Chapter 491

Carissa was silent for a moment before saying, "Lulu, show our guest out."

Heather's anger flared. "Carissa, I haven't finished speaking, and you're already so eager to dismiss me? I am your aunt!"

In her rage, Heather threw a cup to the floor, her chest heaving.

Carissa glanced at the shattered cup. Liquid spread beneath her feet, dampening her shoes. She raised her head to meet Heather's gaze. Her voice was stern and cold. "If you had vented your anger like this at Gracehold Estate—smashing a cup and cursing Samuel's heartlessness—I would have understood and still respected you.

"But didn't you see Leona's distress that night? You only made excuses. When she asked if you'd accept her back after a divorce, a simple nod would have been comforting, even if you only advised her to endure.

"Her mention of divorce might have been a moment of distress, but your refusal deepened her pain and despair. Did you consider that?"

Heather's face turned crimson. "She can't get a divorce! Have I wasted my breath? If I'd agreed to take her back, what if she returned pregnant? Did you consider her situation? She respects you—how could you be so cruel?"

Heather stood, stamping her feet, tears streaming down her face. She dabbed at them with a handkerchief, but more tears fell.

"What's the big deal about enduring some temporary distress? She's a duchess and legitimate wife. Why fear a courtesan from a brothel? Even if Ruby is Grand Princess Eleanor's illegitimate daughter, she was raised in that place.

"In time, Samuel will tire of her and return to Leona. If you explain that, she won't be so adamant about divorce. She always listens to you. She'll take your advice."

Heather sat down again, looking disheveled. She wiped her tears and blew her nose.

Seeing her aunt's tear-streaked face, reminiscent of her own mother's, Carissa felt sympathy. Still, she couldn't help raising her voice. "What are you afraid of? What exactly terrifies you?"

"What are we afraid of?" Heather sobbed, her face buried in her hands. "We're terrified of being sent to our fief. You know it's harsh and desolate. How are we supposed to endure that?"

Carissa shook her head, her tone icy. "You're afraid of hardship at your fief, so you endure humiliation in the capital, bowing to others, discarding even a prince's dignity. Then you expect Leona to be as weak as you are? Has the king even mentioned sending you to your fief? Your husband isn't a court official; he's a leisurely prince. No one cares if he goes to his fief. Your worry is irrelevant to the king."

Heather's voice grew cold. "The king's will is inscrutable. What do you know? I don't want to discuss this. Our families' situations are different.

"When our parents were alive, their military achievements protected us. Now they're gone, we must keep a low profile. We can't even afford household soldiers. Don't compare our situation to yours."

Heather tucked her handkerchief into her sleeve and stood. "I won't say more. I'm not asking for your sympathy. Leona respects you. I only ask that you don't ruin her.

"Withdraw the two people you've assigned to her. Servants who assault their masters are unfit. The Earl of Gracehold's family doesn't need them, nor does Leona."

"That's not happening!" Carissa moved to the door, gesturing dismissively. "They're not servants. I won't let them leave before Leona gives birth. Aunt Heather, you're not welcome here. Leave!"

Heather's eyes widened. "Carissa, are you really driving out your own aunt? After all my care?"

Carissa didn't look up. "Lulu, show our guest out."

Carissa then swept from the room.