Melody of Strength 480
Dorothy’s vision darkened, and she nearly collapsed from anger. She swayed for a moment before she finally managed to steady herself.
Pointing a trembling finger at Helen, she stammered, “I will surely…surely go to the palace and report to the queen dowager. You are being utterly outrageous!
“Go ahead and report, you vile woman!” Helen lifted her head with pride. “The queen dowager is my sister, but she is a person of reason. If she learns how your family is bullying Leona, she may be so enraged that you’ll lose your title! At that point, you can forget about being a noble lady and return to being a
commoner.”
“When did the title become yours to take away? Who do you think you are?”
Dorothy was thoroughly infuriated. She dropped her cane and pushed Helen, who fell to the ground as a result.
Helen then yelled, “How dare you lay hands on me? How dare you defy your betters and strike me?”
The entire Earl of Gracehold household was stunned. Just moments ago, Helen had been cursing fiercely and passionately, but now she looked like a wronged young woman, with tears welling up in her eyes.
Meanwhile, Carissa and Rafael had already boarded a carriage to Gracehold Estate sometime earlier. There were some matters Carissa couldn’t intervene in directly, but if her mother–in–law was being mistreated, she could certainly step in.
She had instructed Violet to speak to Helen during the carriage ride, advising that it was acceptable to reprimand and even physically confront the Earl of Gracehold’s family. If it provoked them into reacting violently, Helen could fall to the ground. Then, Carissa and Rafael would have a legitimate reason to take
action.
Additionally, Leah also went to Hartstone Estate when Violet began dragging Ruby to the sitting room. Leah informed Harvey and Heather that Helen had gone to stir trouble at Gracehold Estate.
Harvey and Heather were startled by this news. Given Helen’s temperament, wouldn’t she turn both families into enemies if she caused a scene?
Besides, Heather was eager to see her daughter. However, Harvey had previously stopped her from doing so. Fearing the families would become hostile, Harvey quickly called for a carriage to go to Gracehold Estate.
The two carriages arrived almost simultaneously at Gracehold Estate’s gates.
Rafael helped Carissa out of the carriage, while Harvey Jumped down first and then turned to assist Heather.
Their eyes met, and Rafael greeted coldly. “Uncle Harvey, Aunt Heather.”
Rafael.” Harvey was taken aback to see them here, feeling a bit awkward. “What brings you here?” “Why are you here, Uncle Harvey?” Rafael inquired.
Harvey had originally intended to prevent Helen from causing a scene, but found himself hesitant to reveal his purpose upon seeing Rafael. Instead, he simply said, “We heard that Leona was in trouble, and came to see for ourselves.”
Rafael’s eyes darkened suddenly, a hint of anger flashing in them. “My cousin is being bullied? Let’s go inside!”
“No.”
Harvey was momentarily taken aback, wanting to clarify that it was merely a domestic dispute rather than bullying. But Rafael, already holding Carissa’s hand, strode purposefully inside.
“Prince Rafael and Lady Carissa have arrived!
“Prince Harvey and Lady Heather have arrived!”
With the loud announcement, Rafael and Carissa stepped confidently over the threshold.
Everyone present hurriedly stood up. “Greetings, Your Highness, Your Grace.”
Upon seeing her son and daughter–in–law arrive, Helen immediately said pitifully, “Cari, Son, these people from the Earl of Gracehold’s family are being outrageously overbearing. They even dared to push me! They clearly don’t respect the royal family at all!”
Rafael’s imposing presence was palpable. His cold gaze swept across the room, causing everyone to lower their heads. Even Samuel, who had been defiantly holding his head high, gradually bowed it under Rafael’s intense stare.
Ruby was the only one who raised her chin, her face a picture of pitiful innocence. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she gazed at Rafael like a pitiful kitten.
Rafael’s gaze lingered on her face for a moment, and Ruby’s expression turned defiant and unyielding.
Rafael turned away and, along with Carissa, was led to the main seat.
Harvey and Heather, who had entered with them, found themselves in an awkward position. Despite their high rank as a prince and princess consort, they could only sit to the side.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
“Who dared to bully my mother?” Rafael’s voice, as he settled into his seat, was as cold as frost.