Melody of Strength novel

In the carriage, Violet had relayed Carissa’s instructions to Helen.

Upon arriving at Gracehold Estate, Helen was to use both grace and force. After witnessing Leona’s pitiful condition, she was to unleash her full authority and intimidate everyone present, including the matriarch of the Earl of Gracehold’s family.

Violet dragged Ruby into the room and, with a firm kick, sent the latter sprawling on the ground.

“Is that all you have? And you dare play tricks in front of the duchess? No one in this household stood up for the duchess. They all sided with this wretch. Lady Helen, please make your decision!”

Abigail, who loathed the woman as well, knew that Ruby was her son’s beloved. And since Samuel was Dorothy’s favorite, Abigail tolerated Ruby in the household. Seeing Ruby now kicked and humiliated by Violet, Abigail couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

Without lifting her head, Helen said coldly, “I’m not sure what the rules are in this household, but in the palace, if a concubine dared to offend or frame the queen, the choice was either a length of white silk or poisoned wine.

“Does this household not have these options? No white silk or poison? Surely there’s still a punishment rod here, right?”

Noah knew that Helen was here to stand up for Leona, Generally, Helen would not involve herself in others family affairs. Meanwhile, Carissa’s absence suggested she didn’t want to interfere with the internal matters of the Earl of Gracehold’s family.

However, Helen was different. She was an honored concubine, and the late king was Harvey’s brother. So, Helen represented Leona’s maternal family. While it might not be entirely appropriate, it was still justifiable.

Noah had long been displeased with Ruby. Hearing Helen’s words, he immediately ordered, “Drag this wretch out and beat her!”

Ruby, once proud and aloof, now lay on the ground, looking as pitiful as an animal. She trembled, trying to rise to maintain some semblance of dignity, but Violet delivered a swift kick to her shin, causing her to collapse to her knees.

“Do you hear? You’re about to be dragged out.”

Ruby didn’t shed tears. Instead, her face hardened with defiance. “You wealthy families who disregard human life–go ahead, kill me if you must. I won’t yield!!

Typically, those from noble families, when branded with such disregard for human life, would need to be cautious.

But she was facing Helen and Violet. Helen was unfazed by such concerns, and slammed her hand on the table.

“Then, beat her until she yields!”

“Who dares?” Samuel shouted, his voice full of fury.

Everyone looked toward the entrance to see an elderly lady with silver hair being helped in. She was

dressed in a green silk dress with floral patterns, and a deep blue cloud–patterned cloak. Her hair was loosely styled, clearly having been undone for bed, but upon hearing that Helen had arrived, she had hastily gotten dressed.

Samuel helped Dorothy to her seat before rushing over to support Ruby. Seeing his beloved in such a miserable state, he roared in anger, “Who allowed you to treat her like this? She’s my woman!”

“I gave permission,” Helen said coldly.

Her eyes narrowed as she watched Samuel cling to that seductive woman. Moments ago, wasn’t Ruby all high and mighty, aloof and untouchable? Now, suddenly, she was the pitiful one?

“What happened to the promise of dragging her out and giving her a beating?”

“Lady Helen!” Dorothy straightened up, her voice icy. “We will handle the affairs of our own household. There’s no need for you to interfere.”

Helen’s anger flared. “If your son were a decent person, I wouldn’t have had to come. What kind of household is this? Is it worth my late–night visit? A century–old noble family produces such a ruthless and unjust scoundrel who indulges his concubines and neglects his wife. Instead of addressing how to correct the family’s morals, you’re concerned with covering up and indulging him. Your ancestors would be rolling in the grave at how you’re behaving!”

“Lady Helen!” Dorothy slammed her cane on the ground with a resounding thud. “No matter how lacking our people are, it’s not your place to discipline them. Even the current queen wouldn’t meddle in our family affairs. Even if my grandson is ignorant, he has been punished. He has been dismissed from his post and had two teeth knocked out by the duchess‘ maid. Has our family ever made things difficult for the duchess?”

Helen sneered, showing no regard for the older woman. The audacity! What right do you have to make things difficult for the duchess? Do you even remember your place and rank anymore?”