Chapter 1230  +25 BONUS  The news of the gentlemen’s retreats‘ raid spread like wildfire through the entire capital.  Fabian was struck dumb with shock. He had been feeling unwell that evening and hadn’t gone to any of the retreats, never imagining it would be seized.  The gentlemen’s retreats had been in business for years, hosting many of the capital’s elite. If Salvador had intended to shut it down, surely someone would have tipped him off.  But there had been no warning–it had simply been raided out of the blue!  When Fabian finally returned to his senses, he immediately called for one of his most trusted servants. He needed to know who had carried out the raid–and, more urgently, whether Gerald had been there tonight. He was well aware that Gerald frequented the retreat, and he had always kept that knowledge a secret.  Even the rest of the Quinton family was unaware, except for Gerald’s trusted servant, Cody. To Gerald, the only person in the gentlemen’s retreat who knew his identity was the steward.  The stableman who took care of the horses wasn’t arrested and rushed straight to Glandale Estate to report the situation.  There was no need for further investigation. Two major pieces of news had already come to light. One, Carissa had brought the Capital Guard and the Garrison Unit and led the raid. Two, the white–faced old man had also been taken and was now being held at the Capital Guard headquarters.  The stableman hadn’t known Gerald’s true identity–only that he was the “white–faced old man“.  Fabian’s eyes widened in alarm. “Doesn’t that mean someone saw him?”  “They were all covered up when they were taken, sir. The old man’s face was concealed with a tablecloth, so no one could see his face.”  But that didn’t ease Fabian’s mind. He knew that once they reached the Capital Guard headquarters, Gerald’s identity would likely be discovered, especially by Carissa. After all, the Quinton family had once offended her.  Plus, Fabian’s youngest daughter Hailey had been causing trouble with Jocelyn at Gracewood Women’s Academy. Eventually, everyone withdrew from the school, mostly because of some things Kylie had said.  There were old grievances here, and if Carissa knew Gerald’s true identity, she would make a public spectacle of it.  That would be a real disaster.  What made matters worse was the fact that the gentlemen’s retreat had been established at Eleanor’s suggestion. Fabian had invested money in it, and after Eleanor fell from grace, the  +25 BONUS  Chapter 1230  retreats had become entirely his. Not many knew this, but if an investigation were to be carried out, it would all come to light.  Opening the gentlemen’s retreat wasn’t a grave offense, but what terrified Fabian was if Carissa accused him of being involved in Eleanor’s treason plot. If that happened, his family name would be ruined, and he would never live it down.  Fabian couldn’t help but regret letting his daughter run wild at the academy.  And as for the Quinton family–they should have kept better control over Jocelyn. But Fabian couldn’t openly blame the Quinton family, not now. He needed to be on their good side.  To get out of this mess, he would need the Quinton family’s help. They were his only hope, but Gerald had already been arrested. If the Quinton family found out, they might blame Fabian. Forget about getting their help–he would be lucky if they didn’t make things worse for him.  Regardless, he needed to inform the Quinton family about this matter. They had more connections than he did. If they could get Gerald out before he froze or starved to death in the Capital Guard headquarters, it would be a miracle.  Fabian ordered a carriage to be prepared and left the estate. Instead of going straight to the main residence to consult with Malcolm, he headed to his elder sister’s house.  Gerald’s brothers had all split off and had their own residences. Gerald lived in the main house, while his second, third, and fourth brothers lived in nearby properties that were still connected.  Fabian’s elder sister had married Gerald’s third brother as a secondary wife. While she didn’t hold much power in the Quinton family, she was still Malcolm’s aunt–in–law, and Gerald was her older brother–in–law. For the sake of both the Quinton and the Marquis of Glandale’s family, she had a duty to help.  After hearing her brother’s words, Betty Schmitt trembled all over.  “My heavens, you’ve stirred up a hornet’s nest,” she muttered, trembling. “What are we going to do now? Why didn’t you tell me sooner? If you’d said something earlier, at least the family could have helped you! Now that he’s in Lady Carissa’s hands, do you think she’ll let him off easily?”  Although Betty kept to herself most of the time, she hadn’t missed a single piece of gossip from the outside world. She had married a man who was much older than her, and while she was greatly favored in the family, she held little real power. She had no other ambition than to enjoy a life of wealth and luxury.  But if something happened to Gerald and her natal family got dragged into it, how could she possibly stay in the Quinton household?  “Don’t tell your brother–in–law about this. He’s not in good health,” Betty said. She knew that staying out of this matter was going to be hard, but after thinking it over, she realized she couldn’t get involved just yet.  2/3  +25 BONUS  Chapter 1230  “Betty, we should ask him for help. He’s still Lord Malcolm’s third uncle. Surely he can speak on our behalf,” Fabian pleaded.  Betty shook her head. “The fewer people who know about this, the better. Don’t say you came to me for help. If things get really bad and we need to plead for mercy, then I’ll step in.”  Suddenly, she had an idea. “Also, you could suggest to Lord Malcolm that Lord Logan and Princess Kiera go to Carissa and plead for mercy.  Fabian nodded eagerly. “Yes, that’s right! Logan married Princess Kiera, and Lord Gerald is Lord Logan’s grandfather. As his grandson, Lord Logan can’t possibly stay out of this.”