Chapter 795

Marjorie's tears ceased as worry replaced her sadness. "Yes, your father has never liked that so-called 'first female official.' Now that she's discovered things he couldn't, he must be feeling quite miserable."

A thought struck her. "Didn't they say the woman already had a daughter? Did you see her when you went?"

"Don't be ridiculous. There's no child at all, just her and a house full of people watching her," Lionel replied.

"Then that's good," Marjorie sighed in relief.

Seeing his mother calmed, Lionel felt more at ease. However, he knew smoothing things over with his grandfather wouldn't be easy.

Malcolm had gone to explain the situation to Gerald. While Gerald accepted his son's explanation, he also slapped him and told him to leave.

Malcolm felt a whirlwind of emotions as he stumbled from his father's room. He knew he couldn't blame the Hell Monarch for this mess. He had always adhered to benevolence and humility in court, but made a fatal error with Carissa simply because she was a female official—he had been too arrogant and dismissive.

Regardless, he still had to visit the Supreme Court and report what was necessary. Otherwise, he wouldn't know how to explain things to those at home if officials came knocking again.

The Supreme Court was investigating Eleanor's case again. This time, under Salvador's orders, they resorted to torture.

Eleanor's fingers were broken, each crack sending spasms through her body. She trembled with pain and sweated profusely. Even so, she didn't utter a cry. She was indeed tough.

She lost consciousness once from the agony. But when she woke up, she spoke weakly but fiercely, "If you have any other tricks up your sleeve, go ahead and use them."

Naturally, Matthew showed no mercy. He subjected her to every basic form of torture, trying to break her stubbornness, but she endured in silence, keeping her lips sealed.

Everyone had anticipated this. After all, severe punishments had been abolished during the late king's reign. They hoped that resorting to extreme torture might pry something from her.

Salvador wouldn't resort to the brutal punishments Sigmund had abolished. He wouldn't act against the late king's wishes, at least not now. With most of the court filled with Sigmund's old officials, Salvador didn't want public scrutiny.

As Matthew finished his report, Malcolm arrived.

Carissa, who had been working on the case files for two days, looked up at Rafael and asked, "Should I excuse myself?"

When she returned from the palace, she had spoken to Rafael, discovering he had dismissed Malcolm's earlier remark without a second thought because he'd waited an hour for him. If Malcolm hadn't been informed in advance, Rafael wouldn't have been so furious. But Malcolm's disappearance after being told clearly showed his dismissive attitude toward Carissa, provoking Rafael's anger.

Chapter 295

The prince's gaze was cold. "He's likely here about his mistress. This matter was yours to investigate, so no need to step aside."

"Understood," Carissa replied, returning to the case files.

Henry hadn't been tortured yet, but he would likely claim ignorance. If he admitted to knowing anything, his entire family would pay with their lives. Most likely, he would stubbornly refuse to cooperate. Malcolm entered, his usually straight posture slumped. He typically walked with dignity, embodying the spirit of a scholar. But today, he entered with his head down, his back slightly hunched.

Rafael had never seen Malcolm so disheveled. Dealing with family affairs had clearly been challenging. However, he felt no sympathy, knowing the man's arrogance had led him to this point.

With a wave, Rafael dismissed Matthew and the others, preserving Malcolm some dignity. Once inside, Malcolm stood awkwardly, silent and dazed. Rafael ignored him; Carissa broke the silence.

"Lord Malcolm, please take a seat."

Slowly, Malcolm bowed his head, acknowledging Rafael with a respectful, "Your Highness," before nodding at Carissa. "Thank you, Commander Sinclair."

He sat, mentally prepared. But upon arriving at the Supreme Court, all that preparation seemed futile. He would have preferred to be here for corruption charges rather than this shameful situation.