652.Chapter 652
“Lady Nevill, what’s with this outfit…” Malaki trailed off.
Adeline stood outside the city gates, draped in a gray cloak with a black veiled hat concealing her face. She looked like she was hiding from someone. If she hadn’t spoken, Malaki might not have even recognized her.
“Malaki, I need to speak to the Holy Lady. It’s urgent! She’s inside, isn’t she? Please let her know I’m here. This truly is an emergency,” Adeline said frantically.
Seeing her disheveled state, Malaki sensed something was off. Instead of answering directly, he said, “Lady Nevill, if you have pressing matters, you may send a formal request to the Padilla family or Saint Grace Nunnery. If my lady has time, she will summon you.”
“My lady?” Adeline froze for a moment before it hit her. Today was the day Eliza would officially request to change her last name and take over the Padilla family.
She figured since Malaki had already started addressing Eliza as the head of the house, her wish must have been granted. Even her brother hadn’t been able to stop
Eliza.
‘If I could convince Eliza to help me, maybe Caleb could still be saved, Adeline thought.
“Malaki, it’s not that I don’t respect protocols, but this is my only chance to sneak out and ask for help,” Adeline said desperately. “I don’t know what kind of hold Sophie has over Caleb, but she’s completely broken him. He’s barely hanging on.”
Adeline turned toward the carriage, pleading with Eliza, her voice growing tender as if trying to spark even a flicker of affection Eliza might still have for her. “Your Grace! Eliza, I know you have a strong influence. I’m still your aunt, aren’t I? Please help me, help your cousin.”
But it was useless. Adeline had long since destroyed whatever bond they once shared with her own hands. No matter how heartfelt her pleas were, it was far too late.
“Malaki, it’s getting late,” came Eliza’s unfeeling voice from within the carriage.
Malaki understood right away and snapped the reins to urge the horses forward.
“No! Please, don’t go,” Adeline pleaded, her voice breaking with panic. “Eliza, I’m begging you. Are you still holding a grudge over how I treated you back then? I’m sorry. I’ll kneel before you. I’ll apologize right here!”
Tears streamed down Adeline’s face as she knelt in front of the carriage and lowered her head to the ground.
Inside the carriage, Eliza furrowe Successfully unlocked!
de called.
In a flash, Tina appeared behind Adeline and effortlessly yanked her to her feet.
“Lady Nevill,” Tina said coldly. “No matter what brings you here today, please leave.
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652.Chapter 652
Your actions are putting Her Grace in a difficult position. The only reason she hasn’t
held this against you is out of respect for the Marquis, but if you continue making a scene, don’t blame her for what happens next.”
Eliza hated to admit it, but Adeline was still her elder. No matter how things turned out, if this scene had been witnessed by someone with ulterior motives, it could have been used against her–especially now, when she was in the spotlight.
That was why Eliza had Tina step in to stop her.
But Adeline couldn’t see the bigger picture. She thought Eliza was simply unwilling to forgive her and wouldn’t save Caleb, even if she begged on her knees.
After a moment’s hesitation, Adeline said through gritted teeth, “Eliza, you want to take over the Padilla family, don’t you? If you agree to save my son, I’ll give you something you need.
“It’s the Padilla family’s heirloom, an item every true head of the Padilla family must possess. Without it, even if you inherit the Padilla name, you’ll never be recognized as the rightful head.”
Malaki’s expression changed dramatically. His usually murky eyes sharpened, and he shot Adeline a piercing glare. “How dare you! Are you threatening Her Grace?”
Inside the carriage, Eliza’s instincts told her something was amiss. She stayed silent, quietly listening to the conversation outside.
Adeline shook her head. “Malaki, judging by your reaction, you already know what I’m talking about. This isn’t a threat–I just have no other way to save my son. I have no choice. Please, talk to her for me.”
Malaki stared at Adeline for a long while without saying a word. He knew exactly what the item was and how important it was to the Padilla family, but still, he didn’t speak for her.
Because he served a new master now. Eliza had her own will, and as a competent steward, his role was not to interfere but to wait.
After a brief silence, Eliza finally spoke from within the carriage, “Very well. Malaki, write down the address of the Marquis’s estate and send an invitation. Lady Nevill may join us for a feast in three days.”
Malaki immediately let out a sigh of relief. “Yes, my lady. I’ll see to it.”
But Adeline was far from satisfied. “Three days? Can’t it be now?”
Every extra day meant more suffering for her son. ‘What if Sophie suddenly lost her mind and killed him?‘ Adeline thought.
She was desperate, but Eliza held her ground.
“It’s three days or never. Your choice,” Eliza said flatly.
Adeline’s attempt to use the heirloom as leverage was futile. Eliza had plenty of ways
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652.Chapter 652
to get that item if she truly wanted it. The only reason she had even given Adeline the time of day was out of courtesy for Dale. Her message was clear.
Without missing a beat, Malaki said, “Lady Nevill, since Her Grace has already agreed to see you in three days, please go home and wait. If you keep pushing your luck and offend her, you’ll find yourself with no one left to turn to.”
Before Adeline could respond, Tina struck her with a single palm, sending her
stumbling several feet away. The carriage rocked slightly as it passed by Adeline, who had collapsed onto the ground.
Adeline scrambled to her feet to chase after the carriage, but it had already
disappeared into the distance. With no other options, Adeline could only return to the Marquis’s estate.
When she finally snuck back into her room, shedding her gray cloak and hat, she was just about to hide them when an eerie voice suddenly broke the silence, “Where did you go?”
Adeline shrieked. She spun around to see Sophie standing in her room. The sight nearly scared her out of her wits. The gray cloak and hat slipped from her trembling hands, scattering to the floor.
Sophie’s gaze slowly dropped to the items on the ground. She let out a chilling laugh and said, “So, while I was away, you decided to sneak out and seek help? Tell me, who did you turn to? My dear father? Or perhaps… Eliza?”
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