Melody of Strength novel

Naturally, Dorothy’s head never made contact with the pillar. With so many people in the room and her actions being so slow, her children and grandchildren had plenty of time to pull her back.

Dorothy had only intended to use that act as a way to scare Rafael, hoping it would stop the household soldiers from smashing things.

But Rafael’s expression remained cold, and the household soldiers didn’t pause in their destruction. They continued to smash anything in sight, sending some of the more timid women screaming and fleeing to the back courtyard.

Dorothy was furious, her vision darkening with anger. She hadn’t expected Rafael to be so brazen, completely unafraid of her threat to bash her own head in.

The soldiers didn’t go into the inner courtyard, as it was off–limits to men. Travis knew this rule well, so they restricted their rampage to the front courtyard and the main hall..

Noah watched the scene with a pale face. He knew very well why Rafael was so enraged tonight-

because his son, Samuel, had pushed Leona earlier today, causing her to suffer complications with b

pregnancy.

her

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to punish his son, but Samuel had already lost two teeth as a result of the beating he received from Alana. With blood filling her grandson’s mouth, Dorothy’s heart ached too much to mete out further punishment.

Moreover, no one from Hartstone Estate had come to reprimand them directly, so they had held on to a sliver of hope that the situation would pass. However, Helen had come late at night specifically to stir up this matter, scolding them to provoke a confrontation, which then gave Rafael and Carissa an excuse to step in.

Noah knew that they were in the wrong from the start. So, no matter what Rafael did tonight, they could only endure it. If word got out, the narrative would turn into the Earl of Gracehold’s household attacking Helen–a crime of insubordination.

If the matter was pursued further, it would reflect poorly on Samuel, who, after losing his position, showed no remorse. He had mistreated Leona, his legitimate wife, while favoring a concubine, which led to Leona’s pregnancy complications and her need to rest in bed for a month.

None of these accusations were something the Earl of Gracehold’s family could bear, in comparison, the Hell Monarch’s fury, though overwhelming, was something they could endure. At least this way, the matter wouldn’t be brought before the king.

Meanwhile, Samuel stood with defiant pride. In his mind, he had already composed several articles denouncing the Hell Monarch. He was convinced that once these articles spread, many scholars would rise to condemn Rafael for using his military power to oppress others.

Many scholars at the National Academy had once idolized Samuel. As long as he led the charge, articles condemning the Hell Monarch would spring up everywhere like wildfire.

So, he wasn’t afraid. In fact, he actually hoped Rafael would cause even more destruction and behave even more outrageously. The more tyrannical the prince appeared, the more monstrous his image would become in Samuel’s writings.

Ruby was nestled in Samuel’s arms, his blood dripping onto her head, making them seem like a pair of tragic lovers rejected by the world,

In truth, the sight unfolding before them all even startled Helen. She had maintained an outward appearance of calm, but it was all an act. The hand she kept hidden under her dress was trembling slightly. It was her first time witnessing her son’s true fury.

The entire front courtyard was in shambles. Everything that could be smashed by hand had been destroyed. In the hall, chairs, tables, partition screens, and the antiques on the shelves all lay on the ground–some shattered, others cracked.

Dorothy burst into loud sobs, wailing that Rafael had gone too far and that she would report this to the authorities. But Abigail held onto her tightly, not just supporting her but gripping her firmly to prevent her from trying to dash toward the pillar again.

Though Dorothy wanted to put up a fight, it was clear that Rafael wasn’t intimidated. His face remained expressionless, with not the slightest hint of remorse or hesitation.

Carissa sat beside him, her gaze even more chilling.

Unable to hold back his anger, Harvey finally stood up and shouted, “Enough! Everyone, stop this at once!” But no one listened to him. Instead, his outburst only made Rafael’s expression even colder. Harvey suddenly felt a chill around his neck and instinctively recoiled. He knew how pitiful he must look, but all he could do was simmer with anger. He didn’t dare use his status as Rafael’s uncle to pressure him. Heather clutched her sleeve tightly, remaining silent as the sounds of smashing from outside continued. She had no idea what was being destroyed, but each crash only heightened her anxiety.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

She was furious at Carissa.

How could she be so thoughtless? All this destruction meant a complete fallout with the Earl of Gracehold’s family. How would Leona ever have peaceful days in the household after this?

Enough. Everyone, stop, Carissa finally said.

The sound of smashing quickly came to a halt, and Travis led the household soldiers to stand in ormation just outside the courtyard.

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