Chapter 643
Carissa refused to let Heather have her way. "If Heather isn't afraid of losing face and ruining her family's and the Earl of Gracehold's reputations, then let her come!" Carissa declared sharply. "First, when Samuel took a concubine and abandoned Leona, you all stood by and told her to endure it. Leona is a dignified duchess and his rightful wife. Why should she tolerate a courtesan? Where was her royal dignity then?
"Second, when Samuel first beat Leona and left her bedridden, neither you nor Prince Harvey uttered a word against him. You merely sent Leona some supplements and told her to endure until Samuel changed his mind.
"Third, Leona nearly died giving birth because Samuel pushed her down the stairs. At death's door, she called for me, her cousin, not you, her mother. The king was furious at Samuel's mistreatment, but instead of defending your daughter, you defended her husband and clung to this marriage.
"Do you want Leona to die? Is that why you want her to continue suffering under Samuel's torment until she ends up like Aunt Avis, who died miserably in Verdant Monastery after enduring such torture?"
Heather stared at Carissa in shock, as if disbelieving her niece's public outburst. Heather was sure Carissa had deliberately mentioned Avis. No one knew about Avis's suffering; Yuvan and his people had kept it secret. Even Avis's trip to Verdant Monastery was presented as a health recovery. Yuvan had spun everything positively, despite some rumors. However, even Avis's two daughters protected Yuvan. With their testimony, who would dare question it? The world is full of lies and half-truths.
Yet, Yuvan married Molly shortly after Avis's death, inevitably raising eyebrows. Now that it was brought up, speculation was rampant. Yuvan wanted to maintain a clean image—no chance of that now! Since Yuvan had returned to the capital, it was time for a direct confrontation.
Carissa continued, "Also, I'm not stopping you from seeing your daughter. If you approach Leona as her mother, I'm sure she would be delighted."
Carissa then took her shoes, climbed into her carriage under the watchful gaze of the crowd, and left Heather standing at the estate entrance, subject to their curious stares. Fuming, Heather stormed back into Hartstone Estate.
Meanwhile, Dorothy had begun a hunger strike.
Chapter 643 +25 BONUS
Noah had visited Hartstone Estate twice. Harvey had used his influence to ensure Samuel wouldn't be severely punished at the Supreme Court, and asked Noah to tell Dorothy. Noah thanked him profusely, feeling guilty about his family's treatment of Leona.
After hesitating, Noah asked, "With all this turmoil, do you think it will implicate others in our family?"
Harvey remained silent, his brow furrowed. Noah grew increasingly uneasy. No one in the Earl of Gracehold's family dared approach the king. Even in court, they fled to avoid reprimands. Reprimands were one thing, but they feared Salvador stripping them of their title.
"Your Highness?" Noah called again.
Harvey looked up and sighed. "Because I failed to protect Leona, the king is displeased. A rift between our families is inevitable. I still consider Samuel my son-in-law and want to protect him from the Supreme Court, but I can't guarantee this won't affect your title. You could try approaching Yuvan. He's caring for Lady Ruth in the palace and visits the Queen Dowager daily, so he might intercede on your behalf. Samuel won't escape consequences, but you might protect your family's standing."
"Prince Yuvan?" Noah was surprised, but quickly saw the merit. Yuvan was back in the capital caring for Lady Ruth. The Queen Dowager would likely be receptive, given Yuvan's devotion to his mother.
"Thank you, Your Highness. I'll go at once," Noah said gratefully, leaving hurriedly.