Rebecca's vision went black. She lurched forward, and fainted.Barrett quickly caught her, setting aside his anger. He urgently called out, "Someone, fetch a physician! Now!"With tears streaming down her face, Serena rushed to Viola. "What are you doing? Are you trying to anger Mom to death? You were the one who insisted on buying the tiara, and now you regret it?!"Viola took a step back, feeling helpless as she watched the scene unfold. A sense of powerlessness rose within her, mixed with frustration and pain. She had spent 36,800 silver coins to buy the jewelry, only to receive their reproach. Was she now to be blamed for everything?In the middle of the night, the commotion of calling the physician created a chaotic scene. Viola had to wipe away her tears and use a handkerchief to clean Rebecca's face and hands.The physician diagnosed Rebecca with a fainting spell caused by acute anger, but reassured them that it was not serious and that a few doses of medicine would suffi
Aurora's mocking voice drifted in. "You've turned yourself into a joke!"Viola clutched her chest. "How dare you! You're just a concubine! How dare you come here to ridicule me?""Hah! As a concubine, I've actually received quite a generous sum from this household," Aurora said with a laugh. "Since I entered the family, I've had the best of everything—no one dares to treat me poorly. And not a single penny of my own money has ever gone out."With that, she left gracefully, leaving Viola gasping in frustration.In the entire household, Aurora was the only one who could stand apart and enjoy the spectacle. If Serena dared to ask for anything, Aurora would slap Serena without hesitation.Only someone like Viola… So despicable!After Aurora finished mocking Viola, she returned to her room. She checked the defensive mechanisms, and then ordered her maid not to enter before changing and going to bed.She had heard about the new Westhaven crown prince and confirmed the true identit
At Harmony Palace, Eleanor questioned the middle-aged man before her. His head was bowed, and she asked sharply, "How is this possible? How did Carissa find out about Cece's identity?! Did that wretch herself tell Carissa's people?"The man was tall and handsome, though a bit weathered. Hearing Eleanor's accusation, he quickly shook his head. "It's impossible. Celeste would never take the initiative to tell Lady Carissa. She has always been so obedient to you and never dared to disobey your orders.""She wouldn't dare." Eleanor's eyes flashed with hostility. "Her mother is still imprisoned in my palace dungeon. If she wants her mother released, she had better be obedient.""Of course. She'll definitely listen to you."Eleanor glared coldly at him, growing more enraged at his demeanor. "Go and ask her. Also, instruct the others to keep a lower profile and not let anyone learn of their identities. I suspect that Carissa only learned about Celeste and is making a fuss to provoke me,
Celeste's eyes were cold and contained a hint of disdain, even when addressing her father.She replied, "How could a mere concubine in the Earl of Gracehold's family possibly have any private dealings with the Hell Monarch's princess consort? If Mother doesn't trust me, I don't mind drinking a glass of poisoned wine to alleviate her concerns."Henry frowned. "What nonsense are you talking about? If she wanted you to drink poison, why would she spend so much money on your upbringing? Don't forget your mission—your mom is still in her hands."Celeste's eyes glinted with mockery and bitterness. "If you truly loved my mom, why didn't you stand up to Mother? Instead, you let me suffer and be mistreated just to keep her by your side."Henry's face darkened. "You've thrown the Earl of Gracehold's family into chaos. Grand Princess Eleanor is pleased with the turmoil. She's merely displeased that your identity was exposed. Your sister has already set out and will encounter the Hell Monarch
When Samuel was summoned back to Gracehold Estate, he continued to maintain a haughty attitude. He insisted that he had done nothing wrong, and claimed that the reprimand and the stripping of his title as heir were signs of the king's folly.The young man was arrogant and self-righteous. He looked down on everyone around him, including his own parents and family. He was convinced that he alone was in the right.Seeing Samuel's obstinate attitude, Noah was enraged and slapped him across the face. "Go and apologize to the duchess immediately! If you dare to voice any more dissatisfaction with the king, get out and never set foot in our family's residence again. And that includes the manor on Hibiscus Lane!"Samuel had returned home with a lingering sense of unease. After losing his status as heir, he had hoped that his family would support him through his protests. If they had, he would have reluctantly yielded and brought Ruby back with him.However, no one sided with him when he
Leona said, "Help me sit up and let him in. Let's see what he has to say.""Your Grace, are you sure you want him here?" Hazel recalled how Samuel had pushed Leona into the table, and was both angry and worried.Leona reassured her, "Don't worry. Have Alana and Leah watch from the side. He won't be able to touch me."Leona had given up on this man, but if he had something to say, it should be said clearly and directly.Hazel helped her sit up and placed a cushion behind her back. "You shouldn't be out of bed. The physician said you're not to move around.""I know," Leona replied flatly, her pale face betraying no emotion.Since Heather had forbidden her from seeking a divorce, she had spent her days lying listlessly in bed. Not only was she uncertain about the future, but she didn't even know what would happen the next day. But today, Samuel's angry arrival gave her a glimmer of strength. She wanted to do or say something.The footsteps grew louder and more urgent as he strode
Samuel was furious and embarrassed. He snapped, "You think so little of me, yet you're still eager to cling to me? Our feelings were never truly mutual. Our marriage was your obsession from the start, and I was simply pressured by the influence of the royal family…""Be quiet." Leona's eyes were red, and her lips trembled again as he spoke of their marriage. She felt deeply ashamed and distressed. "I did have feelings for you, but you also claimed to have feelings for me. That's how this wretched union came about. If my family had any power, would you have dared mistreat me?"Her tears fell uncontrollably despite her best efforts to hold them back. Though she tried to remain composed, her natural weakness meant that her emotions got the better of her, and the tears flowed freely.She was so thin and fragile, and she was trying to stifle her sobs but failed. Her appearance stirred a fleeting sense of guilt in Samuel. Yet, this guilt was short-lived. He had vowed to be loyal to
Samuel returned to the manor on Hibiscus Lane and immediately went to rinse his mouth, spitting out the blood. He couldn't let Ruby worry.In Hibiscus Lane, there were only two shop servants—one in the kitchen, and the other likely attending to Ruby. Samuel used the cold water in the dining room to rinse his mouth, feeling a sharp pain throbbing in his head. The left side of his mouth felt as though it were splitting open, and he had to endure the pain for a while before he could force back his tears.Leona was so ruthless. She had her husband beaten time and again. Samuel had been blinded by her gentle and mild demeanor, not realizing how jealous she truly was.Her cousin, the Hell Monarch's princess consort, was just like her—they were one and the same.He had been beaten, and both his grandmother and father would surely know. So, he had an excuse to leave in anger. If he were asked to return again, he wouldn't go back so easily."Bill, bring me that handkerchief..." he call