Melody of Strength novel

Hearing Helen’s tender tone, Leona could no longer hold back her tears.

Although Alana had already explained the situation, Leona’s maid still cried as she recounted it once

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“Ever since Mr. Samuel was stripped of his title, Lady Leona has been confined to the estate, but our poor mistress hasn’t had a moment of peace. Mr. Samuel blames her for everything. Twice, when they crossed paths while she was paying her respects to Madam Langley, Mr. Samuel pointed right at Lady Leona and accused her of spreading gossip. He said it was her fault the Oversight Department reported him to the king

“Although Madam Abigail has protected our mistress, Madam Langley has shielded Mr. Samuel. She says that although our mistress is a duchess, she has married into the Earl of Gracehold’s family and should treat her husband as her world. She mustn’t speak a word of complaint or mention any fault of her husband to outsiders. Otherwise, she’d lose her standing as the proper wife.

“Just like today, it was clearly Madam Ruby who provoked Lady Leona first. Our mistress only

aw her once, and didn’t even speak. Madam Ruby threw herself on the steps, and Mr. Samuel came in a rage to seek justice, even pushing our mistress onto the table.”

The maid wiped her tears and pointed to the corner of the square table. “Right here.”

Helen and Violet followed her finger. Though the corners of the mahogany wood table were rounded rather than sharp, the impact was still severe. Fortunately, it had only caused a disturbance in the pregnancy rather than a direct miscarriage, showing the child’s good fortune.

“Violet!” Helen’s anger flared. “Bring that wretched woman to the sitting hall! I need to question the people of the Earl of Gracehold’s residence thoroughly. Is there still any need for such a vile concubine to remain in the house?”

Since Alana and Leah still needed to remain in Gracehold Estate, it was most suitable for Violet to handle such matters.

“What about Samuel?” Violet asked.

Helen gave her a look. “If I’m dealing with Ruby, do you think he won’t come?”

Violet nodded in understanding. It seemed like Helen was sharp in this situation.

Under the maid’s guidance, Violet headed straight for Ruby’s residence.

Samuel had lost two teeth earlier that day from Alana’s blow, and his anger was boiling over. Egged on by Ruby’s provocations, he was scheming on how to get both Alana and Leah out of the house.

During Ruby’s confinement, he had missed her dearly. Now that she was free, there was no doubt he was eager to spend some intimate time together.

Just as Samuel had removed his outer garment and was embracing Ruby, the door was suddenly kicked open.

Furious, he roared, “How dare you!”

Just as he finished speaking, Violet stormed in. With a resounding slap, she struck Samuel’s face. Before

Samuel could react, Violet had already seized Ruby by her hair and dragged her outside.

“You enjoy falling down the steps, right? Here, let me oblige you.”

Screams erupted through the air.

Violet dragged Ruby by her hair down the stone steps and then pulled her back up, repeating the process several times. By the time Samuel rushed out in a panic, he saw his beloved being tortured and screaming in agony, her hair disheveled and her once–beautiful face smeared with blood.

“Let her go!” Samuel cried out in distress, his heart breaking. He shouted furiously at Violet, “Who are you to come into my residence and beat people up?”

Violet grabbed Ruby by the throat, her gaze dark and menacing as she stared down at Samuel.

“My name is Violet Spencer. You best remember that. I despise scoundrels and vile women above all else. One of the top scholars, and all that virtue and righteousness you claim to know? It’s wasted on you. You have no honor and no decency, and you call yourself a man of learning? You’re nothing but a pathetic

mutt.”

Ruby’s eyes rolled back as Violet tightened her grip. Samuel, seething with rage, was left speechless, his throat tightening with indignation.

Without another word, Violet released Ruby, grabbing her by the collar instead. In one swift motion, she used her Lightfoot Skill to leap toward the garden hall. Samuel, snapping out of his shock, furiously dashed after them.

Helen sat in the sitting room, her expression cold and severe. Her piercing gaze looked nowhere in particular, but the icy silence that surrounded her sent a chill through everyone present, leaving them

uneasy.