Tessa was caught in a dilemma . She couldn't accept the gifts , but rejecting them didn't feel like an option either , Had she known it would come to this , she should have stopped things the moment Raul ordered Margaery to apologize at the recognition party . Now , what was she supposed to do ? She glanced at Avery , hoping he might step in , but to her surprise , Avery's face was clouded with anger , his gaze fixed intently on the bracelet in Margaery's hand . A flicker of resentment stirred within Tessa . " Why aren't you accepting them . Tessa ? " Margaery's voice was soft , with just a hint of innocent surprise . " This is getting interesting . " the crowd murmured .. The guests exchanged knowing glances , their curiosity piqued . Even Serena , the noble consort , seemed to be watching with great interest . Tessa broke out in a cold sweat . With a forced smile , she reluctantly took the ruby pendent , the bracelet , and the hairpin from Margaery . Her voice trembled as she said , " Since it's your gesture , I'll accept them . " " And that means you've forgiven me , right ? " Margaery asked , her voice carrying a note of innocence . Tessa's face tightened , and she struggled not to look at Russell , She feared he might lash out at her if he saw any sign of weakness . " Margaery ! " Russell's voice was full of fury , his glare so intense it seemed like he might burn Margaery alive with his eyes . " What is it , Russell ? " Margaery turned her head slowly , meeting his gaze calmly . Her composed tone was like a splash of cold water , dousing Russell's fury . His fists clenched , his eyes flashing with barely contained rage . Tessa saw his expression and instinctively took a step back , her heart pounding . Among the five brothers , Russell was the most unpredictable . She feared that if he lost control , she might be caught in the crossfire . With no one to intervene , Russell and Margaery stood face to face - one seething with anger , the other as calm as still water . Chapter 5 Seeing the tension rising . Avery quickly stepped forward , placing a hand on Russell's shoulder . " Russell , calm down . We're in front of so many people " Russell's face flushed red , and for a moment , his eyes filled with tears . Without looking at anyone , he turned his head away , clearly tom inside . Margaery had given away the very things he valued most . How could he stay calm ? Avery realized with a start that Russell didn't actually hate Margaery as much as he'd assumed . It seemed more like a feeling of disappointment , of not living up to expectations . " Margaery … " Avery turned , about to say something comforting . But Margaery interrupted him , her voice steady . " Since Tessa has forgiven me , I'll leave now and not interrupt her welcoming party . " With that , she bowed to the room and turned to walk away . " Margaory really is an interesting character , " someone in the crowd remarked with a chuckle . Serena said , her voice thoughtful . " I actually like her . " Tessa clenched her fists , a sharp sting of humiliation coloring her face . Her hatred for Margaery deepened . She hadn't expected this . The girl who used to chase after Russell everywhere , even at Inkwell Academy , and couldn't bear to be away from him , had now so easily pushed him to the edge and walked away without a second glance . " Russell , Margaery- " Tessa cautiously spoke , glancing toward Russell . He stared at the footprints in the snow outside , his thoughts distant . ' Margaery just walked away like that ? ' She sent the most precious things I cared about and didn't even apologize or explain ? "What do you think of me , Margaery ? " Shock quickly turned to a deeper , more searing rage . " Margaery , you think you're so clever , don't you ? This isn't over ! " His fists clenched again , and he slammed them onto the table with such force that blood splattered . " Russell ! " Avery rushed to stop him , grabbing his arm . " Margaery had no choice in the matter . What sincerity could she even offer ? Yes , she didn't handle it well , but don't let your anger control you … Chapter 1 The words trailed off as a deep , bitter feeling surged within him . Wasn't he just as reluctant to see Margaery give those bracelets to Tessa ? He had spent all the savings he had accumulated over three years at the Royal Medical Hall to buy those bracelets for Margaery … Of course , in the context of the Chancellor's estate , his savings were hardly anything . They were nothing compared to the prescription Margaery had given him , which was priceless . Still , no matter what , Margaery couldn't just hand over his heartfelt gift to someone else like that . Avery's thoughts were all over the place , but he quickly tried to refocus . In the end , if the family could be at peace , that was the best outcome . He sighed and tried to soothe Russell . " Now that Tessa is home , the family's whole again . As for Margaery , you know how she is . She'll throw a tantrum , but she'll get over it . " Remembering how Margaery had cried and begged him for help in the past , only to drop the matter when he hadn't given in , he was sure this , too , would pass . He knew Margaery had a fiery temper , but it was just her way . They were family , and nothing could break that bond . But Russell couldn't let it go . His eyes were red , his voice shaking with rage . " Margaery just wants to stab me in the heart ! " " Who cares ? " Russell spat . He said it like he didn't care , but his body trembled with barely contained anger . He huffed and turned his back , deliberately ignoring Avery . Avery sighed , thinking about asking Tessa to bring some medicine to calm Russell down . After all , he still needed Margaery's prescription . Tessa needed it , too - her chronic stomach issue had been flaring up for years , with no solution in sight . Avery had hoped Margaery could ask her mysterious expert if there was any remedy for stomach problems . But when Avery turned around , he saw Tessa quickly retreating into the room , almost like she had been shocked by the exchange . Avery paused , then reluctantly pulled Russell away . Tessa , seeing Russell being led away , wiped the sweat from her forehead . She wasn't about to face Russell in that state . If he lost his temper and hit her , it would cause more trouble than it was worth . Chaplo After all , Russell had quite the temper . " Russell , there are so many people watching today . Why did you lose your temper like that ? What do you think they'll think of our family ? " Once they were alone . Avery couldn't help but scold Russell . " And you shouldn't have dragged in your classmates from the Inkwell Academy to stir things up and embarrass Margaery . " Russell's chest was still rising and falling with anger . " Did you see her face ? With everyone watching , she didn't even care about me , her brother ! From now on , I don't have a sister like her ! " " Don't say that ! " Avery replied , clearly frustrated . " How can you say she doesn't care about you ? " She gave the hairpin I carved for her to someone else ! Does that sound like she cares about me ? " Russell was shaking with fury . Avery sighed and tried to calm him down . " Tessa is also our sister . Don't you care about her ? You know how much for her . So what if she gave the hairpin to Tessa ? Why are you so upset ? " " That's not the same ! " Russell blurted out , his voice rising . He stopped , realizing what he had just said . you care " Not the same ? How ? " Avery asked , his voice calm but firm . " They're twins , they came from the same womb , they're both your sisters … " " But it's not the same ! " Russell exploded , unable to explain . He stood up abruptly , frustrated . " I can't argue with you , I'm done ! And you , stop. always pretending like you care so much about this family's reputation ! What's reputation ? Can you eat it ? " I don't want to talk to you ! " He stormed off , pacing in frustration before walking away . Ө Commont AD 23:39 Wed 20 AUD Chapte