Chapter 296 A Duchess In Peril
“You can’t take her like this! She’s pregnant,” Aria protested, stepping forward to block the officers’ path.
“Ma’am, please don’t interfere with police proceedings,” one of the officers warned sternly. His tone prompted Alessandro to step up beside his wife.
“My wife is right,” Alessandro said authoritatively. “You can’t take the Duchess like this without proper justification. What’s the reason for this arrest?” he demanded, his voice firm and unwavering.
The officer hesitated for a moment, recognizing him. “Mr. Valentino, Ms. Martin has pressed charges against Her Grace for attempted murder. She claims she was pushed down the stairs,” the officer explained politely. “We’re required to take Her Grace to the Poste de Police for legal formalities.”
Alessandro took a deep breath, processing the situation. This wasn’t his territory, and he knew his influence was limited here, especially since the Duke himself seemed indifferent to his wife being taken away.
Turning to Aria, he gently took her hands, his tone reassuring. “Don’t worry, I’ll go with Hazel and ensure she’s safe. Everything will be fine,” he promised, trying to ease her growing concern.
“I’ll come too,” Aria insisted firmly, determination flashing in her eyes.
Alessandro glanced at their daughter in Aria’s arms, then at Gia and Maximo, who stood nearby, their young faces etched with worry.
“Amore mio, stay here and comfort your mother,” he said softly, his tone laced with understanding. “I’ll handle everything and bring Hazel back soon,” he promised, brushing a reassuring hand against her arm.
Aria nodded reluctantly, her heart heavy with unease. She watched helplessly as the police led Hazel away, Alessandro trailing closely behind, keeping his promise.
Camille collapsed onto the couch, her sobs muffled as she buried her face in her hands.
Anger surged within Aria. Her eyes narrowed, and she stormed toward her brother, her voice trembling with fury. “How could you let this happen to your pregnant wife, Alexander?” she snapped, her glare sharp and accusing.
Alexander met her gaze, his expression cold and unyielding. “It’s not my decision,” he said flatly. “Chloe demanded an apology or said she would involve the police. Hazel refused to apologize, and Chloe followed through. This wouldn’t have happened if Hazel had just apologized.”
His emotionless tone only stoked Aria’s frustration further. “And you will be standing there so indifferent while your wife is being dragged away like this?!” she demanded, her voice rising with disbelief.
“Come on, Alexander,” Aria spat in
disgust, unable to believe her
brother’s insensitivity toward his pregnant wife. “She’s your wife, for God’s sake! You should have
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protected her,” she snapped, glaring
at him.
Alexander remained silent, his cold demeanor made Aria even more angry. Suddenly, Chloe stepped between them, her eyes blazing with defiance.
“And who are you to interfere in our family matters?” she barked, clearly irritated. Chloe had never liked Aria, especially because she always took Hazel’s side.
Aria was taken aback by Chloe’s confrontation. But the shock quickly gave way to indignation. “Our family?!” she exclaimed, her eyes wide with disbelief as her eyebrows shot up.
Her voice dripped with mockery as she continued, “Let me remind you, Chloe, this is my family-my brother’s house, my sister-in-law’s home. You’re nothing more than an unwanted guest here.”
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Chloe’s face flushed with anger as she turned toward Alexander. “See? Your family thinks I’m unwanted! Your wife tries to kill me, and your sister insults me every chance she gets,” she whined, her voice trembling with outrage. Tears streamed down her face as she continued, her words dripping with bitterness. “Is this how I’m repaid? For sacrificing my own happiness to be your mistress and letting you marry that selfish bitch?”
Her sobs grew louder, each one punctuated by a tearful accusation. “Alexander, you promised me! You swore you’d give me my rights when you convinced me to let you marry that filthy woman!”
Aria, standing nearby, was seething. Watching her brother remain silent as his mistress spewed venom about his wife made her blood boil. She couldn’t hold back any longer.
“She is the Duchess, Chloe,” Aria snapped, her tone icy and full of authority. “If you continue to speak ill of her, you’ll face the legal consequences of your disrespect.”
She was done with Chloe’s dramatics and wasn’t about to let her get away with disrespecting her sister-in-law.
Before the argument could escalate further, Alexander’s voice thundered through the room, cutting through the tension. “Enough! Both of you!” He glared at them both, his tone final. “Chloe, go to your room. The doctor has advised you to rest. And Mia,” he turned to his sister, his expression softening just a little, “your room is prepared. Take the kids to your room-they’ll be tired. I’m instructing the chef to make something for them.”
Without waiting for a response, Alexander turned and walked toward the kitchen, almost as if running from the messy situation between the women he truly cared for.
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