Chapter 476

Janice had always accompanied Helen, so she intended to go as well. However, Carissa asked her to stay.

“I’m short of help in my room. Please stay and assist me.”

Janice bowed. “Yes, Your Grace!”

She stopped and didn't follow. A hint of panic flashed in her eyes—had Carissa noticed something?

Carissa smiled warmly. “I’ve heard from Mother that you’re skilled at hairstyling. From now on, you’ll work as a hairstylist in my quarters.”

Seeing Carissa’s gentle smile, Janice asked, “Your Grace, Lulu has always done your hair. If I take over, won’t that be inappropriate?”

Carissa reassured her, “Lulu has other tasks. It’s not about replacing anyone. There’s no need to feel uneasy.”

Janice felt reassured. “Understood. If Lady Helen agrees, I’ll serve you in Orchid Hall, Your Grace.”

She glanced secretly at Rafael. He remained indifferent, showing no sign of suspicion.

Gracehold Estate was brightly lit. The Earl of Gracehold and his wife, along with other household members, welcomed Helen.

Helen said kindly, “There’s no need for such a fuss. I’ve come only to visit my niece.”

The expressions of those present were hard to read. They had worried all day that Harvey and Heather might arrive to question them. But by evening, no one from Hartstone Estate had appeared, offering some relief.

Just as they were about to settle in for the night, Helen arrived unexpectedly. Knowing Helen’s reputation, Abigail understood that while Helen was manageable, she could also be formidable, depending on the situation.

Helen had barely settled before saying, “Everyone, please don’t disperse. I’ll see Leona first, then return to speak with all of you.”

Though Helen spoke with a smile, her words cast a chill over the Earl of Gracehold’s residence.

After Helen left, the Earl of Gracehold, Noah, fumed, “That ungrateful brat! He’s disgraceful! He’s brought shame upon the Earl of Gracehold’s name!”

Abigail sighed. “Your mother indulges him, which is why he’s so brazen. Today’s disaster resulted in only a few scoldings from her. Ruby was to be expelled, but he refused to allow it. He even threatened suicide if she was sent away. Mother initially imposed house arrest on Ruby, but relented when he pleaded, leading to this chaos. He’s truly a troublemaker.”

Chapter 476

Noah’s face darkened. Ever since Ruby entered the household, their reputation had suffered. His mother, Dorothy’s, indulgence made Samuel unruly and arrogant. After marrying Leona, Samuel considered himself superior and disregarded everyone!

Now, Samuel had been dismissed from office and was under investigation. He blamed others for his downfall and scorned the authorities, spending his days drinking and writing poetry, lost in his indulgences.

Helen and Violet arrived in the back courtyard, where Alana guided them inside. The dim light cast a faint glow on the pale yellow curtains, adding to the atmosphere of sadness.

Leona’s eyes were swollen from crying. Seeing Helen and Violet, she thought it was her mother and called out, “Mom!”

Her tears flowed freely.

As the curtain was lifted, Helen and Violet stood at the bedside. Seeing Leona’s tear-streaked, swollen face, Helen’s heart ached.

“Don’t cry, dear. You’re pregnant. You mustn’t cry like this.”

Realizing the visitors weren't her mother, disappointment flashed in Leona’s eyes. But hearing Helen’s comforting words, her tears continued.

“Aunt Helen, did my cousin send you? Tell her not to worry. I’m fine.”

Her voice was muffled and barely understandable.

“Tell me how he has treated you. I will speak on your behalf,” Helen said, gently patting Leona’s shoulder. Leona had frequently visited the palace to pay respects to the queen dowager. Every time Helen had seen Leona, she was refined and graceful.

Now, what had become of her? Pregnant, frail, and pitifully thin, her once-round face had sharpened, her chin pointed. Her swollen, red eyes made her hollowed cheeks even more pronounced. The once lively and radiant girl had become pitifully thin. It had only been a short time since her marriage!