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Chapter 1201

Author: Summer's Blaze
As Carissa rode back to Hell Monarch Estate, the murmurs of the townsfolk reached her ears. Small groups gathered on street corners and market stalls, their conversations buzzing with the shocking events at Gracewood Women's Academy.

The academy and Skye Embroidery had already drawn public attention—some admiring, some critical. But now, with a scandal of this magnitude, the entire city seemed to be in an uproar.

At the heart of it all was Rosalind, the royal chancellor's granddaughter. The jewel of high society, a young woman of golden pedigree—dishonored by a brutish laborer.

Who would marry her now?

"She was foolish," someone whispered. "She could have lived out her days as a sheltered noblewoman, but she chose to play teacher. Well, look where that got her! Her reputation is ruined forever."

Carissa deliberately slowed her horse, listening intently as she passed by, hoping—desperately—for someone to acknowledge Rosalind's bravery, to speak of how she had shielded her students
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    Victoria had long since stepped back from the affairs of court, but her keen interest in the Gracewood Women's Academy was well-known. After all, it had been established under her direct instructions."Could it be," Carissa asked, "that this trouble stems from rivalries among the students' families?"Jacob sighed heavily. "If that's the case, the possibilities are endless. But it's not impossible."He elaborated, "Many households appear harmonious on the surface, but in reality, it's just a facade. Especially in households with concubines—no matter how elevated their status, a concubine would always be subordinate to the main wife. Except, of course, when the husband's favor tips the scales. In such cases, the rivalry between wife and concubine becomes intense, and all sorts of underhanded tactics are used."Carissa nodded thoughtfully.Jacob continued, "Imagine a scenario where both the main wife and a favored concubine have daughters. The wife's daughter secures a spot at the Gr

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    By the time Carissa returned to her residence, she had barely settled in before Violet arrived in a rush and pulled her aside."It's about the academy," Violet began, her expression tight with anger. "I fear this may be the work of the king and queen."Carissa blinked, stunned. "The king and queen? Where did you hear this?""Kevin told me," Violet explained. "He overheard the king reprimanding the queen, accusing her of acting recklessly. She defended herself, saying that the king disliked the academy too and that her actions were intended to alleviate his concerns—preventing you from winning over the noblewomen of the capital."The words struck Carissa like a blow, leaving her frozen as an icy chill swept through her.Violet said, "You need to stay calm. You can't let Kevin's name be revealed. If anyone finds out he spoke of this, his future will be ruined."Carissa sank into a chair, her mind spinning. She had entertained bold speculations before, but never had she dared to poi

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    As the year drew to a close, the common folk were busy preparing for the New Year, with every household caught up in the bustle.But where there was activity, there was an opportunity for gossip, and rumors quickly spread. Victoria's commendation of Rosalind had little effect. Instead, some started to whisper that Victoria's personal approval might mean there was more to the story than just Rosalind being taken advantage of.This line of thinking slowly became the dominant one, as if someone were deliberately pushing things in that direction. Even someone from Hell Monarch Estate stepped forward to speak on the matter. Witnesses who had been present at the academy also spoke up, explaining that Rosalind had been trying to protect the students and had been accidentally touched by the assailant in the process.But the public wasn't interested in truth or justice. They preferred stories of disgrace, tales that brought the mighty low.The more illustrious Rosalind's reputation had on

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    The banishment of the storyteller from the gates barely marked the end of one problem before another arrived on their doorstep.Matchmakers began appearing in turn, each eager to arrange a marriage for Rosalind. The prospects they presented were enough to make Rosalind's parents' blood boil. These were men so far beneath their daughter's station that even a passing glance in their direction would be enough to provoke a disgusted sneer.It wasn't a matter of low status or humble origins—it was their disgraceful behavior. Some had long ago fathered illegitimate children from concubines, while others spent their days drowning in gambling halls, addicted to the thrill of the dice and cards, regardless of how deeply they sank into debt. Some were regulars at brothels, and others kept secret mistresses on the side.These were the kinds of men who usually wouldn't dare approach the family for a marriage proposal. Yet now, they paraded forward, puffing out their chests as if offering Rosali

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    Jocelyn didn't say a word, but her face had gone deathly pale.She still harbored resentment toward Courtney, but who could blame her? Courtney had spoken up for Thomas. The mess with those families was so filthy and disgusting to hear about.The Farrell family's household was in disarray, and such vile things happened in an estate that large—wasn't it right to speak of them?Jocelyn had acted impulsively when she slapped Courtney, but Courtney had brought it upon herself. She shouldn't have defended Thomas. A good woman needed to stay away from people like that and situations like those.The two of them sat in silence, Cassidy occasionally sniffling as Jocelyn remained quiet.Her mind was a jumbled mess, running through so many thoughts. At last, she sighed softly and said, "Actually, going back to the academy wouldn't be so bad. But the queen doesn't like the academy."Ultimately, Jocelyn was just a sheltered girl. She was unable to keep secrets and was unaware of the gravity o

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    The rumors surrounding Rosalind didn't cease. Jacob had investigated and confirmed that someone was orchestrating the spread of these malicious tales. Long-buried incidents were being resurrected and falsely linked to her and the academy, whether or not they actually had any connection.Attacking Rosalind was, in essence, attacking Trevor as well. By extension, it also tarnished the reputation of Gracewood Women's Academy.Trevor and Gerald had long been respected figures in academic circles. But now, because of this affair, Trevor had fallen from grace, while Gerald was now the one being lauded. Meanwhile, no one was mentioning Malcolm's affair with his mistress anymore.Despite all the attention on the Quinton family, it didn't help them. The larger they became, the more they attracted attention. The Quinton family needed to act swiftly to suppress the rumors. Jacob discovered they were trying to control the narrative, but it wasn't working. So, they had no choice but to refoc

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1208

    Those who had once caused a scene at Highstone Estate now stood in a row outside the gates. Their heads were lowered, and fear was clear in their eyes.Ahead of them stood a group of burly men, their fists so massive they looked like they could crush skulls with a single blow. When Thomas dismounted, his cold gaze swept over their faces, and a thin, chilling smile escaped his lips. The formidable aura he exuded was enough to make the men's legs weak with dread. One by one, they huddled closer together, too afraid to meet Thomas's frosty stare.Trevor had ordered the main gates to be opened. When Mildred heard that the Farrell family had come to propose marriage, she suddenly felt her health improve by half. She immediately ordered hot water to be brought for a bath, calling for her servants to prepare her clothes and makeup, eager to meet with them in person.Rosalind, however, had no idea what was happening. For the past few days, her granddad had insisted that she remain in Ambe

  • Her Graceful War Song   Chapter 1209

    About an hour later, Trevor sent someone to escort Rosalind.Rosalind watched as Josie picked out the most delicate, exquisite clothes for her, pairing them with carefully matched jewelry. After much thought, Rosalind decided to simply go as she was.She wore a white gown paired with a soft apricot-yellow cloak. The outfit was simple and unassuming, as though she were about to take a casual stroll in the garden, rather than attending a formal gathering or discussing matters of her future.When she reached the main hall of the outer courtyard, she saw a crowd of people, the scene quite grand.Then she saw him. His gaze met hers, deep and piercing, yet tinged with restraint.She couldn't meet his eyes for long, her heart thundering in her chest, cheeks flushed with heat.But the etiquette was ingrained in her, and she forced herself to approach each person, making her way forward. When Alice saw her, a deep sense of joy filled her heart. She immediately took Rosalind's hand and s

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