Semua Bab Provoking a Graceful Bloom: Bab 501 - Bab 510

Sebastian froze when he saw Qiana's red and swollen eyes, panic flaring in his chest. He glanced at Selena, silently begging her to find some way to lift their aunt's spirits. His sister gave him a quick look, and he understood immediately.He hurriedly said, "Aunt Qiana, I have matters to attend to. I'll take my leave now."Without waiting for a reply, he turned and left the room. Once the study was empty except for the two women, Selena pulled out a handkerchief and offered it to her aunt."Aunt Qiana, don't be upset. If you let yourself be affected, you'll only punish yourself for that old lecher's mistakes, and you'll be the one who suffers in the end."Qiana stared at her in surprise, momentarily speechless. "Lena..."She'd never expected Selena to speak so plainly, even calling Wilfred an old lecher. It was eye-opening. She had always thought such words were forbidden, never imagining Selena would actually say them aloud."What's the matter? It's just the two of us here. Wh

"It seems Qiana hasn't been in the best spirits lately," Yvette said.She didn't know exactly what happened, but had grown to understand Qiana a little after spending some time with her. Selena glanced around and made sure no one suspicious was nearby, then lowered her voice and briefly explained the situation.Yvette's eyes blazed with anger when she heard it. "That wretched old man!"The three of them had an unspoken agreement. It was fine to curse the old man, but no one dared mention his name. Some things simply couldn't be spoken aloud."Qiana, don't be afraid. If he dares to cross the line..."Qiana snorted, as if it were no big deal. "I'll die with him!""That won't do," Selena said firmly, her expression darkening.Yvette and Qiana both understood. It was nothing more than a burst of anger. That man was king, and they could never truly be disrespectful toward him. To do so would bring trouble to all of the Duke of Blackmoor's household.Selena's concern was valid. They

Wilfred's health was failing. That much was public knowledge, though few really knew how serious it had become. Regardless, it was true that he was unwell, and since they were asking for his favor, it was best not to delay, so as to not disturb his rest.The worst part was that he was already so sick, yet he still let desire get the better of him and took an interest in Qiana. Truly, he was incorrigible.Edith followed Isolde out of the room, but as they stepped into the courtyard, a young servant hurried toward them."My lady, I'll see what's happening," Edith said and went to meet him.A short while later, she returned quietly and reported, "My lady, the duke is gravely ill. The marquis sent someone to inform you, asking that you return to the estate immediately."The duke in question was Augustus Whitmore, Isolde's father.After sending a message to Nathaniel through another servant, Isolde set off at once for Quarndon Estate. To her surprise, Augustus had summoned her not bec

Isolde froze, staring at Augustus. "Father, what do you mean by that?""Ask your brother," Augustus snapped, his tone turning sharp as his temper flared again.Isolde looked at Jonathan, who gave a helpless smile and said, "Father suspects… the king was the one who orchestrated my framing."Isolde's breath caught. "What?""But Nate was also involved in that matter. If we kept pushing it, we'd only force Nate to openly side with the Whitmore family," Jonathan said with a sigh.Augustus was still seething. "That despicable man doesn't dare touch Nate for now. He's afraid Nate might act on impulse and return to the Northern Frontier. If that happens, and Nate commands troops there on his own, the court would be thrown into chaos, plagued by both internal and external trouble."Isolde said nothing. Her fingers slowly curled, tightening in her palm.Jonathan went on, his voice low, "I've looked into it many times, but haven't been able to find the person who sent me the message. Some

Nathaniel's gaze darkened. "Grandfather...""Do you dare tell the girl you love what you discovered? Aren't you uneasy about it too, Nate?"Augustus' words made Nathaniel press his thin lips together. He couldn't say a single word."Nate, what exactly did you find out?" Isolde stepped forward and grabbed his sleeve. "Could it be that there's some secret behind the deaths of Lara and her husband?"Augustus snorted. "What secret could there be? The reinforcements never arrived, so they were trapped and killed in Southern Mundra. But General Yates of Duncrest and the Marquis of Whitgrave and his wife were lifelong friends. How could he not send help?""So, then...?"Isolde felt more and more that everything was slipping beyond her reach. Had she really let go for so long that she could now control nothing? If she were still the woman she had been five years ago, she would have uncovered all this herself.But for five long years, because her son's face was ruined and her own spirit