Chapter 488

After Samuel settled down, he immediately drafted a scathing article condemning the Hell Monarch. He then contacted over a dozen scholar friends, but only three or four arrived.

Those who came were stunned by the article. They quickly made excuses about urgent matters and left.

Samuel was bewildered. He chased after one, Sean, grabbing his arm and demanding, "You read how the Hell Monarch bullied me! Aren't you going to help?"

Sean, a recent National Academy graduate who had once admired Samuel (before Samuel brought a courtesan home), had come only out of a sense of obligation. Samuel's article boldly denounced the prince who had reclaimed the Southern Frontier, accusing him of disrespecting women, specifically Ruby.

Sean was speechless. He knew publication would bring widespread condemnation upon Samuel. He wanted no part in it. He replied, "If you're upright and set a good example, people will follow. But if you're not, no command will make them obey!" He then left.

Samuel, a top scholar chosen by the king himself, was furious. He believed his friends were spineless bootlickers, terrified of the Hell Monarch's reputation. In a rage, he smashed things in the coffeehouse, but the indifferent shopkeeper demanded payment for the damages.

Back at the Hell Monarch Estate, Rafael returned to his office. Helen waited anxiously for Carissa. Seeing her daughter-in-law, she grabbed her hand and asked, "Carissa, what's the story with Ruby? Is she truly Grand Princess Eleanor's illegitimate daughter?"

"Mother, it's true. Besides Celeste—Ruby's real name—more women will likely be sent to noble families," Carissa replied.

"But why? Why send her own illegitimate daughter to a brothel? Isn't that a disgrace?" Helen asked.

Chapter 499

"If we hadn't uncovered Ruby's identity, no one would have known. It was done secretly; as long as it wasn't exposed, it wouldn't affect her reputation," Carissa explained.

Helen remained confused. "But why would she do it? To humiliate her husband's concubines and their children? Yet, she arranged those concubines herself! She lost interest in her husband and no longer wanted to share a bed with him. With her status, it's hard to believe she'd be so harsh toward their children. If this were to get out, her reputation would suffer."

Eleanor had cultivated a public image of tolerance and generosity, even arranging her husband's concubines. While past scandals existed, they were quickly suppressed.

Carissa smiled knowingly. "Some people appear gentle, but are full of schemes. Grand Princess Eleanor is exactly that kind of person. She took so much money from you through The Gilded Tower, claiming losses while actually profiting. She acts tolerant of her husband's concubines, but secretly despises them."

Carissa avoided revealing too much detail for her simple-minded mother-in-law. The truth would soon come out, and Helen didn't need more information.

Helen nodded. "Yes, she shows one face in public and another in private. She's far more ruthless than we thought. We should limit our interactions with her."

"Exactly. Keep our distance. Even if you meet her, don't dwell on The Gilded Tower. Maintain the appearance of harmony," Carissa agreed, wanting to prevent a confrontation between Helen and the powerful Eleanor.

"I understand," Helen said.