Chapter 510

+25 BONUS

At Harmony Palace, Eleanor sharply questioned the middle-aged man before her. His head bowed, she demanded, "How is this possible? How did Carissa find out about Cece's identity? Did that wretch, Celeste, tell Carissa's people?"

The tall, handsome, though weathered, man quickly shook his head at Eleanor's accusation. "It's impossible. Celeste would never take the initiative to tell Lady Carissa. She has always been so obedient to you and never dared disobey your orders."

"She wouldn't dare," Eleanor's eyes flashed. "Her mother is still imprisoned in my palace dungeon. If she wants her mother released, she had better be obedient."

"Of course. She'll definitely listen to you."

Eleanor glared, her rage growing. "Go and ask her. Also, instruct the others to keep a lower profile and avoid revealing their identities. I suspect Carissa only learned about Celeste and is making a fuss to provoke me, hoping to make me hesitate and disrupt my plans. I won't be fooled by her tricks."

"Understood. I will speak to them."

Seeing his sole concern was for his daughters, Eleanor's gaze grew colder. "Get out!"

"Yes, Your Highness."

Henry turned and left. Years of internal strife had stooped his once imposing figure.

Eleanor watched him go, thinking of a man who resembled him. Her heart stirred briefly, then was engulfed by deep-seated hatred. Years ago, as a princess, she had sought Hector's hand in marriage, but he had dismissed her, choosing the insignificant Melanie Sullivan instead.

On their wedding day, Eleanor cursed them, wishing them childless and unhappy. Yet, Melanie bore six sons and a daughter. The more Eleanor despised them, the more they flourished, their love unwavering. The Duke of Northwatch had no concubines.

After years of resentment, Eleanor knew she would never forget the man who had disrupted her youth. When news of his death arrived, she laughed wildly, then cried uncontrollably. He died well, but why not Melanie? At least Melanie's sons died with him. Melanie must have been heartbroken; she cried until she nearly went blind. In time, the entire family was wiped out—a satisfying turn of events.

Chapter 510

+25 BONUS

Wretches always get their just desserts. But even at death, that man probably never thought of Eleanor. Yet, in the dead of night, she still dreamed of their first meeting, her eyes full of wonder, her cheeks flushed with shyness. The things she could not have were the most unforgettable.

She threw a cup to the ground; it shattered. Staring at the broken porcelain, her eyes burned with hatred. If only her father had allowed her to marry Hector! Then she wouldn't harbor such resentment toward him, the late king, and the current king. "Oh, Father, did you know? You ruined your daughter's life!"

At Hibiscus Lane, a house's side gate creaked open. A maid ushered in Henry, saying, "Don't worry, Your Grace. Mr. Langley returned to Gracehold Estate today and won't be back until tonight at the earliest."

Henry nodded. "Take me to see her."

The Hibiscus Lane manor, a Gracehold Earl property, was arranged for Samuel and Ruby. Dorothy had summoned Samuel. Stripped of his heir status, Samuel panicked, especially after hearing a petition to remove his name from the National Examination Register. Overcome with fear, he sought his grandmother's intervention.

Henry met his daughter in the sitting room. Ruby, now Celeste, curtsied. "Greetings, Your Grace."

Henry looked at her bowed head and sighed. "I'm your father. Just call me 'Dad.'"

Celeste lifted her head. "Alright, Dad."

Henry sat, his clothes rustling. "How was your identity discovered? Your mother is upset and wants to know if you've had any private contact with Lady Carissa."

Chapter 511