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Malcolm’s face darkened in fury. He suddenly leaped to his feet, pointing a finger accusingly at Fabian.
“You… you had the gall to keep that place running? Eleanor opened the gentlemen’s retreats, and you still dared to operate it? And you didn’t think to inform me that my dad went there Countless times? Now that something has gone wrong, you want to drag the Quinton family into this? I’ll tell you, don’t even think about it!”
Seeing Malcolm’s anger, Fabian found himself strangely relieved. While he didn’t know how others would react, he had dealt with Malcolm for many years.
If Malcolm didn’t express his anger, he might have been able to distance himself from the matter. But now that he was furious, it meant that he understood the situation couldn’t be swept under the rug. Gerald’s frequent visits to the gentlemen’s retreat were undeniable. If anyone claimed there was no connection between the Quinton family, the retreat, and Eleanor, no one would believe it.
Attempting to maintain composure, Fabian forced a smile. “Lord Malcolm, anger is of no use now. The important thing is to resolve this issue. As for what happens next, I’ll follow your lead entirely. How does that sound?”
Seeing Fabian’s shameless demeanor, Malcolm almost had the urge to strangle him. Though the marquis was from a prestigious family, his descendants had long abandoned honorable paths in favor of underhanded schemes. It was bad enough that he had suffied his own household, but now he had dragged Gerald into this mess.
Still, despite his fury, Malcolm knew Fabian was right about one thing-rescuing Gerald was the priority.
He took a deep breath and replied coldly, “You will leave now. Go to the palace tomorrow and offer your apology. Since Sophie had the gentlemen’s retreats shut down, must have been by a royal order. The king has yet to deal with you, so it’s clear he’s still showing favor due to your ancestors’ merits. If you go on your own to plead for mercy, you might receive a lighter punishment.”
Upon hearing this, Fabian understood that Malcolm would have his officials intercede on his behalf.
He felt some relief and nodded. “Very well, I won’t get in your way any longer. You should hurry and get Lord Gerald out.”
Malcolm sat in the study, pondering for a moment before sending someone to Inkwood Hall to bring Logan back. However, his efforts were in vain as Logan had gone to Ebonflow with Kiera after the New Year and wouldn’t be back until March.
Furious, Malcolm threw the inkpot on his table. “All he does is play! If it weren’t for the Quinton family’s influence and his marriage to a princess, would he be living such a carefree life?”
The Quinton family’s steward, Mark, suggested, “Lord Malcolm, why not send the third lord and his wife instead?”
Malcolm furrowed his brow. “A fool and a simpleton. If I send them, they won’t be able to say a word without making matters worse.”
If only Rafael were still in the capital. Two men could manage a conversation better, but now he would have to go and speak to a woman. How could he possibly maintain his dignity?
This matter couldn’t wait until tomorrow-it had to be dealt with tonight. Gerald’s health wasn’t good, and he was locked up in the cold, drafty cells of the Capital Guard headquarters. Who knew how long he could survive there?
It wasn’t that Malcolm had no one to turn to. He simply couldn’t afford to let anyone find out.
He never would have imagined, in all his years, that his dad would have such a secret. There had never been any sign of it before. Gerald had married, had children, and surrounded himself with servants, guards, and attendants. He had always been strict and composed.
When Sophie established her workshop, Gerald had even criticized her for it. The Quinton family was known for its rigid rules, and it was often he who ordered the younger generation to be disciplined on multiple occasions.
Who would have thought that, while the younger generations were staying out of trouble, it was Gerald who had fallen into scandal?
Reluctantly, Malcolm ordered a small carriage to be prepared, intending to make a quiet trip to the Capital Guard headquarters. After tonight’s raid on the gentlemen’s retreat and the capture of so many people, it was likely that Sophie was still at the headquarters.
Malcolm tried to remain discreet, but once he arrived, there would be no need to hide his presence. After all, anyone still there at this hour would be involved in tonight’s operations.
Upon arriving at the Capital Guard headquarters, Malcolm stepped out of the carriage, his head covered with a veil as he entered. He first encountered Michael, who was yawning in the courtyard as he gave instructions to the guards on how to monitor the prisoners.
