Chapter 477

Hearing Helen's tender tone, Leona could no longer restrain her tears. Although Alana had already explained the situation, Leona's maid wept again as she recounted it.

"Ever since Mr. Samuel was stripped of his title, Lady Leona has been confined to the estate, but our poor mistress hasn't had a moment's peace. Mr. Samuel blames her for everything. Twice, when they crossed paths while she was paying her respects to Madam Langley, Mr. Samuel pointed at Lady Leona and accused her of spreading gossip. He claimed it was her fault that the Oversight Department reported him to the king."

"Although Madam Abigail has protected our mistress, Madam Langley has shielded Mr. Samuel. She says that, although our mistress is a duchess, she has married into the Earl of Gracehold's family and should treat her husband as her world. She mustn't speak of any complaint or fault of her husband to outsiders. Otherwise, she'll lose her standing as a proper wife."

"Just like today, it was clearly Madam Ruby who provoked Lady Leona first. Our mistress saw her only once and didn't even speak. Madam Ruby threw herself on the steps, and Mr. Samuel came in a rage to seek justice, even pushing our mistress onto the table."

The maid wiped her tears and pointed to the corner of the square table. "Right here."

Helen and Violet followed her finger. Though the corners of the mahogany table were rounded, the impact was still severe. Fortunately, it only disturbed the pregnancy, rather than causing a miscarriage, a testament to the child's good fortune.

"Violet!" Helen's anger flared. "Bring that wretched woman to the sitting hall! I need to question the people of the Earl of Gracehold's residence thoroughly. Is there any need for such a vile concubine to remain in the house?"

Since Alana and Leah needed to remain at Gracehold Estate, Violet was best suited to handle the matter.

"What about Samuel?" Violet asked.

Helen looked at her. "If I'm dealing with Ruby, do you think he won't come?"

Violet nodded. Helen's shrewdness was apparent.

Under the maid's guidance, Violet went straight to Ruby's residence. Samuel, having lost two teeth earlier that day from Alana's blow, was furious. Egged on by Ruby's provocations, he was plotting to get Alana and Leah out of the house. During Ruby's confinement, he had missed her dearly. Now that she was free, he was eager for intimacy.

Just as Samuel had removed his outer garment and was embracing Ruby, the door burst open.

Furious, he roared, "How dare you!"

Before he could react, Violet stormed in. With a resounding slap, she struck Samuel's face. Before he could react, Violet seized Ruby by the hair and dragged her outside.

"You enjoy falling down the steps, right? Here, let me oblige you."

Screams filled the air. Violet repeatedly dragged Ruby by her hair down the stone steps and then pulled her back up. By the time Samuel rushed out, he saw his beloved being tortured, screaming in agony, her hair disheveled and her face smeared with blood.

"Let her go!" Samuel cried out, his heart breaking. He shouted furiously at Violet, "Who are you to come into my residence and beat people up?"

Violet grabbed Ruby by the throat, her gaze dark and menacing.

"My name is Violet Spencer. Remember that. I despise scoundrels and vile women above all else. One of the top scholars, and all that virtue and righteousness you claim to know? It's wasted on you. You have no honor, no decency, and you call yourself a man of learning? You're nothing but a pathetic mutt."

Ruby's eyes rolled back as Violet tightened her grip. Samuel, seething with rage, was speechless.

Without another word, Violet released Ruby, grabbing her by the collar. With a swift Lightfoot Skill leap, she disappeared toward the garden hall. Samuel, snapping out of his shock, furiously dashed after them.

Helen sat in the sitting room, her expression cold and severe. Her piercing gaze was unwavering, and the icy silence that surrounded her chilled everyone present.