Chapter 485 (+25 Bonus)

Ruby cried uncontrollably, her sobs wracking her body. Despite her tears, her fingers clung desperately to Samuel's shirt, as if it were her only anchor. Though her eyes were dry, her cries still conveyed deep hurt and vulnerability.

"Such a mess!" Rafael commented, rising and taking Carissa's hand. He turned to the stunned Helen. "Mom, let's go."

Helen, recovering from her shock, stood. Before leaving, she addressed Heather: "I just saw Leona. She mistook you for Carissa and was delighted, then disappointed. You're a weak mother; it's no wonder your daughter is the same. You know who I caused a scene for today. If you have any dignity, don't let this slide. Otherwise, you'll lose my respect."

"Mother, let's go," Carissa said calmly. "Every mother has maternal instincts. Aunt Heather knows what to do."

"Carissa!" Heather cried, her eyes brimming with tears. "You're here for Leona, but have you considered the consequences? After this, life here will only get harder for her."

"Easier for her now?" Carissa countered, sweeping her gaze across the room. "Who here has stood up for Leona? If Alana hadn't punched Samuel twice, he'd have only been scolded for pushing her."

Carissa's eyes were filled with disappointment. She didn't understand Harvey and Heather's fear. Harvey was a prince. Even without court power, his title placed him above the Earl of Gracehold's family. Yet, despite Leona's suffering, Heather blamed Carissa for causing trouble.

The aunt Carissa knew wasn't this timid. When had she become like this?

"Let's go," Rafael said, leading Carissa out. Violet supported Helen as they followed. Travis led the household soldiers away.

The lights remained on at Gracehold Estate, everyone's eyes cold and doubtful, fixed on Ruby.

Heather went to Leona. Seeing her thin, pregnant daughter, she wept. "How could he treat you like this? You're carrying his child! Even if he favored that concubine, he should have respected you. I regret marrying you off to him."

Leona had no tears left. She murmured, "It's my fault. I liked him first, but he said he liked me too… Mom, I want a divorce."

Chapter 485 (+25 Bonus)

Heather was shocked. "A divorce? No, you can't! What will you do?"

"Mom, I can't survive here. My reputation doesn't matter anymore."

Leona's eyes were filled with despair. She wasn't jealous and tolerated his concubines. But when he pushed her into a table, her heart died.

"No! I won't allow it!" Heather exclaimed, furious and alarmed. "Was this your cousin's idea? She's divorced, so she's pushing you to divorce too?"

Leona quickly explained, "It has nothing to do with Carissa. I haven't seen her in a long time."

Heather grabbed her shoulders. "Don't defend her! Do you know what she did tonight? She brought Rafael, and they wrecked the courtyard and injured your husband!"

Tears poured from Leona's eyes. "Really? She stood up for me? At least someone did. I'm such a disappointment. I even caused my cousin trouble."

Heather was frantic. "You foolish girl! Don't be fooled. She wants you to end up like her—divorced. She was lucky to marry the Hell Monarch. What about you? Your child?"

Leona wiped her tears and looked at Heather. "Mom, if I get a divorce, will you let me return home?"

Chapter 486