Chapter 641

Samuel's predicament in the Supreme Court presented a significant challenge. Securing his release would be difficult. News of Dorothy's hunger strike could reflect poorly on the Earl of Gracehold's family, suggesting neglect. Despite the long odds, they exerted influence and sought royal intervention.

Noah, utilizing his own connections, learned that Leona's forgiveness was key to Samuel's release. However, approaching Leona was daunting, especially with Carissa's constant vigilance.

Ultimately, Noah turned to Harvey, a vocal supporter of Samuel during his arrest. Knowing Harvey's opposition to a Leona-Samuel divorce, Noah sought his help. Harvey agreed to assist, but his actual intervention at the Supreme Court remained uncertain. The Earl of Gracehold's family was unaware of these efforts.

Meanwhile, Heather, anticipating Leona's imminent divorce due to the royal edict, planned to bring her daughter home. As she prepared to depart, Carissa arrived with Frederick and Lily, bringing a carriage laden with gifts—a return of those Heather had given Melanie over the years. The carriage overflowed with items, both commonplace and precious, reflecting their long sisterly bond.

Frederick and Lily recalled that Melanie's gifts to Heather included gold, silver, everyday items, and valuable medicinal herbs—many supplied by Sebastian to the Duke of Northwatch's family. These herbs were likely for treating injuries, a prudent measure given Carissa's father and brothers' battlefield service.

The gifts also included supplements and emergency remedies, notably Snowdrop and Energy Pills for heart strengthening and energy restoration. Lily noted that Heather had personally requested and taken several bottles of these pills. Despite their long shelf life, Heather hadn't offered any to Leona during her crisis.

This omission deeply puzzled Carissa. It seemed improbable that a mother would neglect her daughter's well-being to this extent. One would expect Heather to have provided the best available medicine from the estate, even if prompted by others. The most likely explanation was that Heather had either used or given away all the medicine, though the latter seemed unlikely given the Harveys' limited social circle.

Carissa's arrival was dramatic, intentionally so. She'd assigned Travis, known for his booming voice, as her driver.

"The Hell Monarch's princess consort and Lady Heather are severing ties as aunt and niece and are returning the gifts exchanged between the two families!"

Travis repeated this announcement until they reached Hartstone Estate, where they encountered Heather.

Heather's face paled with anger. Carissa dismounted and confronted her aunt. "Lady Heather, I've come to finalize our agreement from yesterday. Have you prepared the items?"

"Carissa, are you insane? Do you truly intend to sever our ties?" Heather demanded, her voice laced with barely controlled fury.

Carissa remained impassive. "What's done is done. Travis, please unload the items. If anything is missing, Lady Heather will surely point it out, and we'll rectify it. Given the many gifts exchanged over the years, discrepancies are to be expected."

A crowd gathered. Heather, grabbing Carissa's arm, pulled her inside.

"Given our close sisterly bond, how can you just sever ties? What right do you have to make this decision for your mother? How will you explain this to our ancestors?" Heather hissed.

"That's my concern, Lady Heather," Carissa replied calmly. "Bring in the items."