Chapter 714

Eleanor yanked Melanie's hair, sending her tumbling to the ground. Tears streamed down Melanie's face, but she dared not make a sound. The capital guards following Eleanor hesitated to intervene physically. They stood by, yelling, "Let go! Release her!"

With her wild hair obscuring half her face, Eleanor glared at them with chilling ferocity. "Who do you think you are to order me around? Go ahead, touch me if you dare!"

Eleanor dragged Melanie by the hair and advanced on the guards, who dared not touch her. The men were forced to step back.

Natalie rose abruptly and strode forward, slapping Eleanor sharply across the face. "You think you can act however you want? How will you deal with me, you madwoman?"

"How dare you?!" Eleanor released Melanie and lunged at Natalie.

The capital guards could no longer stand idly by. They hurriedly intervened, blocking her path. Eleanor's lunge failed; in her frenzy, she clawed at a guard's face, leaving deep scratches.

The guard winced. Seeing Eleanor's frantic behavior, he gritted his teeth, swept his leg out to trip her, and sidestepped. She stumbled, her forehead crashing heavily against the floor.

"Bring some ropes! If you're too scared to tie her up, I will!" Natalie commanded.

The capital guards rushed to fetch ropes. Once Natalie gave the order, they quickly restrained Eleanor against a nearby pillar.

A bruise formed on her forehead. She thrashed like a wild animal, but the bonds held firm. No matter how she struggled, she couldn't break free.

She shot Natalie a venomous glare, her voice dripping with fury. "You old hag! I am a grand princess! How dare you insult the royal family? Do you understand the grave crime you've committed? Do you think I won't get my father to execute your entire family?!"

"Eleanor, there's no need to act. You've made your choices, and now you must face the consequences. Even if you truly are mad, the law will still deal with you," Natalie replied coolly.

"What act, you old crone? You venomous witch! You better kneel and bow your head, or I might just spare your life…" Eleanor rasped, her voice hoarse and jagged.

Natalie dismissed her with a wave. She had watched the grand princess pace in the main hall, cursing crazily. It was clear what fueled her rage. While actions could deceive, eyes couldn't. Eleanor's gaze betrayed desperate fear and guilt—her only remaining weapon. She would run out of strength eventually and quiet down.

Hell Monarch Estate was as quiet as ever, save for the light burning steadily in the study. News had arrived—the assassins had retreated successfully, but Rafael had not yet returned.

Chapter 714

Everyone waited silently, their minds racing. Only Kyle remained leisurely absorbed in his book.

Violet leaned her head on Carissa's shoulder and yawned. "If he doesn't return soon, it'll be dawn."

"He must be making sure everything is clear," Carissa replied, knowing his thoroughness. "If you're tired, you can sleep. I'll fill you in tomorrow."

"I'm not really tired. I just want to know if everyone has been rescued," Violet said, rubbing her eyes. "I'll wait even if I'm sleepy."

Carissa poured Violet a cup of coffee. "If the plan went smoothly, then everyone should be safe. I wonder how many were saved, whether Carmen's mother is still alive, and what secrets lie in the western courtyard."

Violet took the cup, disappointment flickering in her eyes. "Too bad we can't go see for ourselves."

"Sometimes, it's better not to see such horrors," Jacob said slowly.

But in truth, the reality remained, whether they saw it or not.

"Someone's back!" Carissa exclaimed, jumping up to open the study door.

To her relief, she found Rafael, dressed in black, just about to push the door open. His hand already outstretched, he took Carissa's hand.

"Let's talk inside."