Chapter 516
After servants roused him from his stupor, Samuel sat in the courtyard, feeling hollow. He remained unresponsive to all who called.
Outside Hibiscus Lane, Henry's men watched closely. Reporting back, Henry frowned. "Didn't Celeste say she'd sever ties properly? Forget it. He's useless anyway. The Earl of Gracehold's family reputation is already notorious; it wouldn't matter what he did."
Samuel spent two days at Hibiscus Lane, refusing food and drink. Celeste's departure wasn't the most devastating blow; her parting words were.
He'd harbored high ambitions, achieving third place in the national examinations and winning the admiration of many noble young women in the capital. He considered himself a genius, destined to rise above the ordinary, a beacon of inspiration. Even losing his official position for Ruby didn't deter him; it only proved his difference. He'd broken free from societal shackles and fallen in love with a courtesan. He envisioned future historians recording his fearless love, earning future generations' respect.
But losing his position as heir sparked panic. He knew he'd still inherit a noble title, ensuring wealth and prestige, allowing him to criticize other nobles from a position of secure privilege.
Claire relayed Hibiscus Lane's events to Violet, who informed Carissa. Alana, who'd visited a few days prior, told Carissa that Leona and Samuel had quarreled. Carissa advised Alana to gently guide Leona, reminding her that as a duchess, her authority extended to everyone on Gracehold Estate, including Samuel. With their feelings gone, power became the deciding factor. As long as her family opposed it, Leona wouldn't consider divorce.
Mid-month, early one morning, estate and shop stewards lined up outside, awaiting Carissa's report. After questioning them all, it was midday. Carissa kept them for lunch before sending them back to their duties. Since assuming household management, she'd been busy. Thankfully, Jacob and Luke had managed the estate well, leaving little to clean up.
The next day was Kiera and Logan's formal engagement ceremony. Logan arrived with his mother and family elders. Though Kylie previously referred to him as her brother (considering him as such), he was actually her cousin from the Quinton family's third branch. His mother, Audrey, came from humble beginnings but was known for her kindness and honesty. Logan's father, having suffered a childhood head injury, possessed childlike intelligence and didn't attend.
Helen had hoped for a Quinton marriage but initially wasn't impressed with Logan. Now, well-groomed and graceful, with proper behavior and fluent responses, he seemed far from the rumored idle playboy. Furthermore, Carissa had advised Helen that Kiera's husband needn't be high-ranking; good character, consideration, and treating Kiera well were more important. Given their mutual interest, their future seemed promising.
Helen assessed Logan with a mother-in-law's keen eye. The more she looked, the more she approved. Audrey was easygoing, gentle, and lacked sharpness. Helen also recalled Audrey's acceptance of Logan's father's limitations. Their deep affection suggested well-adjusted children.
After the ceremony, Helen felt reassured. The match seemed favorable. Whether Logan's remaining family members were agreeable mattered little; the couple would live in the princess's residence.
Meanwhile, following Winona's instructions, Violet established a base in the capital, with Claire, Lillian, Iris, and Mabel (Winona's skilled scouts, adept at Lightfoot Skill and disguise) under her command. Several more, whose identities Violet didn't know, also worked under Claire, operating as passersby, maids in noble households, or street vendors.