Chapter 634
In the side hall, Harvey seethed at the news that Carissa intended to take Leona from Gracehold Estate and that his daughter had chosen to divorce Samuel. He, Leona's father, was still present. When, he wondered, had it become Carissa's place to decide Leona's fate?
Just as Harvey was about to summon Carissa, Rafael arrived. Jacob had gone to the Supreme Court to find him. After explaining the situation, the prince abandoned his duties and came to Gracehold Estate. Men were not allowed in the inner courtyard, so Rafael went directly to the side hall.
As he entered, he heard Harvey's angry outburst: "Who does she think she is? How dare she decide everything for Leona? Allowing a divorce destroys a marriage! Isn't she afraid of bringing misfortune upon herself? With me here, I'd like to see her try!"
A flash of purple caught his eye as Harvey finished. Rafael strode into the hall, surveying the room with a cold glance as several men rose to greet him. He ignored them, fixing his gaze on Harvey. "Uncle Harvey, you were talking about my wife, correct? What has she done that's so damaging? Did she save Leona's life? Or was it her decision to have Leona divorce that beast of a husband who abandoned her for a concubine? How has she destroyed Leona's marriage?
"You've never been one for conversation, so you should keep quiet. You've also never cared for managing affairs, so don't interfere. Besides, you've never been afraid of loss, so continue that and don't refute me."
Harvey's face flushed crimson at his nephew's words. With the men of Gracehold Estate witnessing this, he was humiliated.
Noah, respecting and fearing the Hell Monarch, quickly invited Rafael to sit. They could sort things out later. The immediate concern wasn't Leona's divorce from Samuel; it was the king and queen's reaction.
Furthermore, given Samuel's current temperament, continuing the marriage would spark more trouble. The Earl of Gracehold's family had narrowly escaped disaster this time, as Leona's life had been spared. But what if it hadn't? If Leona had died, Samuel would have dragged the entire family down with him.
Noah's granduncle and uncle still held the ultimate authority. Therefore, Harvey's opinion mattered little. If Leona was content, the family would cooperate with her decision. Samuel had become a liability—once destined for greatness, he was now useless. They had no choice but to abandon him.
A hush fell over the room as Rafael sat. He had no intention of saying more. He was there to support Leona and would leave the arrangements to Carissa, trusting his wife to make the best choice for the duchess.
Sometimes, a lack of support from loved ones keeps one stuck. But when disappointment becomes unbearable, support from elsewhere can help someone stand tall again. During Carissa's most challenging times, the Sinclair elders had supported her. She understood the importance of having someone by your side at rock bottom.
Regardless of Harvey's objections, Carissa was determined to take Leona. It might seem like meddling, but she had little choice.
Rafael believed Carissa and Leona had given Harvey and Heather a chance, only to be met with disappointment and near-death. Jacob's detailed report suggested he'd already placed people within Gracehold Estate. Carissa had even stationed Alana and Leah to prevent complications. However, even the most meticulous planning can't prevent everything. If someone is determined to cause trouble, it's almost impossible to guard against every possibility.
Upon learning of Rafael's arrival, Carissa instructed Violet, Alana, and Leah to watch Leona while she spoke to him.
The outer courtyard bustled with activity. When Rafael saw his wife, he found a quiet spot to talk.
"I won't return home tonight. I'll stay until we take Leona away tomorrow. Keep an eye on Ryan and his homework," Carissa said.
Rafael gently adjusted her hairpin. "Don't worry. Jacob will oversee everything. Do you need me to stay?"
"No, it's fine. Violet and I will stay. Alana and Leah are here too." Carissa paused. "Leona's condition is bad. I also worry about Lady Heather and Madam Dorothy causing trouble."