Chapter 478

In the carriage, Violet relayed Carissa's instructions to Helen: upon arriving at Gracehold Estate, Helen was to use both grace and force. After witnessing Leona's pitiful state, she was to unleash her full authority and intimidate everyone present, including the matriarch of the Earl of Gracehold's family.

Violet dragged Ruby into the room and, with a firm kick, sent her sprawling.

"Is that all you have? And you dare play tricks in front of the Duchess? No one in this household stood up for the Duchess; they all sided with this wretch. Lady Helen, please make your decision!"

Abigail, who also loathed Ruby, knew she was her son Samuel's beloved. Since Samuel was Dorothy's favorite, Abigail tolerated Ruby. Seeing Ruby kicked and humiliated, Abigail felt a sense of satisfaction.

Without lifting her head, Helen said coldly, "I'm not sure what the rules are in this household, but in the palace, if a concubine dared to offend or frame the Queen, the choice was either a length of white silk or poisoned wine. Does this household not have these options? No white silk or poison? Surely there's still a punishment rod here, right?"

Noah knew Helen was there to stand up for Leona. Generally, Helen avoided other families' affairs. Carissa's absence suggested she didn't want to interfere in the Earl of Gracehold's family matters. However, Helen was different. As an honored concubine and the late king's brother's widow, she represented Leona's maternal family. While not entirely appropriate, it was justifiable.

Noah, long displeased with Ruby, immediately ordered, "Drag this wretch out and beat her!"

Ruby, once proud and aloof, now lay on the ground, looking as pitiful as an animal. She trembled, trying to rise, but Violet delivered a swift kick to her shin, causing her to collapse.

"Do you hear? You're about to be dragged out."

Ruby didn't shed tears. Her face hardened with defiance. "You wealthy families who disregard human life—go ahead, kill me if you must. I won't yield!"

Typically, noble families, when accused of such disregard, would be cautious. But she was facing Helen and Violet. Helen, unfazed, slammed her hand on the table.

"Then beat her until she yields!"

"Who dares?" Samuel shouted, furious.

Everyone looked toward the entrance. An elderly lady with silver hair, dressed in a green silk dress with floral patterns and a deep blue cloud-patterned cloak, was being helped in. Her hair was loosely styled, clearly undone for bed, but she had hastily dressed upon hearing Helen's arrival.

Samuel helped Dorothy to her seat before rushing to support Ruby. Seeing his beloved in such a state, he roared, "Who allowed you to treat her like this? She's my woman!"

"I gave permission," Helen said coldly. Her eyes narrowed as she watched Samuel cling to Ruby. Moments ago, hadn't Ruby been aloof and untouchable? Now, she was pitiful?

"What happened to the promise of dragging her out and giving her a beating?"

"Lady Helen!" Dorothy straightened, her voice icy. "We will handle our own household affairs. There's no need for you to interfere."

Helen's anger flared. "If your son were a decent person, I wouldn't have had to come. What kind of household is this? Is it worth my late-night visit? A century-old noble family produces such a ruthless and unjust scoundrel who indulges his concubines and neglects his wife. Instead of addressing the family's morals, you're concerned with covering up and indulging him. Your ancestors would be rolling in their graves!"

"Lady Helen!" Dorothy slammed her cane on the ground. "No matter how lacking our people are, it's not your place to discipline them. Even the current Queen wouldn't meddle in our family affairs. Even if my grandson is ignorant, he has been punished. He has been dismissed from his post and had two teeth knocked out by the Duchess's maid. Has our family ever made things difficult for the Duchess?"

Helen sneered. "The audacity! What right do you have to make things difficult for the Duchess? Do you even remember your place and rank anymore?"

Chapter 479