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The following morning, after the court session, Jeremiah spoke to Salvador in his study. Whatever he said caused the king to erupt in anger. Samuel’s status as a top scholar was revoked, and his name was struck from the National Examination Register. Salvador also ordered the Supreme Court to handle the case.
Once the case was underway, Leona wouldn’t have any problems divorcing Samuel.
The following day, Harvey arrived just as Sophie was prepared to leave with Leona on her back. He, Heather, and some people from the Earl of Gracehold’s family tried to stop her, but they didn’t dare use force. They could only resort to trying to persuade her with words.
It was only when Rafael arrived with the royal edict that the atmosphere shifted. Everyone from the Earl of Gracehold’s family knelt in fear, anxious that the king might strip them of the title in a fit of rage.
When they heard that only Samuel was being arrested, many breathed a sigh of relief. Samuel was now the disgrace of their family, and they didn’t care that he would be taken away, as long as Noah’s title was retained.
Only Dorothy fainted upon hearing the news. She had spent the previous night devising a plan to help Samuel escape, only to be thwarted by Alana and Leah, when et were keeping a watchful eye on him.
Dorothy’s plan had failed, and now, she couldn’t do anything else as the Supreme Court officials were here to arrest her grandson today.
Samuel trembled in fear as shackles were placed on him, suddenly realizing how powerless he truly was. The once proud and arrogant man who used to rely on his talent was no more. Now, humbled and stripped of all dignity, he was left begging his family for help.
Leona watched the scene unfold from Sophie’s back.
When Samuel turned to her to plead, Leona shut her eyes and whispered, “Let’s go, Sophie.”
No one dared to obstruct them any longer. Sophie carried her cousin while Violet, Alana, and Leah cleared the way ahead. Leona’s dowry had been meticulously accounted for the previous night, and she asked for it to be returned to her parents.
“I don’t need it. I’m a county duchess and I have my own fief. I can take care of myself.”
Heather chased them to the doorway and cried out, “Leona, I only want what’s best for you! You and your cousin are not the same! You have no skills! How will you survive?”
Sophie ignored Heather. She marched straight to the carriage and took Leona to another residence.
Meanwhile, Rafael ordered Samuel to be taken away.
Harvey stepped forward and pleaded, “Rafael, please show some consideration for me. Don’t make things difficult for him.”
Harvey’s voice wasn’t loud, but it was audible enough to catch the attention of those from the Earl of Gracehold’s family. Rafael cast them a fleeting glance, noticing that many were looking at Harvey with gratitude. The man certainly had a way of hiding his true intentions.
Without saying a word, Rafael simply walked away.
With the incident at Gracehold Estate causing such a stir, it was only a matter of time before the news spread throughout the entire capital.
Leona’s body remained weak. She knew she had lost her baby. Even before the delivery, she had felt the loss when Sebastian arrived. She held back her tears in front of Sophie and refused to cry. But after they settled in the estate, Leona buried her head and wept Violet wanted to go in and comfort her, but Sophie stopped her and shook her head. “Any consolation now will feel hollow. She needs to endure this on her own.”
quietly once her cousin stepped out of the room.
Some pains were so deep that comfort would do nothing but stir up more tears, memories, and heartache.
Claire came to report that Molly and Fiona had gone to Silverstone Estate. After hearing this, Violet informed Sophie, who was startled as she suddenly recalled Zoey’s visit yesterday.
The day had felt so long that it almost seemed like the visit had happened ages ago.
“Keep an eye on them within permissible limits. Don’t draw too much attention,” Sophie instructed.
“Don’t worry, Claire and the others know how to handle things discreetly. Winona trained them, after all,” Violet reassured.
Sophie nodded, then went to see Alana and Leah.
“Now, Leona’s divorce is inevitable. I originally asked you to care for her until she gave birth and said it wouldn’t take too long. Now that she has given birth and left Gracehold Estate, do you want to return to Meadow Ridge or stay with her a little longer?” Sophie asked. Her eyes filled with sorrow and self-reproach, Alana replied, “I’ve already sent a letter to our master and told her we won’t be returning to Meadow Ridge for a while. We failed to protect the duchess. I shouldn’t have gone in to get the cloak yesterday.
