Chapter 635

“How is Leona doing? Is the baby really gone?” Rafael asked.

“Yes,” Carissa replied, her voice heavy with sorrow. “She almost bled out, but luckily, Sebastian was there. She survived, but recovery will take at least a year and a half. She’s fast asleep now, but I’m afraid she’ll be heartbroken when she wakes up.”

Rafael sighed. “She carried the baby for nine months. I’m sure she will be.”

Carissa’s complexion paled. “She nearly lost her life, too. Raf, we can’t let Samuel get away with this. He needs at least a few years in prison.”

“Leave it to me,” the prince said.

Watching his wife, delicate yet strong against the autumn wind, a pang of sadness welled in his heart. He remembered Carissa's terror when Leona was giving birth.

Rafael’s gaze turned icy. Samuel Langley!

“Let’s wait until Leona is moved before we take action,” Carissa suggested. “We don’t want to complicate things. If we arrest Samuel now, a horde of people will rush to Leona. I don’t want to disturb her.”

“Alright. I’ll return to the Supreme Court for now. Once you move Leona tomorrow, I’ll send someone to arrest Samuel. He harmed his legitimate wife and caused their child’s death. Pushing Leona down the stairs is attempted murder of a royal relative. That’s more than enough to arrest him,” Rafael said.

“But he’s still a top scholar, and he has status,” Carissa lamented.

“I’ll speak to Mr. Murray and have him take it up with the king.” Rafael had nearly forgotten Samuel’s standing. Though Samuel no longer held an official position, he was still considered one of the king’s favored candidates. They needed to ensure Samuel’s name was struck from the National Examination Register to avoid offending Salvador.

Carissa grasped her husband’s sleeve, her reluctance evident. She might appear strong to others, but today had genuinely frightened her. This vulnerability showed only to Rafael.

The prince longed to hold his wife, but they were at Gracehold Estate, surrounded by people and servants. He settled for squeezing her hand, saying gently, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here for you. I’ll be right by your side whenever you need me.”

Carissa’s eyes glistened. Choking back tears, she said, “You should talk to Mr. Murray. I’ll stay with Leona. I’m worried she’ll be scared if she doesn’t see me when she wakes up.”

“Alright. I’ll wait until you’re inside before I leave. I still need to speak with these people.”

Chapter 635

25 BONUS

Rafael straightened, standing tall in the corridor, exuding a sense of security that eased Carissa’s tension.

When Carissa returned to her cousin’s room, she found Heather by Leona’s bedside, holding her hand and calling to her.

Anger flared in Carissa. She exchanged a glance with Ivy, who understood and stepped forward.

“Lady Heather, Lady Leona is exhausted. Sleep is the best medicine. My mentor instructed that Lady Leona must sleep as much as possible, so please don’t disturb her.”

Heather had intended to wake Leona to discuss the divorce, but seeing Carissa, realized the discussion was pointless. She retreated awkwardly.

Carissa took Heather’s place. Leona was still asleep.

Carissa said calmly, “Ivy and I will stay here. Everyone else, please leave.”

“I’m her mother. I should be here with her,” Heather insisted.

Carissa shook her head. “No. You weren’t there for her when she needed you, and she doesn’t need you now. If you really care about her, help her pack her dowry items.”

Heather sighed heavily. “Carissa, a divorce wouldn’t be good for her.”

Carissa didn’t respond. There was no need to continue the conversation.

Violet chimed in, “I’ll organize her things. We’ll take everything that can be moved. Who cares who it belongs to? Even if it belongs to the Earl of Gracehold’s family, it’s fair game.”

Heather quickly followed Violet out. If the divorce was inevitable, she wouldn’t let anyone use it against her. Once everyone left, Kate and Hazel remained beyond the curtain, leaving only Carissa and Ivy.

Meanwhile, Alana had released Samuel. He knelt, sobbing uncontrollably.

Alana grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and tossed him out. “You can cry outside.” Though released, Alana kept a watchful eye on him to ensure he didn’t leave Gracehold Estate.