Chapter 862

Meanwhile, Barrett took decisive action, preparing to sell several servants. The Warren family teetered on the brink of collapse. His eldest brother had lost his position, the second branch of the family had split off, and his own reinstatement remained uncertain. His only option was to cut back wherever possible.

Noble families typically avoided selling servants; unsavory secrets often lurked within their estates. Selling to a good household was one thing, but a cruel master could easily extract resentful servants' secrets. Therefore, such actions were usually approached cautiously.

But what secrets did the Warren family still hold? Barrett no longer cared. The vilest curses were already commonplace among the townsfolk. What more could he fear? He'd never truly understood Amelia's burdens until he assumed her position.

His feelings for Viola were now complex. His heart ached for their lost child, but he also resented her quarrels with Amelia. He wanted to ask about the miscarriage, but feared hurting her further, so he remained silent.

Rebecca's health continued to deteriorate. The physician deemed her survival until the New Year impossible. It was merely a matter of time.

Barrett summoned Serena, but she refused to return. She'd avoided Amelia's death to evade bad omens, and now, with the family under public scorn, she wished to remain distant. Apart from Tara, Rebecca was almost entirely alone.

Death and despair tightened like a noose around Rebecca's heart, fueling her panic about her own mortality. Midwinter's Dawn, the shortest day and longest night, arrived without the usual family meal. Weakened and barely able to rise, Rebecca held Tara's hand and wept. "Go to the Monarch Estate and fetch Carissa. I have something to tell her."

Tara sighed. "Lady Carissa won't come, Madam Rebecca."

"Tell her I was wrong…" Rebecca's eyes were glazed, her sunken cheeks accentuating her bitterness. "I was wrong."

Tara sat on the bed's edge, wiping away tears. "What good does admitting mistakes now do? With Lady Carissa in the family, you lived luxuriously—jewels, silks, satin. Sebastian even visited personally. Your condition was critical then; if Lady Carissa hadn't summoned Sebastian, you'd have died long ago."

"Tell her… I was wrong. I admit my mistakes. I want her to call…" Rebecca gasped. "Call for Sebastian."

Tara, despite years of service, felt a wave of icy disappointment. She'd hoped for genuine remorse, not a last-ditch plea for survival. "I won't go," she said softly.

Rebecca's eyes widened in shock. "You… you're just going to watch me die? How cruel!"

Rebecca gasped for air, her struggle echoing in the dim room. She felt like a candle burning at both ends, awaiting death. She had no reliable allies; no one willing to help.

Carissa and Rafael remained unresponsive to the outside scorn. Let everyone vent their frustrations.

Chapter 062

At the second morning court session, the motion failed. By the third, opposition had grown. Court officials, apparently discussing the matter privately, had united against Rafael.

This time, the prince simply stated, "Only a husband who mistreats his wife and family would oppose this proposal. I wonder if any of you fit that description?"

After a moment's silence, dissent rose. "How shallow to view the issue this way! It violates propriety! His Highness's arrogance disregards our ancestors' teachings!"

"You avoid the crux of my question," Rafael replied coldly.

"A married woman leaves her family for her husband. Divorce and expulsion are shameful. Offering refuge invites dangerous thoughts, damaging family honor and causing societal chaos," another official retorted.

Davis stood, asking, "What of women accepted back by their families after divorce? How is that different from receiving refuge elsewhere?"

Immediate rebuttals followed. "It's not the same! Even returning to their families, they're looked down upon. That's why they carefully consider their options."

"How can you say it's the same, Mr. Lloyd? Are you even a man?"