Chapter 626

Leah seethed. “Get out of my way, you old hag! I’ve tolerated you long enough! I respected your age, but you’re utterly incompetent. I’ve never insulted an elder, but I’ll make an exception for you. Don't force me to slap you. If you can't keep your mouth shut, I'll sew it shut.”

Leah, though always respectful of elders and caring toward the young, was first and foremost a martial artist. If others abused her respect, she wouldn't hesitate to retaliate.

Dorothy was furious. Abigail quickly intervened, whispering, “Mother, please don’t escalate this. It won’t look good if the Hell Monarch’s princess consort sees this.”

“Am I supposed to be afraid of her?” Dorothy snapped. She loathed Carissa most. “Even though she’s a princess consort, she has no right to interfere in our household affairs. Even Lady Heather hasn’t said a word! She’s just a meddler!”

However, cries from inside made Dorothy shiver. “Isn’t Sebastian’s apprentice in there? What’s she doing? Can’t she use some drugs or something to help with the delivery?”

They climbed the stone steps to a room full of women waiting outside Leona’s delivery room, separated by a curtain. Leona was writhing in pain. Though the bleeding from her forehead had stopped, her face was badly swollen. Samuel had pushed her down the stone steps while Leah and Alana were absent. By the time Alana arrived, Leona had already fallen.

The steps weren't high, but Leona was heavy, and her head struck the first step. Alana scooped her up as blood poured from the wound.

Fortunately, Ivy, who had arrived a few days earlier, quickly treated Leona’s injuries. The midwife, the best in the capital—arranged by Carissa—had assisted countless noble families.

After treating the wound, Ivy sensed the situation was dire. Even though Leona was in labor, the fall was serious.

“Go call Lady Heather!” Abigail worried, her palms sweating. If something happened to Leona, the royal family would blame the Earl of Gracehold’s family. Both the queen dowager and the king held Leona in high regard.

Someone ran for the guards, who galloped toward Hartstone Estate.

The Earl of Gracehold’s men, barred from the courtyard, anxiously awaited news in the side hall. Noah wished he could break Samuel’s legs. He’d thought his son was sincere about reconciling with Leona, unaware of Samuel’s deep-seated resentment.

[+25 BONUS]

Had Noah known, he never would have let Samuel return home. It would have been better to let him perish. Only Dorothy's pity had brought him back.

Other family members were present. This wasn't just a birth; the duchess was involved. Anything happening to Leona would be disastrous for the Langley family.

“Lady Carissa has arrived!”

Tension thickened. Carissa, while agreeable, was merciless when angered.

Carissa ignored the chatter, hurrying toward Leona’s courtyard with Violet. They found Samuel bound to a tree, battered and bruised. Blood dripped from his mouth; he could only open one eye. His handsome features were gone, replaced by a pig-like visage.

Leah stepped forward, her voice thick with emotion. “Carissa, Violet. I’m so sorry. We failed to protect the duchess.”

“How is Leona?” Carissa asked. A weak voice came from inside.

“Cari… Cari…”

A sharp pang pierced Carissa’s heart as she rushed inside.