Chapter 648

Samuel's eyes were hollow as he was pushed forward a few steps. He suddenly turned to face Noah.

“Dad, if you see Ruby, ask her if she ever cared for me at all, even a little?”

At Samuel's words, Noah's vision darkened. It felt as if something was lodged in his throat, nearly choking him. He swayed before collapsing to the ground.

Abigail burst into loud, heart-wrenching sobs, drawing a crowd from the streets. The turmoil between the Earl of Gracehold's family and Harvey's family was already well-known, and the capital buzzed with gossip.

With Noah on the ground and Abigail in tears, onlookers watched with detached curiosity. The sorrows of the nobility were mere entertainment to the common folk; they felt no empathy, only a desire for more gossip.

Returning home, Noah and Abigail learned that Dorothy had fainted and suffered a stroke. Despite quickly ordering everyone to remain silent, word spread that her illness stemmed from Samuel's actions. The shame of disrespecting his family left a heavy stain on Samuel's name. Even if he returned one day, he would be considered worthless.

After her stroke, Dorothy could barely speak, spending her days murmuring Samuel's name. In her dreams, she saw him tormented and dying in exile. The anxiety and emotional strain took their toll, and she passed away within days.

Dorothy's death cast a shadow of disgrace over the Earl of Gracehold's family. They now bore the blame for mistreating Leona and for Samuel's disrespectful attitude. Several other family members holding significant court positions were reported to the Oversight Department for their involvement in Leona's mistreatment.

In a fit of anger, Salvador demoted them all. While Noah retained his title, his family's reputation was irreparably ruined.

After the court session, Rafael bumped into Noah. They walked and talked briefly. Noah remained dazed for a long time before slowly dragging his heavy feet away.

After visiting several noble families, Yuvan was finally ready to visit Eleanor at Harmony Palace. Coincidentally, Harvey arrived the same day.

Yuvan was the third-oldest sibling, Harvey the fifth. Eleanor was only two months younger than Yuvan, and Harvey two years younger than them.

These three had rarely interacted. Yuvan's visits to the capital usually involved only exchanging pleasantries in the palace; they seldom visited each other directly. Harvey had little connection with Eleanor beyond attending her banquets.

Eleanor dismissed the servants, smiled, and said, “It’s quite a coincidence that the three of us are gathered here today. I didn’t expect you to drop by as well, Harvey.”

Chapter 648 +25 BONUS

“You’re right,” Harvey replied, his previous humility gone. He settled into a chair, chin slightly raised, exuding a dignified demeanor befitting a prince. “It’s a rare chance to sit down together and have a good chat.”

Yuvan sipped the exquisite coffee Eleanor had provided and smiled. “This is really high-quality coffee. It’s far superior to what I drank in Valken.”

Eleanor replied, “I’ve only two jars left. I only brought some out today because both my brothers are here, and I felt it worth sharing.”

Yuvan shifted his gaze. “You seem thinner, Eleanor. Is something troubling you? Are your subordinates causing any trouble?”

“Celeste is the only one, but she shaped up after a reprimand,” Eleanor replied, her eyes icy. “Some people just can’t seem to understand their place. They really think they’re part of my family.”

“There’s no need to get angry. If they misbehave, teach them a lesson, and they’ll be obedient,” Yuvan said, setting down his cup, a hint of amusement on his face. “The Earl of Gracehold’s family is completely ruined.”

“Yes, and Leona was caught in the crossfire,” Eleanor said, glancing at Harvey. “Harvey, you can’t blame me for this. Leona wouldn’t listen to you. She’s soft-hearted and deeply infatuated with Samuel. Her marriage to him would have only strengthened the Earl of Gracehold’s family, so I had no choice but to ruin them.”

Harvey forced a smile.

Eleanor continued, “Besides, your original plan was flawed. You expected Leona to win over the Earl of Gracehold’s family and Samuel. How could that ever work? The Earl of Gracehold’s family is an old noble family fiercely loyal to the crown. Also, Samuel was arrogant and thought himself above everyone. He would never have listened to us. It was better to eliminate him outright.”