Chapter 1248  Jeremiah bowed in respect and said, “Your Majesty’s command is one I dare not disregard. After all, I am but a humble servant. However, Lady Carissa is here to visit Lord Gerald, and there is no personal enmity between them. I do not foresee any dispute.”  In front of the thousand–year–old fox, Kylie was no more than a young weasel with ill intentions but clumsy methods.  Using her position as queen, Kylie boldly plotted against Carissa. She was fully aware that it could cost her grandfather his life, yet she showed no concern at all.  Contrary to Carissa’s expectations, Jeremiah was indeed willing to testify and would argue on her behalf with reason.  He cast a cold glance at the Quinton family. “Ah, a fine group of devoted descendants. Lord Gerald should have no regrets.  Anyone who understood the situation lowered their heads, too afraid to meet Jeremiah’s gaze.  Before Carissa could speak, Marjorie stood up. “Commander Sinclair, thank you for bringing Mr. Dalton to treat my father–in–law. Your kindness is truly appreciated.”  Kylie clearly hadn’t expected her mom to speak up, and her expression darkened in an instant.  “Mom, it is enough for the royal physician to attend to grandfather. A village physician like this has no business treating him.”  She knew that Sebastian was proud, and by insulting him, he would likely leave in a huff. If she could best Carissa at this moment, she wouldn’t care if she offended Sebastian.  But the Quinton family members, realizing the implications, shifted uneasily. The medicine Gerald had used in the past had often come from Arcane Sanctum, and with such a large family, they regularly relied on Sebastian’s expertise.  Sebastian’s skills were even beyond the chief physician in the Royal Medical Department. If the Quinton family offended him, who would be able to call upon his services in the future?  They expected Sebastian to take offense, but to their surprise, he only smiled.  “To be called a village physician by Her Majesty what an honor. At least I’m a physician recognized by the queen herself.”  “Didn’t Lord Gerald want to see me? Please lead the way,” Carissa said, dismissing the need for further pleasantries. “I dare not disobey Her Majesty’s command, but I’m sure the king and queen won’t object to me bringing Mr. Dalton in with me.”  Carissa’s words were clear–she had only come out of respect for Salvador,  “Show her the way,” Kylie said calmly.  1/3  **25 BONUS  Chapter Ide  Malcolm led the way. Marjorie wanted to go with Carissa, but Lydla grabbed her, even pulling her to Kylle’s side without worrying about offending her.  Kylie’s gaze was as cold as ice. “Mom, please think of your grandson.”  “You’re only hurting Prince Connor by doing this” Marjorie’s voice was tinged with frustration. “And you’re condemning your grandfather to death.”  “Grandfather no longer wants to live,” Kylie replied stubbornly, her chin raised. “He’s seeking revenge, and I’m helping him. Do you understand, Mom?”  “All I understand is that you want to use your grandfather’s death to bring down Lady Carissa. I’m telling you now, it won’t work.” Marjorie shook her head. “His Majesty will not abandon Lady Carissa now. On the contrary, he allowed you to return to the estate to demonstrate your devotion to your family, not to use such dirty tricks to harm others.”  Kylie’s face hardened. “Are you saying I’m using dirty tricks? I am your daughter, and you choose to side with outsiders and criticize me? Since you don’t care for me, don’t blame me for failing my duties as your daughter.”  Her expression grew sharp. “Guards, take the madam back to her chambers and keep her under close watch. No one is to allow her out without my permission.”  Marjorie’s shoulders sagged slightly, and she cast a disappointed glance at her daughter.  “You’ve truly lost your way.”  Kylie coldly watched as Marjorie was dragged away. This time, when returning to her family home, Kylie brought many trusted palace servants who were all at her command. Even the Quinton family members present dared not defy her.  Once Marjorie was out of sight, Kylie turned to Lydia and motioned for her to follow. The two of them made their way to Gerald’s residence.  There, Cody emerged from the room and bowed respectfully. “My lord, Lord Gerald wishes to meet only with Lady Carissa.”  “Please inform Lord Gerald that Mr. Murray is here to visit, and Mr. Dalton is also here.” “I’m afraid Lord Gerald insists on meeting only with Lady Carissa,” Cody replied.  Kylie arrived just in time to hear the conversation, and she immediately ordered, “Let Carissa go in the bedroom alone, but everyone else may remain inside the hall. Also, summon the Quinton family members to wait in the outer hall if Grandfather has any instructions for them.  The bedroom was separated from the main hall by a curtain, and the distance was short enough that the conversation could easily be heard.  Kylie knew that whether or not Carissa could handle the confrontation, once Gerald became enraged, it would undoubtedly hasten his condition.  2/3  The royal physician had warned that if anger overwhelmed Gerald, there was a risk of the outcome being fatal.