Chapter 193
Chapter 193
Benedict was completely stunned.
They’d seen Mary before–though she’d never been warm to them, she was always composed, always proper. But today.. she looked like a wousan straight out of the marketplace, spitting fire like a common shew
His face flushed with embarrassment. “Mary, my father he’s been well lately. He’s recovering
“Recovering Mary cut him off with a sneer. “Serves him right. That’s what he gets for doing too many shameful things Karma finally caught up
“Mary Benedict’s voice tightened as he forced himself to stay polite. Please show some respect. This is the Stoner estate, not Saint Grace Nunnery”
Mary stared him down. “I don’t care if this is the Stonor estate or the Imperial Palace for that matter. Today, you’re bringing him out. One way or another.”
She took a step forward, eyes flashing. “Are you going to call him, or should I go in and find him myself? I know this place well–I won’t get lost.”
Under her glare, Benedict’s scalp prickled. In the end, he could only mutter, “Please wait here. I’ll go speak to my father? Once Benedict had gone, Mary turned back to Eliza, whose face was blank and cold.
“Don’t look so startled, Mary said, waving a hand. “This isn’t the first time I’ve come storming into the Stonor estate And indeed–it wasn’t.
Eliza’s expression shifted slightly. She suddenly remembered what James had once told her when she petitioned the palace to become a nun: after Caroline’s funeral, Mary had publicly cursed Gabriel outside the Stonor gates, calling him a cold-
blooded trailor
So this… this is the real Mary, Eliza thought with a faint, bitter smile.
But the smile vanished the moment Gabriel appeared.
Supported by Benedict, Gabriel walked out slowly, his face pale and sickly.
Huh. So he really is recovering Eliza thought with mild surprise.
Apparently, Nolan’s massacre of the Stonor family’s shadow guards had hit him harder than expected.
Gabriel’s icy gaze flicked over her, then landed on Mary. “Mary What are you doing at my estate again?
“You know why I’m here, she snapped.
Gabriel closed his eyes and leaned against Jais son. “I’ve been bedridden for days. How would I know what you’re talking
about
“You don’t know?” Mary strode forward and, without warning, slapped him hard across the lace.
Even Benedict, standing, right behind him, flinched Eliza hadn’t expected if either.
Gabriel staggered back and slammed a hand on the nearby table. Have you lost your mind
“That’s right–I have lost my mind! Mary was shaking with fury, her eyes burning I went mad the moment I found out your bastard daughter stole Caroline’s corpset
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Chapter 193
Gabriel froze. All the color drained from his face. “What.. What did you say? That’s impossible”
“It is impossible!” Benedict jumped in. “Sophie would never do such a thing”
Mary shot him a scathing glare. “When the grown–ups are speaking, the children should keep quiet”
Benedict stiffened, utterly speechless.
Mary turned her wrath back to Gabriel. “You think no one knows what Sophie’s really like? You may play the blind father, but I know exactly what kind of viper she is. Just like that woman from back then–Sophie is her daughter, isn’t she? Don’t you dare tell me she’s not. Her mother schemed and manipulated everyone, and now Sophie’s no different.”
Im not going to believe something like that just because you say it,” Gabriel said, his voice low and cold.
“How interesting” she said slowly. “You don’t believe Mary, yet you didn’t deny Sophie’s your illegitimate daughter. How very telling
That landed like a thunderclap.
Gabriel’s expression faltered. Benedict’s face shifted too, his gaze flicking to his father with a mix of shock and pain. He’d already suspected the truth from Gabriel’s long silence earlier… but to hear it confirmed like this–it still hurt.
He’d believed all these years that Gabriel loved Caroline. The man had never taken a single concubine–not naturally, the children had always thought his grief for their mother was deep and genuine.
But now?
That image of a devoted, mourning father had shattered into dust.
one. So
Gabriel hadn’t just betrayed Caroline–he’d brought the child of his betrayal home. And worse still, he’d allowed them to harm Eliza again and again… all for Sophie.
Benedict’s thoughts swirled with confusion and remorse. So Father… really loved Sophie’s mother more than ours?” Benedict’s stomach twisted. That single question shook him to the core.
“Enough” Gabriel’s voice was sharp and dangerous. He turned to Eliza with dark eyes. “Don’t you dare twist the truth. Everyone in the capital knows how much I loved my wife. Don’t come here slandering me with baseless accusations.”
Mary scoffed. Still pretending! You said you wouldn’t believe me unless you had proof? Fine. Take us to Caroline’s grave. We’ll know right away if it’s been disturbed.
Gabriel’s face hardened. “The Stonor ancestral tomb is not a place you can just barge into. This is a family matter. I will look into whether my wife’s remains have been tampered with. Now–guards, see them out
“Oh? You won’t let me go? Mary brushed past the guards with a snort. “Then let’s see if you’ll stop him.”
Her eyes turned to Benedict.
“You won’t let outsiders investigate. Fine. But your son
isn’t an outsider.”
She walked right up to him and stared him down, her tone steady and grim, “You were Caroline’s firstborn. She loved you more than anyone. Don’t you want to know if your mother is resting in peace beneath the earth… or not?”
Benedict stood frozen. He didn’t answer
Mary didn’t push. She simply placed a hand on his shoulder and said quietly, “Child… go see for yourself.
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