Chapter 633 (+25 BONUS)
None of the women in Gracehold Estate spoke. A heavy silence, thick with sorrow, filled the air in the aftermath of the tragedy. No family could endure such a situation without feeling the weight of grief.
Abigail's words to Samuel resonated with Dorothy. Her grandson's promising future was ruined, so she opposed the divorce. However, Carissa's cold demeanor silenced her.
Earlier, Dorothy had complained about Carissa interfering in their family affairs. Ironically, Carissa's decision to summon Sebastian had saved Leona's life at a critical moment.
Dorothy turned to Heather and whispered, "A divorce isn't good for anyone, Your Grace. Please persuade Leona not to let the Hell Monarch's princess consort dictate their fate and ruin her marriage."
Heather glanced at her niece and started to speak, but Carissa's icy voice cut her off. "If you utter a single word urging Leona to stay, I'll make this matter public. Princess Meredith will hear about it, and her father-in-law will petition the court. The Earl of Gracehold's family will face irreversible repercussions."
With the Earl of Gracehold's family under scrutiny, the young men had been cautious. But Samuel's reckless actions jeopardized everyone's future. The women of the household rallied to Leona's defense.
"Leona barely had any good days after marrying into our family. She was pregnant for nine months, confined to bed for three, only to endure this unbearable suffering. She's returned from the brink of death; Samuel shouldn't be allowed to harm her again."
"That's right. We should heed Lady Carissa's advice. Let them part ways. If Samuel wishes to pursue his courtesan or some concubine's daughter, let him. We only hope he won't bring further ruin upon our family."
"We should let Leona leave Gracehold Estate. How can she survive in a place that brought her so much sorrow?"
Justice, it seemed, was only spoken when one's own interests were threatened.
Heather swallowed her words, wiped away her tears, and said, "But what will happen to Leona? In the end, she's still choosing to part ways with Samuel."
Heather resented Samuel, yet secretly wished for their continued happiness. After a few sharp words directed at Samuel, she turned to Carissa and said sadly, "It wasn't that I didn't want to accept the wedding gifts you offered Leona, but look what happened. Despite refusing them, we're in this predicament.
"Had I accepted them, who knows what fate would have befallen us? I'm not blaming you, but after your mother passed away, there were hardly any sensible people left in your household. Your mother trained Frederick for many years, yet he still didn't understand the rules well."
Heather repeatedly brought up Carissa's wedding gifts, claiming not to blame her, but her words dripped with accusation.
Chapter 633 (+25 BONUS)
Carissa refused to let Heather's remarks slide.
In a calm, icy tone, she said, "You're right, Lady Heather. My household lacks understanding. How could a household on the brink of ruin have any luck? We'll tally up all the gifts my mother sent you and return everything.
"Lily and Frederick will account for what you've given my mother, and we'll return those as well. Once settled, there will be no hard feelings between our families, and you won't have to worry about the gifts bringing your family bad luck.
"As for Leona's dowry, I never actually gave her anything. The gifts remain unopened in my estate's annex. It's fortunate you refused them; otherwise, the blame would fall on me if anything happened to your family."
Heather's expression froze. "What Child, is that truly what you think I meant? I'm not blaming you. I'm only saying that the people in your household don't know how to handle matters. Your mother and I were sisters! Why do we need to draw such a clear line between us?"
"Let's not argue. You can sort everything out when you return home. I'll send someone to deliver and collect what's owed tomorrow," Carissa concluded, turning her back on her aunt. She couldn't be bothered to listen to anything else.
Chapter 634