Malcolm considered himself fortunate to have met him. He approached him quietly and said, “Deputy Commander Brown, I wish to see Commander Devin.”
Malcolm didn’t introduce himself, but Michael recognized his voice immediately.
Since Michael had been assigned to another gentlemen’s retreat, he was unaware that Gerald had been captured. Hearing that Malcolm wanted to see Sophie, Michael assumed it was likely to help secure the release of some officials.
He nodded and replied, “Commander Devin is in the side hall. I’ll take you there.”
The Capital Guard headquarters had not been renovated for a long time. The building was in a state of disrepair, and the biting wind howled through the cracks, chilling the bones.
Wrapped in a cloak, Sophie had just entered the side hall. It was a makeshift space separated from the main hall, where she usually worked and took short rests. A small coffee table was set up, and she had just taken a sip of hot coffee when Michael arrived with Malcolm.
That was quick.
Could they have known about Gerald’s visit to the gentlemen’s retreat already? Then again, maybe not-it was possible that the Marquis of Glandale went to plead for help.
“Commander Devin!” Malcolm greeted, bowing with respect.
Sophie stood to return the bow. “Lord Quinton, please sit.”
Her face showed no surprise, as if she had expected him to arrive. Clearly, she had already deduced Gerald’s involvement.
Undeterred, Malcolm sat down across from her, the two facing each other in an obvious standoff. He had prepared himself for a difficult negotiation. On his way here, he had already been bracing himself for the outrageous demands she was bound to make.
Determined to take control of the negotiation, he spoke first as soon as he sat down, saying, “Commander Devin, my niece acted recklessly at Gracewood Women’s Academy and failed to live up to your teachings. I apologize on her behalf.”
He began with a minor apology as a way to test the waters, curious to see what she might demand. If her request was excessive, he was prepared to negotiate further.
“It’s all in the past now. The academy has already resumed admissions, and Ms. Quinton has apologized as well.” Sophie poured him a cup of coffee. “Lord Quinton, you must be anxious, coming all the way here so late. Have some coffee first.”
Staring at the steaming coffee, Malcolm had no desire to drink it. It didn’t matter that his throat was dry and his mouth felt like it was on fire.
Noticing that Sophie didn’t respond to his mention of Gracewood Women’s Academy, his eyes shifted. “I’ve heard that His Highness has a few capable men around him. Perhaps I could recommend someone…”
Sophie raised her hand to stop him. “Lord Malcolm, let’s not stray from the topic. Rest assured, Lord Gerald’s identity hasn’t been revealed to anyone. When he left the gentlemen’s retreat, I covered his head with a cloth. Even now in prison, he is still covered.”
Her directness caught Malcolm off guard, making his face flush with heat. He didn’t know how to respond. If he looked at it objectively, the matter was deeply embarrassing.
If it had been anyone else from the family-any cousin or nephew-he would have ordered them beaten within an inch of their life and tossed to a remote estate to fend for themselves.
Once the truth was laid bare, he had no leverage left. He lowered his voice and quietly asked,
“Commander Devin, is there any way you could release my dad? He’s old and in poor health. He cannot endure this punishment.”
Sophie replied, “Lord Malcolm, to be frank, this operation was carried out under His Majesty’s orders. The Capital Guard and the Garrison Unit were sent to raid the gentlemen’s retreats. Those detained will only be held for two days, as the focus isn’t on them, but rather on the Sandorian spies hidden in the retreats. You may not know this, but there were over a dozen Sandorian spies concealed in the retreats, all brought here by Eleanor. Your dad himself has spent time with them.”
The blood drained from Malcolm’s face, and he sat frozen in shock.
If that was the case, this was far more serious than a mere breach of propriety.
How could his dad have been so reckless?
Sophie’s straightforward approach had thrown him completely off balance. He took a sip of coffee to steady himself, his hand trembling slightly as he placed the cup down.
“Commander Devin, does this mean His Majesty knows my dad visited a gentlemen’s retreat?” he asked, his voice low.
Sophie shook her head. “No, he doesn’t know. His Majesty didn’t want to know the names of those involved. He only issued the order to imprison everyone present at the scene for two days.”