Rafael inquired about Leona, "How is she now? Is she feeling better? Samuel's dismissal should have made him tone down his behavior, right?"Carissa shook her head. "With all his talk of true love, how could he possibly change? Not only has he not toned down, he doesn't even visit Leona's quarters anymore.""True love?" Rafael frowned. "Isn't that term completely tarnished? What about his other concubine? The merchant's daughter, the one whose dowry was used to redeem the courtesan.""Since Nora entered the estate, she's barely even seen him." Carissa stopped her embroidery, her face showing irritation. "Nora is only seventeen this year. Given her family background and the difference in status with the Earl of Gracehold's family, it's nearly impossible for her to escape that cage. Isn't she just another victim of her family's schemes? Did she really want to marry Samuel as a concubine?""Outside, that's indeed how they speak of her," Lily said as she personally brought in some soup
Lulu hurried downstairs to fetch more coffee, and poured a fresh cup for Alana.After Alana finished her coffee, she continued, "Lady Leona had been waiting for him to come, so we didn't stop him. We thought it would be better if the couple resolved their conflicts openly. At least, before the child is born, the duchess should be in a better mood instead of crying alone every night."Carissa became anxious. "Did he go in and insult Leona?""Insult her? If it was just that, I wouldn't have hit him. He pushed the duchess and made her belly hit the corner of the table. She was in so much pain that she broke into a cold sweat, which was when I stepped in and hit him.""He pushed Leona? How is she now?" Carissa asked urgently."The family's physician has seen her. She's experiencing a possible miscarriage and will need to stay in bed for a month," Alana said, taking another sip of coffee. "Since the duchess kept crying out for her mother, I went to Hartstone Estate first, hoping to ask
Janice had always accompanied Helen, so she had intended to go along as well. However, Carissa asked her to stay behind. "I'm short of people in my room. Please stay here and assist me for now."Janice bowed her head. "Yes, Your Grace!"She stopped in her tracks, and did not follow. A hint of panic flashed in her eyes—had Carissa noticed something?Carissa smiled warmly. "I've heard from Mother that you're skilled at hairstyling. From now on, you'll work as a hairstylist in my quarters."Seeing Carissa's gentle smile, Janice asked, "Your Grace, Lulu has always been the one to do your hair. If I take over her duties, won't it be inappropriate?"Carissa reassured her, "Lulu has other tasks to attend to. It's not about taking someone's place. There's no need for you to feel uneasy."Janice finally felt somewhat reassured. "Understood. If Lady Helen agrees, I'll serve you in Orchid Hall, Your Grace."She cast a secretive glance at Rafael. He remained indifferent, clearly showing n
Hearing Helen's tender tone, Leona could no longer hold back her tears.Although Alana had already explained the situation, Leona's maid still cried as she recounted it once more."Ever since Mr. Samuel was stripped of his title, Lady Leona has been confined to the estate, but our poor mistress hasn't had a moment of peace. Mr. Samuel blames her for everything. Twice, when they crossed paths while she was paying her respects to Madam Langley, Mr. Samuel pointed right at Lady Leona and accused her of spreading gossip. He said it was her fault the Oversight Department reported him to the king."Although Madam Abigail has protected our mistress, Madam Langley has shielded Mr. Samuel. She says that although our mistress is a duchess, she has married into the Earl of Gracehold's family and should treat her husband as her world. She mustn't speak a word of complaint or mention any fault of her husband to outsiders. Otherwise, she'd lose her standing as the proper wife."Just like today,
In the carriage, Violet had relayed Carissa's instructions to Helen.Upon arriving at Gracehold Estate, Helen was to use both grace and force. After witnessing Leona's pitiful condition, she was to unleash her full authority and intimidate everyone present, including the matriarch of the Earl of Gracehold's family.Violet dragged Ruby into the room and, with a firm kick, sent the latter sprawling on the ground. "Is that all you have? And you dare play tricks in front of the duchess? No one in this household stood up for the duchess. They all sided with this wretch. Lady Helen, please make your decision!"Abigail, who loathed the woman as well, knew that Ruby was her son's beloved. And since Samuel was Dorothy's favorite, Abigail tolerated Ruby in the household. Seeing Ruby now kicked and humiliated by Violet, Abigail couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.Without lifting her head, Helen said coldly, "I'm not sure what the rules are in this household, but in the palace, i
Noah saw the change in his mother's expression, and immediately advised, "Mom, please, let's discuss this calmly…""Be quiet, you useless thing! They've already bullied their way into our residence, and you're still playing the part of the dutiful son?" Dorothy shouted in fury, her face contorted with rage. "Get out of the way!"She walked over and took a seat, taking a deep breath as she met Helen's gaze. "Place and rank? Once the duchess married into our family, she became one of us—our daughter-in-law! Women follow their husbands both at home and in public. Yet, she stirred up trouble and even incited the Hell Monarch's princess consort to report her own husband, all for some domestic matter. What family doesn't have concubines? Instead of learning from the good examples, she's picked up all the bad habits—envy and pettiness. She's learned them all too well."Helen's eyes widened in shock. Wait, was Dorothy talking about Carissa? Was Dorothy referring to Helen's daughter-in-l
Dorothy's vision darkened, and she nearly collapsed from anger. She swayed for a moment before she finally managed to steady herself. Pointing a trembling finger at Helen, she stammered, "I… I will surely…surely go to the palace and report to the queen dowager. You…are being utterly outrageous!""Go ahead and report, you vile woman!" Helen lifted her head with pride. "The queen dowager is my sister, but she is a person of reason. If she learns how your family is bullying Leona, she may be so enraged that you'll lose your title! At that point, you can forget about being a noble lady and return to being a commoner.""When did the title become yours to take away? Who do you think you are?"Dorothy was thoroughly infuriated. She dropped her cane and pushed Helen, who fell to the ground as a result. Helen then yelled, "How dare you lay hands on me? How dare you defy your betters and strike me?"The entire Earl of Gracehold household was stunned. Just moments ago, Helen had been curs
The moment everyone heard Rafael's question, their hearts sank.Noah hurriedly said, "Your Highness, please forgive me. No one has bullied Lady Helen...""Earl of Gracehold, are you saying my mother is lying and falsely accusing you?" Rafael coldly retorted."N-no, that's not what I meant."Although the Earl of Gracehold held a position in court, when facing someone as cold and imposing as the Hell Monarch—a seasoned general from the battlefield—his confidence faltered.Under Rafael's piercing gaze, he felt a chill run down his spine."It's all a misunderstanding—just a misunderstanding," said Noah.Having gathered her wits, Dorothy immediately questioned, "Are you trying to throw your weight around, Your Highness?"Samuel finally recalled his scholarly pride and disdain for powerful princes like Rafael.He scoffed coldly, "Lady Helen was throwing her weight around. She barged into my family home to meddle in our internal affairs. And now, even you are stepping in to protect h