“I never expected Samuel to be so cunning. He never mentioned wanting the duchess’ help to restore his official position. He only ever came to try and get into her good graces, and we thought he was trying to turn over a new leaf. That was my mistake and my fault. So, I’ll stay with Lady Leona during this difficult time.”
“Don’t blame yourself, Alana. You can prepare for many situations, but you can’t prevent everything. You and Leah have done your best. If it weren’t for you, Leona would have faced far worse.”
“There’s no need to comfort us, Sophie. You also don’t have to pay us. We feel unworthy of it. We’ll only leave once the duchess has healed, regained her strength, and can smile again.” “I can’t-“
“Those in the martial world keep their promises,” Alana said, then turned to head into the kitchen.
She couldn’t leave the task of preparing Leona’s medicine to anyone else. Ivy was already working hard enough, so Alana didn’t want to add to her burdens when both she and Leah knew some pharmacology.
Violet, who was more interested in Molly’s visit to Silverstone Estate, decided to check in with Sophie again.
“Should we ask Claire to gather some information? It could be risky, though.”
Sophie shook her head. “No, we shouldn’t take any unnecessary risks. We see the bigger picture. It’s all about winning over the Earl of Silverstone’s family. Besides, I’m sure dey will seek me out again. With the head of her family currently away, she’ll have to look for assistance, and I’m her best option.”
Violet nodded. “That’s true. Zoey is holding up the entire Earl of Silverstone’s household right now. Caspian is as good as useless. He’s honest and straightforward, but lacks vision.”
“I recall Carmen mentioned that Celeste’s next target is Caspian. Why hasn’t there been any news on that front?” Sophie asked.
“From what Carmen said, Celeste found Caspian to be unsatisfactory.
She didn’t want to carry out the task, so Grand Princess Eleanor taught her a lesson. Maybe she’s injured from that? If she is, she’ll need time to recover. Or perhaps she’s planning to reappear under
Love different guise? After all, she used to be a courtesan, so many people recognize her. Caspian might have even met her before as Ruby.”
Sophie nodded thoughtfully. “That’s possible. It must be tough for Zoey. Just when one issue is settled, another arises. I hope Caspian can hold his own.”
“He treats his wife pretty well and doesn’t look down on her just because she’s a merchant’s daughter Violet remarked, pausing momentarily before continuing, “But then again, you can’t always count on men. They can’t resist beautiful women, especially someone like Celeste, who knows how to manipulate them.
“It’s hard for most men to hold out against that. If she tried to charm your husband, she might even know how to win him over and steal his heart. If that happened, you’d be the one in trouble.”
Sophie contemplated the possibility, then said, “That could really happen. Raf is quite sentimental, and people like him tend to get swept up in emotional turmoil more easily.”
Violet’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You actually agree with me? You should at least try to argue. Aren’t you bothered by it at all?”
“Weren’t we simply analyzing the situation? It’s not actually happening, so why should I be bothered?” asked Sophie, stunned. “I’m talking about it hypothetically,” Violet clarified.
“Why would you take a hypothetical situation seriously?” Sophie countered.
Violet stared at her friend and couldn’t help but poke Sophie’s forehead with her finger. “I seriously wonder if you have any feelings for your husband at all. I’ve never been in love, but what’s mine is mine. If someone covets what’s mine, just the thought of it would make me unhappy.”
“You’re so petty!” Sophie shot back. “Getting angry if it really happens is one thing, but getting worked up over something that hasn’t happened yet will only harm your emotions and health, not to mention your relationship with your husband. It’s not worth it.”
Recalling Violet’s earlier comments about not wanting to marry, Sophie added, “Besides, you’re the one who doesn’t want to get married or talk about feelings. What experience or qualifications do you have to advise me?”
Violet rolled her eyes. “I understand feelings just fine, so why can’t I comment on your situation?