Chapter 114

Eloise and Henry rushed to the storeroom in a panic upon hearing the news. When they saw the wide open doors and the empty chests, Henry’s vision went black, and he nearly fainted.

“What… what happened?”

Eloise clutched her chest tightly, her face pale. “Everything was perfectly fine. How could it have been robbed?”

She turned to the household servants and barked, “Speak! Who did this?”

The servants all trembled, none daring to speak.

Eloise abruptly turned and strode up to the old maid who had been in charge of guarding the storeroom. She pointed a finger at her and questioned harshly, “Tell me, who was on night watch last night?”

Terrified, the old maid’s legs gave way. Her face, wrinkled like a bitter gourd, choked out tearfully, “Please spare me! The wind and rain were fierce last night, and Lord Joseph suddenly appeared. He said the estate was well-guarded and there was no need to continue guarding the storeroom. He pushed and shoved me out.”

“What?” Eloise’s eyes widened in disbelief, and her voice rose in pitch. “Nonsense! Joseph never concerns himself with the household’s trivial affairs. How could he possibly tell you to leave? Don’t you dare spout such lies!”

She urged, “Is it you who stole from the storeroom, and now you’re trying to pin it on my son?”

The old maid frantically waved her hands. “I swear it’s the truth! It really was Lord Joseph who drove me away.”

She pleaded, “I know how important the storeroom is. I wouldn’t dare leave without cause. But Lord Joseph wouldn’t listen and started beating and kicking me. If you don’t believe me, just look at the wound on my head!”

As she spoke, she carefully parted her hair to reveal a wound about an inch long.

Eloise stared at the old maid’s forehead, her face a mask of shock and doubt. There was indeed a gash. Though the cut had begun to heal, the dried blood was still clearly visible. It was gruesome and shocking.

“This…” Eloise gasped, instinctively covering her chest.

She staggered back two steps, her eyes filled with panic. She muttered, “How could this happen? How is this possible? Joseph may be mischievous, but he wouldn’t do something like this.”

Anxious, she turned to Henry, her voice trembling. “My lord, the matter hasn’t been fully investigated yet. We can’t jump to conclusions. Maybe there’s been some misunderstanding.”

Henry’s veins bulged with fury, his temples throbbing. He shook his sleeve violently, pushing Eloise aside and roared, “The evidence is right in front of us, and you still plead for him! He’s already bold enough to unlock my mother’s storeroom. What next? One day, he might even sell the entire estate!”

“No, that’s impossible. Joseph isn’t that kind of child,” Eloise insisted, her eyes red with tears, shaking her head. But even she sounded unconvinced.

Henry shouted again, “Enough talk! I’m going to catch him in the act!”

With that, he stormed off.

“Wait!” Eloise called out, but Henry didn’t look back. She had no choice but to follow.

Chapter 114

When they arrived at Joseph’s courtyard, they heard a commotion from inside before they even entered.

“You damned bastards! How dare you block me?” At the gate, more than ten servants stood with sticks, preventing Joseph from leaving.

He looked like a furious rooster, shouting at them. “Get out of my way! Do you hear me?”

None of the servants moved.

It was obvious to everyone that Joseph had taken the items from Margaret’s storeroom. Athena had already given orders. Anyone who let him escape would have to repay the lost items and even take his place in jail.

The servants held firm at the entrance, trying to persuade him. “Lord Joseph, you must not come out. You cannot leave!”

Joseph’s face turned livid. He couldn’t fight his way out, and no one dared to let him through. His face was filled with anxiety, unsure of what to do. Then, he saw Henry and Eloise approaching.

“Father, Mother…” His face turned pale, and his lips trembled.

But a moment later, he composed himself. He couldn’t let others look down on him anymore. What he had done, he believed, was for the good of the family.

Eloise quickly stepped forward, worriedly asking, “Joseph, tell me the truth. Was it you who took the things from your grandmother’s storeroom?”

“Mother, what are you saying? I don’t understand,” Joseph tried to act calm.

But his darting eyes and guilty look betrayed him.

Seeing this, Eloise understood completely. She knew her son’s nature well. It was indeed he who had taken the items.

She urged him, “Joseph, don’t be childish. If you liked something in the storeroom, you could’ve asked your grandmother. Why take everything and hide it in your own courtyard? Return them at once.”

She tried to signal him with her eyes, but he refused to move. “Mother, I didn’t take anything. I didn’t.”

“You disgraceful son!” Henry shouted and stormed forward, grabbing Joseph by the collar and slapping him hard across the face.

Joseph stumbled, nearly falling. Eloise hurried to shield him. “What are you doing? We’ve barely spoken a word and you’re already hitting him?”

“Mother,” Joseph sobbed behind her, “Father has never liked me. But this time, I want to prove I’m not worthless.”

“Nicolas supports the family, so can I. The family is in trouble. I can’t just stand by and do nothing. I take the blame for this.” Joseph wiped away his tears.

“Joseph,” Eloise was shocked. “What nonsense are you talking about? Return your grandmother’s things immediately!”

She leaned close to whisper, “If your grandmother finds out you stole from her, you’ll suffer family punishment.”

Joseph’s body trembled. He glanced fearfully at Henry, then whispered to Eloise, “Mother, I’m not afraid. I’ve already inquired about the price. Those items can fetch a few hundred thousand coins. Use it to help the family.”

“If Grandmother asks, I’ll take full responsibility.” He stood tall, as if righteous and self-sacrificing. Henry was so angry that he nearly passed out.

Pointing at Joseph, he cried out again and again, “You idiot!”

Eloise saw that he was only yelling but not acting, so she stepped forward and said, “Henry, Joseph is right. We must first get through the family crisis. As for Margaret, we’ll have to keep it from her for now.”

Henry’s eyes flicked around. He didn’t reply.

At that moment, a crisp voice rang out. “There’s no need. Grandmother already knows.”