Viola was completely floored. She couldn't believe Serena would repeatedly engage in such shameless behavior. This time, Serena had even offended Leopold!Most troubling of all, Leopold hadn't merely grabbed her. He had caught her around the waist, likely an instinctive reaction.As a male guest, Leopold was unaware of the earlier commotion in the garden. All he saw was a woman who appeared to be fainting with an injured eye, and he instinctively reached out to catch her.The instinctive action had been so swift that Leopold's mind lagged behind just a moment. By the time he realized what he had done, he was already holding Serena.And it had been in full view of everyone!Carissa's expression hardened. "Guards, escort Ms. Warren back to her residence. She's unwell."Margaret cast a grateful glance at Carissa. If Serena wasn't sent away promptly, the situation would be difficult to resolve.Lily and two maids quickly entered. One supported Serena's arm, while the other helped he
Carissa continued to entertain the guests, but privately instructed Violet to keep an eye on everyone, especially those with ulterior motives.Violet observed two young women who frequently exchanged glances with Eleanor. After noting their details, she approached Lily to inquire about them.Lily was assisting with the arrangements inside. After identifying the two women, she came out and told Violet, "The one in the yellow dress is from Lady Ruth's natal family, but I don't know her name. The one in the violet dress is from the late Lady Chloe's natal family, and her name is Renee. She is exceptionally talented and beautiful. People often compare her to Queen Kylie. Queen Kylie's talents were once unrivaled in the capital."Violet made a mental note of that. When Carissa emerged, Violet informed her of the two women's identities.Carissa understood immediately. Both Ruth and the late noble concubine, Chloe, had connections to Eleanor and Yuvan. They were clearly trying to insert t
And that wretched woman currently favored by Leopold was Margaret's niece. She was made his concubine and, like a breeding sow, already had a son and a daughter. Now, she was pregnant again and was expected to give birth in a few days.Returning now would only add to Jessica's grievances. But with her mother's orders, Jessica had no choice but to go back.The pride she once had, boasting about returning to her natal family, now seemed like a distant memory. No one came to pick her up, and she had to return alone, looking quite embarrassed.Taking Serena in as a concubine…That wretched woman had bore a son and a daughter, and was about to give birth again. Though Serena was foolish, her youth and beauty gave her an advantage. Jessica could let Serena deal with that wretched woman, and then benefit from the chaos.Even though Jessica thought that way, her resentment towards Serena was profound. Wretched, all of them—Jessica had brought trouble upon herself.Eleanor closed her ey
Rafael's stubbornness flared up again. He gently pushed his mother aside, then grabbed Carissa by the wrist. "I just heard you mention getting me a concubine. Come with me. I'll deal with you in our room."With that, he dragged Carissa out of the room.Helen was stunned, unable to comprehend what was happening.Wasn't it just a casual mention? Her son was truly out of his mind!"Gillian, go and check on them immediately!" Helen said urgently. "We can't have him hurting her. How am I going to explain this to my sister? She dotes on Carissa the most!"Gillian sighed. "How can I go? You wanted to arrange concubines for Prince Rafael yourself after listening to Grand Princess Eleanor and Lady Dakota. If I go now, it might only provoke His Highness further. Lady Carissa seems resilient enough…""Nonsense! Which husband beats their wife after marrying her? If you don't go, I will!"Gillian tried to stop her. "Alright, I'll go get Mr. York. His Highness listens to him the most.""Qu
After a busy day, and with the weather warming up, a bath was a necessity.Rafael lifted Carissa effortlessly, his lips brushing her ear as he spoke in a husky, magnetic voice, "Perfect timing. Let's bathe together."Carissa wrapped her arms around his neck, her curiosity piqued. "We've been intimate every night, yet we haven't conceived. Why is that?""Are you eager to be pregnant soon?" Rafael carried her into the bathing chamber, and started to help her out of her dress."Not really. I'm just curious. I remember my mother saying that she found out she was pregnant just over a month after marrying my father.""I don't think we need to rush into having children," Rafael said, carefully peeling off her clothes until her fair shoulders were exposed. "I had Sebastian prescribe me some medicine. Let's wait until your health fully recovers first—you were injured on the battlefield, after all."Her eyes widened. "You took contraceptive medicine? I've heard it can be quite harmful."R
Viola and Serena returned to Valor Estate in complete despair.As soon as they entered the door, Viola raised her hand. She used every ounce of strength she had and slapped Serena hard across the face. Ignoring any sense of decorum, Viola shouted angrily, "How could the Warren family produce such a disgraceful woman like you? You completely ruined the family's reputation tonight! Come, let's go see Mother. She'll deal with you!"Serena had already been humiliated at Hell Monarch Estate. She hadn't gotten what she wanted, and even had her body touched by the Marquis of Ironridge. Now, she had become the laughingstock of the town. Panic and fear were already gnawing at her.Now, as soon as she stepped through the door, Viola had slapped her.For a moment, Serena was stunned, but then she completely snapped.Was everyone just here to bully her now?In a fit of rage, Serena slapped Viola right back and snarled, "Who are you calling disgraceful? You think you're any better? Weren't
Serena's voice trembled with frustration as she shouted at Barrett, "Barrett, your accusations are so unfair! If you hadn't been demoted, would I have been forced to do this?"Barrett's reply was sharp, his tone unforgiving, "Since when does my future need you meddling in it? I will fight for my future on my own! You did this for yourself! You have feelings for Prince Rafael—what's so special about him that all of you keep chasing after him?"Serena had been putting on an air of self-righteousness, but she was now completely exposed. Hearing her brother disparage the man she loved, her face flushed with anger and embarrassment. "He's much better than you! Even Carissa would rather divorce you and marry the prince! Doesn't that prove he's far better than you? Besides, which noblewoman in the capital doesn't want to become the Hell Monarch's princess consort?"Barrett's expression darkened. "You want to become the Hell Monarch's princess consort, but he already has a legitimate wife
Serena covered her face, and threw herself into Rebecca's arms. "Mom, Barrett hit me!"Rebecca patted her back, comforting her, and looked at Barrett with disappointment. "You hit her just because she said a few words? As her brother, how could you not see how that would hurt her? Even if her intentions weren't purely for your sake, in the end, you still stood to benefit from her actions," she said. "Mom, I hit her because she spoke disrespectfully of her sister-in-law," Barrett said angrily.Viola's heart swelled with emotion. Seeing how fiercely Barrett defended her made all her sacrifices feel worthwhile.Rebecca glanced at Viola and said, "Enough. All of you leave for now. I'll talk to her myself."Feeling suffocated by the toxic atmosphere, Barrett turned and strode out of the room, still fuming.Viola noticed his frustration, and hurried after him. She took his arm and said, "Honey, after seeing how you defended me tonight, I swear I'll do everything to protect your futu