Chapter 1083

The investigation ultimately led back to the Oulton family. Malcolm remained completely unaware of the matter until Carissa privately explained it to him. Hearing the full story ignited uncontrollable fury; his body trembled with rage. He had already made a grievous mistake in the past—fathering a daughter with a mistress—a stain on his reputation he could never erase. If this new scandal spread, how could he possibly face anyone? Even his innocence wouldn't prevent accusations of guilt.

In his rage, Malcolm ordered the implicated guard brought before him. The guard, Trey Carter, was a lifelong family servant. Having learned certain skills, he remained as a household guard. His parents were senior servants on the estate, and it was through them that he learned of the Whitley family's inquiries to the gatekeeper about Malcolm's visit to the hot springs. Trey subsequently followed Malcolm and Marjorie to the temple. Seeing Malcolm hadn't gone to the hot springs, he decided to exploit the situation for personal gain.

It was he who had violated Karen.

For a moment, Malcolm's fury threatened to consume him; he wanted to kill Trey, especially with Carissa present. This was the same woman who had exposed his mistress and delivered his illegitimate daughter to his wife. Malcolm was no ordinary man—he was the father-in-law of the king and the Civil Minister. Countless officials' futures were in his hands. Yet, he feared Carissa; in her presence, he could not hold his head high. A man's mistakes—murder, theft, destruction—none carried the weight of this particular disgrace.

Without hesitation, Carissa kicked Trey to the ground, the force seemingly lethal. Blood gushed from his mouth as he collapsed, clutching his abdomen. He curled on the floor, mouth agape, unable to utter a sound.

Malcolm wiped his sweating brow, beads of perspiration also clinging to his nose. He was speechless.

Carissa sat back down. "Lord Quinton, how do you propose we resolve this? The individuals involved deserve an explanation."

Malcolm wiped his face again, his thoughts racing before a long sigh escaped. "Trey is undoubtedly at fault, but wasn't Mr. Whitley also culpable? He sought to sell his daughter for his own advancement."

Chapter 7083

"That will be handled by someone else," Carissa said coldly. "I am only asking how you will deal with Trey, Lord Quinton."

Malcolm stared at Trey. As much as he wanted to kill him, he couldn't bring himself to do it. Trey was a lifelong family servant, a man Malcolm had watched grow up. How could he feel nothing for someone who had been at his side day in and day out?

Trey clutched his abdomen, falling to his knees, tears streaming down his face. "Lord Quinton, Lady Carissa, please spare my life! I was momentarily blinded by greed—I'll never do it again! I beg for mercy!"

Malcolm kicked him hard, fury boiling over. "You have the audacity to beg for forgiveness? Even ten deaths wouldn't suffice to atone for your crime!"

Unsatisfied with the kick, Malcolm rose and slapped him twice. The blows were so vicious that Trey fell, disoriented, blood spilling from his mouth. Grabbing a cup from the table, Malcolm hurled it at Trey's head, sending him crumpling further to the floor, blood trickling down his face.

After venting his rage with kicks, slaps, and the broken cup, Malcolm sat down, his face still contorted with anger. "Someone, drag him out of here!"

Guards immediately stepped forward, but Carissa's icy voice cut through the room. "No one touches him. Leave."

The guards froze, glancing between Carissa and Malcolm. Malcolm hadn't anticipated her mercilessness. After everything Trey had endured, she showed no leniency. Clenching his jaw, he dismissed the guards.

"Fine. What do you want done with him, Lady Carissa? Just say the word, and I'll have him dealt with immediately."

Carissa let out a cold laugh. "Dealt with? Dragging him off to be 'dealt with' means I wouldn't see what happens next."

"Yes, he's committed a crime, but it's not one worthy of death! Surely you don't intend to take his life? If this matter were brought to court, the worst he'd face would be five or six years of imprisonment," Malcolm said, his patience wearing thin.

His brows lifted slightly as he added with a mocking edge, "Besides, dragging this to court won't do that lady any good. I hear she's already bent on taking her own life. In cases like these, the women always suffer most. Why not let this matter rest?"

The sorrow and fury in Carissa's eyes slowly surfaced. "If this goes to court, the one who suffers won't just be her."

She leaned forward, her voice laced with venom. "Lord Quinton, have you considered what will happen to you? Harboring a guard who committed such a crime under your own roof and allowing a woman to be violated… When the Oversight Department comes knocking, they won't just charge him, they'll charge you too."