tied to Penelope’s name.

Amelia gripped the fan in her hand. She wanted Penelope’s name to be sullied a little bit more, but the women present were weak.

They talked amongst themselves because they believed Edgar wouldn’t come after chattering women, but Priscilla was a different story. Priscilla had influence and many followers around the town who would report back to her.

"Mother," Amelia whined.

"Don’t speak about her anymore," said Jade.

Jade knew it was pointless to enter a battle against Priscilla. She believed every word Priscilla said about ruining anyone who went after Penelope.

The duchess tends to avoid conflict, but Priscilla had always succeeded in handling many women and making many an outcast.

"She is married, while you sit here without a ring. You must stop thinking of ways to ruin her and focus on getting the crown prince to notice you. You couldn’t have beaten her," Jade said, feeling foolish for thinking it.

Amelia frowned.

It wasn’t the first time she had heard her mother say she couldn’t beat Penelope. It was her mother who filled her with confidence, only to later beat her down.

"I could have-"

"You lost Tyrion to her, and if you are distracted by ruining Penelope, you will lose Teo. Time is ticking, Amelia. If you do not hurry, you will end up with a man of your father’s choosing, and your life might be miserable. Forget about her," Jade advised Amelia.

It didn’t matter to Jade that Penelope succeeded in having Tyrion. What mattered was her daughter becoming the next queen.

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