Chapter 231
Gabriel froze mid–step. His gaze sharpened like a blade as he turned back to Eliza and said, “Nolan’s having one of his episodes, isn’t he? That’s why he isn’t here.”
Eliza renuined calm on the outside, but inwardly, she scoffed. So, he really does know about Nolan’s condition. No wonder he came charging in like this the moment 1 left the palace.
In truth, just yesterday, she’d asked Nolan to help her stage a little drama–create the illusion that something had happened to Sophie at the Benevolent Palace, just enough to rattle Gabriel into making the first move.
But before she’d even finished outlining the plan, Nolan had offered his own suggestion-“Why not let him think I’ve gone mad again?”
“You know about my condition, Nolan had said with a wry smile, “so does Gabriel. If he thinks I’ve truly lost it inside the Benevolent Palace, there’s no way he’ll stay sitting.”
Eliza had hesitated, “If we go that far, won’t the rumors spread? Everyone will know about your illness.”
But Nolan had simply said, “You think they don’t already know? They just don’t dare say it out loud.”
He wasn’t wrong. Nolan was Bortenland’s most decorated war hero. No one could deny what he’d done–leading campaigns, winning decisive battles, forcing foreign nations to bow and securing peace for generations.
Even those who hated him, like Gabriel, never dared to mention his illness. Not because they didn’t want to–but because they couldn’t afford the backlash.
Slander Prince Regent Nolan? That was asking to be drowned by a sea of righteous outrage from the entire kingdom. So Nolan never cared who knew. He’d simply said:
And that was how today’s carefully calculated performance at the Benevolent Palace had come to pass–sending Adeline into a screaming panic.
Now, standing in the herbal clinic, Eliza kept her tone detached. “Episode? I don’t know what you’re talking about. Nolan is perfectly fine. I doubt he needs your concern.”
Gabriel let out a cold laugh. “If he’s fine, then why would he let you leave the palace alone?”
“Eliza, don’t bother lying. I was your father for lifteen years–did you really think I wouldn’t know when you’re hiding something?”
She nearly laughed out loud. You? Understand me?
But Gabriel wasn’t done. Lowering his voice, he leaned in, his words dripping with threat. “You and the Prince Regent can fool everyone else, but you won’t fool me. Out of respect for the years we spent as father and daughter. I’ll give you one last chance. Come with me now–quietly. Otherwise, I’ll make sure every filthy secret between you and Nolan is laid
world to see.”
for the
The moment the words left his mouth, Eliza’s expression shifted. Her eyes widened in disbelief, as if he’d just driven a knife through her heart.
“How could you.” she whispered, loud enough to carry through the entire from hall. “How could you say something so vile about me and Nolan‘”
She stepped back, her voice trembling with betrayal and sorrow–then suddenly raised it, loud and clear. Tve devoted myself to prayer for the good of this kingdom. I’ve taken vows as a nun. Nolan only guards me because the King commands it. We have nothing to hide–nothing that crosses the line–and yet here you are, hurling vile accusations at me… just to defend your other daughter?”
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Chapter 231
The grief in her tone out deeper than any so
The entire herbal clinic went silent.
Though Eliza never named the exact insult, it wasn’t hard for the crowd to guess what Gabriel had implied. Everyone here already knew who she was–and they knew exactly what kind of person the Duke of Moshay was
And in light of what had recently happened in Plutonville, many present had developed a genuine admiration for the Holy Lady. Now, hearing this?
A voice rang out from the crowd. “What’s going on here! i Mr. Monor trying to bully the Holy Lady”
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