Chapter 636
Carissa stayed awake, watching over Leona, while Violet sat outside the room. No one dared enter. Abigail sent meals, but Carissa couldn't eat. Violet managed a few bites, but the image of Leona's contorted body haunted her.
In the middle of the night, Leona awoke. Dazed, she called for Carissa, who was holding her hand. Hearing Leona's voice, Carissa squeezed her hand tightly.
“I’m here. It’s okay.”
Ivy administered medicine. Leona took it obediently, but her eyelids grew heavy, and she drifted back to sleep, tears slipping from her eyes. Carissa gently wiped them away. “It’s okay. You’ve made it through the worst of it. It’ll be fine now.”
Leona's exhaustion was evident. Three doses of medicine were needed to restore even a little strength. She briefly awoke for the second dose, then quickly fell back asleep.
Ivy rested, then approached Carissa, whispering, “Lady Carissa, why don’t you take a break? I can keep watch.”
“No need. I’m not sleepy,” Carissa replied, shaking her head. “You worked hard today, so you should rest. You’ll still need to administer the medicine once more before dawn.”
“Yes. Prince Harvey has left, but Lady Heather remains. She’s in the next room, likely trying to prevent you from taking Lady Leona away,” Ivy replied.
“She won’t stop me. I’m determined to take her with me,” Carissa said firmly.
After Rafael left, he saw Jeremiah and explained everything.
The following morning, after the court session, Jeremiah spoke to Salvador in his study. His words enraged the king. Samuel's status as a top scholar was revoked, his name struck from the National Examination Register. Salvador ordered the Supreme Court to handle the case. Once underway, Leona's divorce from Samuel would be unproblematic.
The next day, Harvey arrived as Carissa prepared to leave with Leona on her back. He, Heather, and some from the Earl of Gracehold's family tried to stop her, but dared not use force, resorting instead to persuasion.
Only when Rafael arrived with the royal edict did the atmosphere shift. The Earl of Gracehold's family knelt in fear, anxious about a potential loss of title.
Hearing only Samuel was to be arrested, many breathed a sigh of relief. He was now a family disgrace, and his removal mattered little as long as Noah's title remained. Only Dorothy fainted. She had spent the previous night planning Samuel's escape, thwarted by Alana and Leah, who were watching him. Her plan failed, and she could do nothing as Supreme Court officials arrived to arrest her grandson.
Chapter 636 +25 BONUS
Samuel trembled as shackles were placed on him, realizing his powerlessness. The once proud and arrogant man, relying on his talent, was humbled and stripped of dignity, begging his family for help.
Leona watched from Carissa's back. When Samuel pleaded, she closed her eyes and whispered, “Let’s go, Cari.”
No one obstructed them. Carissa carried her cousin while Violet, Alana, and Leah cleared a path. Leona's dowry had been accounted for the previous night, and she requested its return to her parents.
“I don’t need it. I’m a county duchess with my own fief. I can take care of myself.”
Heather chased them to the doorway, crying, “Leona, I only want what’s best for you! You and your cousin are not the same! You have no skills! How will you survive?”
Carissa ignored her, marching to the carriage and taking Leona to another residence.
Meanwhile, Rafael ordered Samuel's removal.
Harvey pleaded, “Rafael, please show some consideration. Don’t make things difficult for him.”
His quiet voice reached the Earl of Gracehold's family. Rafael glanced at them, noting their gratitude toward Harvey. The man certainly hid his intentions well.
Without speaking, Rafael walked away.
The Gracehold Estate incident quickly spread throughout the capital.