Chapter 512

When Samuel returned to Gracehold Estate, his haughty attitude remained. He insisted on his innocence, claiming the reprimand and loss of his heirship were evidence of the king's folly. Arrogant and self-righteous, he scorned everyone, including his family. He believed himself entirely in the right.

Noah, enraged by Samuel's obstinance, slapped him.

"Apologize to the Duchess immediately! If you voice further dissatisfaction with the king, leave and never return to this family's residence—including the Hibiscus Lane manor!"

Samuel had hoped for his family's support after losing his heirship, believing they would back his protests. He would have reluctantly yielded and returned with Ruby if they had. Instead, he found no allies. Even his usually supportive grandmother remained silent. The slap and forced apology to Leona only intensified his rebellion.

He covered his face and roared, "Fine, take everything! You want me to apologize to her? Never! She was jealous of Ruby, hurt her, and complained to her cousin! She's the reason the Hell Monarch brought trouble to our family! Are you all okay with this? Bowing to power? If you buckle, that's your problem, but don't expect me to lack spine like you!"

"Ungrateful wretch! Are you trying to ruin the family?" Noah trembled with rage.

Samuel's relatives joined the criticism.

"Samuel, this is your fault! You can't blame others for demanding an explanation."

"This isn't about fearing authority—it's about acknowledging and correcting mistakes."

"Exactly! You study moral teachings. Favoring a concubine over your wife was wrong. If you correct your ways, we'll accept you"

Samuel coldly interrupted, "Be quiet. I don't need your approval! You're petty and inept, pointing fingers. You may look down on Ruby's status, but she's Grand Princess Eleanor's daughter. If Eleanor acknowledged her, wouldn't you all be currying favor? You're all opportunists."

Deeply hurt, Dorothy, remembering the Earl of Gracehold's prestige, took a firm stance.

"Regardless, apologize to the Duchess. Ask for her forgiveness. Remember, she carries your child. You pushed her—no one falsely accused you of that."

Samuel felt despair. He sneered, "In the end, you want submission. Fine, I'll apologize! I'll kneel if she wants. Is that it?"

"What?" Dorothy nearly gasped. "Speak properly! A man's knee is worth gold! You don't have to kneel, even to a Duchess. Sincerely admit your mistake. She cares for you and will forgive you. Show remorse"

Before she finished, Samuel stormed off to the back courtyard.

Abigail cried, "Quickly, someone follow him! Who knows what trouble he'll cause?"

Leona, recovering from medicine, was roused by the commotion. She heard Samuel and Alana arguing and frowned. What is he doing here?

"Hazel, what's happening?" she called.

Hazel, her maid, replied, "Your Grace, you're awake? Mr. Langley arrived enraged, and Ms. Alana and Ms. Leah are trying to stop him."