The Lady Nun Vows Revenge by Caroline Rowland

The Silent 188 Chapter 188 "Serenity," Nolan said softly, brushing away the tear that slipped down Eliza's cheek, "don't grieve for someone who never loved you. He's not worth it." That one sentence struck straight to the heart.

"You're right," Eliza whispered, taking a deep breath and forcing the sorrow back down. "He never was." "Don't let it bring you down," Malaki added gently. "You may no longer be part of the Stonor family, but you are a Padilla. You carry Caroline's blood-you belong to us." "Don't let it bring you down," Malaki added gently. "You may no longer be part of the Stonor family, but you are a Padilla. You carry Caroline's blood-you belong to us." It was the truth. And with the pain now spoken aloud, Malaki's heart began to lift. For years, he had thought the Padilla family line had ended, but now-with her return-the family had hope again.

"You're right, Malaki,” Eliza said. "I may have left the Stonor family behind, but the Padilla family... that's still mine." She hadn't felt a deep connection with her mother's side when she was young- her maternal relatives had fallen early, and the bond had faded. But now, something had shifted. There was a strange but certain sense of belonging taking root in her chest.

"I'm Caroline's daughter. Of course I'm a Padilla." She smiled. "Besides, Mr. Stonor already erased my nfrom the Stonor family registry. If I'm going to be listed anywhere, it'll be in yours." "Yes! Yes, we have a family tree-we do!" Malaki's eyes lit up. "Back then, Mr. Padilla knew the path ahead would be dangerous, so he left behind sheirlooms just in case. When the family fell, I brought them here to keep them safe. I never had a chance to give them to Caroline-but now that you're back, they're yours. Con, I'll show you." He turned to lead the way, but then suddenly paused and looked toward Nolan. "Your Highness, would you mind waiting here? This is a family matter-Eliza and I will be right back." Nolan gave a small nod. He had no objections-this was Padilla business, after all, and it wasn't his place to intrude.

That one sentence made Nolan straighten where he stood.

Malaki turned back and studied Nolan for a long moment, then nodded slightly.

"You don't have to worry," Nolan said quietly. "I'm not Gabriel. And I never will be." His voice was steady, but his heart was a storm. She trusted him-and he would be worthy of that trust. He smiled. "Besides, I can give Serenity more than he ever could." Eliza froze for a split second. She looked up at Nolan, then muttered awkwardly, "You don't have to giveanything." After all, they were just friends. Trusted friends, sure-but still friends. And she should probably start watching her boundaries a bit more.

Dense as ever, she completely missed the meaning behind his words.

But Malaki wasn't so oblivious.

His sharp eyes widened slightly, and after a moment's pause, he walked straight over to Nolan. "Forgivefor asking, but... may I have your full name?" 1/0 Chapter 188 "Nolan Bennett," he said, tone serious and direct.

Malaki blinked, then gasped. "Wait-you mean the Bennett family? You're that prince from the royal line?" Nolan lifted an eyebrow. "That's right." He hadn't expected anyone to still remember. After all, the Bennett family was wiped out when he was just an infant. He'd grown up alone-the last surviving heir.

Malaki burst out laughing. "What a twist of fate! After all these years, the Padilla and Bennett families are connected again." Nolan tilted his head slightly. "Connected? What do you mean?" +83) He was too young when his family fell to remember much about their history. But it was clear that Malaki knew things even he didn't.

"Of course," Malaki said, his voice warm with nostalgia. "Your mother and Caroline were the closest of friends in their youth. The Bennett and Padilla families were deeply bonded because of them. They visited each other often, and their friendship was well-known." At that, Eliza and Nolan exchanged a glance.

1 Malaki continued with a chuckle, "In fact, before either of you were born, the two women even made a little pact- to betroth their future children. If one had a boy and the other a girl, they'd be matched from birth. There's even a token to seal the agreement." Nolan nearly burst out laughing.

'Are you kidding me?' A childhood betrothal with Eliza? The Padillas had one daughter. The Bennetts had one son. It could only mean them.

He barely managed to contain himself. It was almost ridiculous how giddy he felt- like a lovesick teenager. He hadn't felt this out of control since... well, ever.

"So... this token," Nolan said, clearing his throat, trying to sound composed while discreetly pressing a fist to his lips. "Is it still around?" Eliza looked completely bewildered. "Wait-why are you asking about that?" She stared at Nolan, eyes wide with suspicion. Something about this felt extremely weird.

Before Malaki could dig the hole any deeper, Eliza quickly cut him off. "Alright, that's enough about om long-forgotten arrangements. I'm a nun now-whatever childhood betrothal there was, it doesn't apply toand Nolan. It's... not appropriate." "Oh-right, right," Malaki quickly backpedaled. "My old brain's not what it used to be. Forget I said anything." Nolan took a deep breath. And choked on it.

As Eliza pulled Malaki away with the speed of someone fleeing a crscene, Nolan followed behind, eyes back, the fire in his chest still smoldering.

fixed on her With that revelation hanging between them, Malaki's attitude toward Nolan noticeably softened.

He led them out of Vonalo Village and into a nearby wooded hillside, After pushing through @thick patch of weeds nearly waist-high, he revealed the entrance to a hidden stone cave. "It's down here," he said, climbing into the darkness without hesitation.

11:08 Thu, 17 Apr Chapter 188 11 Eliza and Nolan followed close behind.

From the outside, the cave had looked modest-but once inside, Eliza realized it was surprisingly vast. The air we heary with dust, the silence long and undisturbed.

Clearly, no one had stepped foot here for many years.

Malaki opened a concealed stone door, and within it, a secret chamber cinto view lined with heirlooms, nexty arranged, waiting for their rightful heir.