Carissa sighed in relief. She had been worried that if she mentioned wanting to hit Viola, Leah and Alana might start a fight if they encountered something displeasing at Gracehold Estate. She believed the two young women would understand the limits.Carissa found Viola's behavior quite baffling. To be honest, she hadn't wronged Viola much. So why the intense hatred?However, after a bit of thought, she realized it was probably because Rebecca had spoken ill of her in front of Viola. It seemed that Rebecca harbored a deep resentment toward her marriage into the royal family.Yet, Viola had once been a wife in the Farrell family. With such an open-minded and far-sighted man like her late husband, Thomas, why had she learned nothing from him?Upon arriving at Gracehold Estate, Abigail hurried to welcome them into the sitting room. She felt a bit anxious, especially since Samuel had caused a scene at Hell Monarch Estate a few days ago. She was worried someone from Rafael's household
Carissa looked at Leona's swollen, red eyes, which she was trying to hide behind a fan. With a sigh, Carissa said, "So, you knew I was here, but still didn't want to see me?"Leona replied with a nasal tone, "Cari, my eyes are in no condition to be seen."Carissa glanced at her. "You're right. They're swollen so badly.""Cari…" Leona's voice choked up again. "Because of that incident, he insults me every day. How can he be so cruel?"Carissa frowned. "If he insults you, why don't you insult him back?""I…" Leona's tears fell once more. "I don't know how."Carissa was at a loss. She turned to Alana. "Alana, do you know how to insult someone?""Oh, I'm very good at it," Alana replied."Good. From now on, if Mr. Langley comes and insults the duchess, you insult him back. Remember one principle: if he insults you, insult him back. If he gets physical, you get physical.""Got it," Alana said."Cari, who are these two?" Leona asked, wiping her tears away and looking at the newcom
Aurora's eyes narrowed, her entire body stiffening as a fierce intent flashed from her gaze. But she quickly composed herself, adopting a nonchalant demeanor. "So what? If she wants to watch the commotion, that's her business."Viola choked momentarily. "What?! Aurora, I'm begging you. Can you please go to Jadehill Estate and apologize again? Your actions have not only affected the Warren family, but also impacted my husband's career!""Your husband?" Aurora sneered coldly. "You call him that so easily.""What's wrong with how I address him? Isn't he my husband?"Aurora's voice grew colder, "Yes, he is your husband. So, if you want to plan his future, apologize, or contribute money, that's your responsibility.""What is that supposed to mean?"Aurora drew her sword slightly, her expression steely. "That means you should leave. Don't provoke me."Viola trembled with rage. She struggled to understand how, despite being a member of the family and the legitimate, primary wife, Aur
On the following morning, during the court assembly, Irvin and his deputy, accompanied by several senior inspectors of the Oversight Department, presented a series of reports.The reports accused Samuel of consorting with a courtesan while his legitimate wife was pregnant, favoring his concubine over his wife, and mistreating his wife. Furthermore, they condemned the Warren family for their disrespect towards the matriarch of the Marquis of Jadehill's family, leading to public outrage. The resulting anger had led to people throwing excrement at Valor Estate. The Warren family members had caught the culprit, dragged him inside, and broken his limbs. The culprit had now filed a complaint at the Royal Citadel, confessing to the act and demanding compensation.Barrett had not been allowed into the court and had to stand outside with lower-ranking officials. Although he was supposed to be out of earshot of the discussions, the loud arguments from the inspectors penetrated outside, and h
Salvador's roar echoed throughout the court, "Who do you think you are?! How dare you set up your own torture chambers and break the limbs of a civilian? If the Warren family can do that, why do we even need the Royal Citadel, the Ministry of Justice, or the Supreme Court?"Barrett had no knowledge of this matter. But given the Oversight Department's accusations, it was clear that someone had gone to the Royal Citadel to lodge a complaint.He had no other defense to offer, and could only plead repeatedly, "Your Majesty, forgive me. Please, Your Majesty, calm your anger.""Calm my anger?" Salvador's voice rose in fury. "I told you to take Aurora and apologize to the Marquis of Jadehill's family, but when the marquis refused you entry, you simply walked away. Is this your attitude towards giving someone an apology? Not only did you fail to earn forgiveness, you also had the audacity to vent your frustrations on the common people?! You deserve to be pelted with dung, and I almost want
Barrett advanced and grabbed Aurora's wrist. "Let's go. We're going to Jadehill Estate."Aurora pulled her hand away forcefully. "I'm not going!"Barrett's expression darkened as he stood in the courtyard. "If you don't come willingly, I'll drag you there! You can either walk, or I'll tie you up and make you carry thorn branches on your back."Carrying thorn branches on one's back was a traditional act of penance, where an individual who had committed a serious offense would bear thorny branches as a symbolic gesture of remorse and submission. The practice was a way to visibly demonstrate their sincere repentance and willingness to atone for their wrongs."You wouldn't dare!" Aurora's anger flared, her voice trembling with indignation. "All I did was say a few words—what crime have I committed that's so unforgivable I need to beg for forgiveness with thorn branches on my back?"Barrett gritted his teeth in frustration. "You know what you've done! Your crimes are so severe, carryin
Barrett was struck once again by the crushing weight of his situation.Suddenly, he felt as if he had lost all sense of direction. His energy and spirit seemed to drain away, leaving him feeling as if he were adrift with nowhere to turn.He had previously viewed Viola as dignified and virtuous, a cultured and considerate woman who was also highly respectful towards the servants. After all, she came from the Earl of Silverstone's family and had married into the Farrell family—a family of military prestige, with Thomas Farrell being a respected figure among the generals.He had expected Viola to be as honorable and forthright as her late husband, someone who would be both courageous and kind-hearted. Yet now, just a single order from her had led to the breaking of a man's arm.While Barrett also resented the people who had thrown excrement at the estate, giving them a beating and letting them go after would have been good enough. Why go so far as to break their limbs?It wasn't
In the sitting room, Barrett and Viola sat facing each other. The latter dabbed at her tears with a handkerchief, avoiding her husband's disappointed gaze.She choked on her words as she tried to explain, "I was overwhelmed with anger that day. I had just returned from my family's home and saw the Hell Monarch's princess consort's carriage leaving our estate."Dear, I was just so upset. I suspected that the people who threw dung at our estate were sent by her. I had no proof, so I only said a few words to her. I didn't expect her to insult me in return. When I got back to the estate and saw one of the culprits had been caught, my anger led me to order that his arm be broken. I didn't know the servants would be so harsh and also break his leg."Barrett seized on one detail from her words, asking, "Carissa came by Valor Estate yesterday?""She definitely didn't enter the estate," Viola responded. "But as soon as she left our alley, the person who threw dung was caught. If there had b