Chapter 786

Rafael waited a full hour, but Malcolm never appeared. The prince was furious. He couldn't believe the Quinton family's audacity. He'd sent someone to inform Malcolm the previous night, yet the man was nowhere to be seen. It seemed they considered Carissa's visit unworthy of their attention, a deliberate snub. While not as blatant as the Duke of Oakspire's family's treatment—keeping her waiting outside—it was hardly better.

Rafael was fiercely protective of his wife. He wouldn't tolerate bullying, and certainly wouldn't allow anyone to mistreat Carissa. Regardless of whether Malcolm wanted the rest of the Quinton family to know, he announced to the assembled men, "You should all know that Eleanor placed a pawn in your family—a mistress Lord Malcolm Quinton has kept for three years, with whom he has a daughter."

Having spoken, Rafael turned and strode away with Jacob, leaving a stunned silence in his wake. The Quinton family members were incredulous. How could this be possible? They prided themselves on their scholarly reputation and strict adherence to decorum. The idea that a family member would keep a mistress was unthinkable. Even the number of concubines in their household was limited, and the hierarchy between wife and concubines was well-defined.

A concubine was essentially the property of the primary wife—managed by her and allowed to attend to her husband only according to the wife's schedule. This rule, as strict as national law for the Quinton family, had been followed for a long time.

Malcolm had never been one to indulge in lust. He rarely visited his concubines—perhaps two or three times a month at most. He mostly stayed in his wife's quarters. Their love was renowned in the capital, a harmonious pairing everyone admired. Yet, here was Rafael, claiming Malcolm had kept a mistress all along?

"That's impossible! Absolutely impossible!" exclaimed Herbert Quinton, an older family member.

He shook his head vigorously, looking at the astonished faces of his relatives, especially Malcolm's eldest son, Lionel. "Lionel, your father isn't that kind of man! There must be some misunderstanding."

Lionel, a highly esteemed third-rank official favored by Salvador and the future head of the Quinton family, considered Malcolm flawless. He'd often said he would model his life after his father. Now, he felt disgusted. Herbert, Lionel's second uncle, was usually reliable, but this was unbelievable. If anyone else had made such a claim, Lionel might have dismissed it. But coming from the Hell Monarch, it carried undeniable weight. Noticing Lionel's troubled expression, Herbert barked an order to Mark: "This must not leave the family. If a single word gets out, I'll hold you responsible."

Beads of sweat formed on Mark's brow as he hastily nodded. "Yes, sir, I will ensure no one speaks of this. This matter won't leave this estate."

With a scowl, Herbert snapped, "What matter? This claim hasn't been substantiated! It's not even a matter! The Supreme Court only investigates treason. As for the accusations against the concubines' daughters, those are the result of Carissa's investigation. What does a mere woman know? If she knows anything, it's just hearsay from gossiping women! She must have heard some slander and took it to heart without verifying the truth. We will pursue this!"

He spoke not only to the Quinton family members present but also for Lionel's benefit.

Lionel's expression softened. He reflected on Malcolm's character and his parents' affection. There was no way his father would keep a mistress. If Rafael had been investigating, Lionel would have trusted his judgment. But Carissa's inquiry seemed based on whispers, accepted without proper investigation.

Carissa's absence was likely due to being snubbed at Oakspire Estate the previous day; she probably figured the Quinton family wouldn't receive her. She likely asked Rafael to mention it on her behalf.

Rafael had been careful, wanting to tell Malcolm personally, which is why he'd sent a message the day before. Malcolm, thinking Carissa was delivering the news, being a second-rank official, refused an investigation led by a woman and left with his wife.

After waiting an hour, Rafael's patience ran out. Unable to see Malcolm, he likely told everyone directly out of anger. If Malcolm had been present, Rafael would have mentioned the rumor and asked if it was true. If not, the prince would have urged him to investigate.

Yes, that was it. The information might not be true at all.