Chapter 482

Dorothy's head never struck the pillar; her children and grandchildren swiftly intervened, pulling her back. She had only intended to feign self-harm to frighten Rafael and halt the household soldiers' destruction.

However, Rafael remained impassive, and the soldiers continued their rampage, sending terrified women fleeing to the back courtyard. Dorothy, furious, felt her anger consume her. She hadn't anticipated Rafael's brazen disregard for her threat.

The soldiers avoided the inner courtyard, which was off-limits to men—a rule Travis strictly enforced. Their destruction was confined to the front courtyard and main hall.

Noah watched, pale-faced. He knew the reason for Rafael's rage: Samuel, his son, had earlier pushed Leona, causing pregnancy complications. While he wished to punish Samuel, the boy had already lost two teeth from Alana's beating. Seeing his grandson's bloodied mouth, Dorothy's heart ached too much to inflict further punishment.

They'd clung to the hope the situation would pass, as no one from Hartstone Estate had directly reprimanded them. However, Helen's late-night intervention, stirring the matter and provoking a confrontation, gave Rafael and Carissa a pretext to act.

Noah knew they were at fault. Regardless of Rafael's actions, they could only endure. If news spread, the narrative would become the Earl of Gracehold's household attacking Helen—insubordination. Further investigation would reflect poorly on Samuel, who, having lost his position, showed no remorse. He mistreated Leona, his legitimate wife, while favoring a concubine, leading to her complications and month-long bed rest.

These accusations were far more damaging than Rafael's wrath, which, while overwhelming, was preferable to bringing the matter before the king.

Meanwhile, Samuel, defiant, planned articles denouncing Rafael, believing scholars would condemn Rafael's use of military power to oppress others. Many at the National Academy had once idolized him; he believed his condemnation would spread like wildfire. He even hoped for more destruction, believing it would amplify Rafael's tyrannical image in his writings.

Chapter 482 25 BONUS

Ruby nestled in Samuel's bloodied arms created a tragic tableau, even startling Helen. Her outward calm masked a trembling hand hidden beneath her dress; it was her first glimpse of her son's true fury.

The front courtyard lay in ruins. The main hall was similarly devastated: chairs, tables, screens, and antiques lay shattered or broken.

Dorothy sobbed loudly, vowing to report Rafael, but Abigail restrained her, preventing another attempt at self-harm. Rafael remained impassive, showing no remorse. Carissa sat beside him, her gaze even colder.

Harvey, finally losing his composure, shouted, "Enough! Stop this!" His outburst only intensified Rafael's coldness; Harvey recoiled, feeling threatened, but dared not leverage his status as Rafael's uncle. Heather remained silent, her anxiety growing with each crash from outside.

She raged at Carissa, whose thoughtlessness risked a complete breach with the Earl of Gracehold's family, jeopardizing Leona's peace.

Finally, Carissa commanded, "Enough. Everyone, stop."

The smashing ceased. Travis ordered the soldiers to form ranks outside the courtyard.