Chapter 483

Some servants rushed outside, only to find the courtyard in total disarray, mirroring the chaos in the main hall.

His face ashen and lifeless, Noah stepped forward and bowed. "Has your anger subsided, Your Highness?"

Rafael remained silent, his expression cold.

Carissa spoke. "Earl of Gracehold, do you harbor resentment?"

Noah gritted his teeth. "I wouldn't dare."

"Wouldn't dare?" Carissa's face was devoid of warmth. "It's best you don't. Next time, I promise, the estate will be leveled."

Noah, having witnessed the grandeur of her wedding, knew Carissa commanded the power of the Hell Monarch's household and numerous martial artists—including two currently stationed at Gracehold Estate. He knew that leveling the estate was within her power; she could kill everyone there without leaving a trace.

Tonight, he had brought utter shame upon his ancestors. News of this would ruin him.

Before he could respond, Samuel shouted, "Those who oppress others will inevitably face retribution!"

Carissa's lips curled into a cold smile. "Oh, a top scholar from the national examination? Planning to gather the capital's scholars tomorrow to condemn the Hell Monarch and his household? Using your title as the king's student to publicize tonight's events?"

Samuel froze. How had she guessed?

He lifted his chin, wiping blood from his mouth. "Are you afraid now? It's too late. Unless you cut off my hands, I will write and denounce you."

Carissa replied, "Why cut off your hands? Someone with your writing skills shouldn't be wasted. Write well. Reference the classics, emphasizing loyalty, respect, righteousness, and integrity—if your actions merit such descriptions. And Madam Ruby, your concubine, ensure her role today is detailed. Let the world know how she caused the Duchess's complications and month-long bed rest."

Samuel's face turned crimson. "Are you meddling in my household affairs, Your Grace? The Duchess's bed rest has nothing to do with Ruby. I pushed her."

Carissa turned to Harvey and Heather. "He admitted to pushing Leona, causing her month-long bed rest. Ruby's provocation, he claims. She fell down the stairs, yet he blames Leona. Who will you protect—your son-in-law or your daughter?"

Harvey and Heather looked at Samuel with disappointment.

"How could you treat her like that? She's your wife!" Heather demanded.

Samuel responded, "Mother, I acted out of anger. Ruby didn't fall—Leona ordered someone to push her. She's jealous of other women—"

"She fell on her own. I saw it," Alana interrupted.

Samuel's expression darkened. "Who are you? How dare you interrupt your betters?" He despised Alana, especially after she'd struck him earlier.

Alana retorted, "Don't pull rank. Neither Leah nor I are your servants. We protect Lady Leona. You harmed her, and I let you off easy with two punches. You men, preaching righteousness, are scoundrels and hypocrites! A top scholar? More like garbage!"

Dorothy, regaining her breath, pointed at Alana. "Outrageous! Leave!"

Violet snapped, "Old hag, run into that pillar or shut up! I've never seen a grandmother so muddle-headed—favoring a concubine over your grandson's wife. Tomorrow, I'll announce your mistreatment of the Duchess to the entire city!"

Dorothy, speechless with fury, could only point at Violet.

In Samuel's arms, Ruby whimpered. "I was a pure courtesan before marrying. No man had touched me."