Eliza did not hesitate for a moment. She turned immediately, pulling Mary with her as the headed straight for the bark


    door.


    Seeing that she was about to leave, Dn leaped down from the carriage before it had evene to a full stop


    "Lord Dn, be careful with your injuries, a servant reminded him.


    Dn paid nod. He hurried after Eliza, quickly catching up and grabbing her arm "Eliza. Do not go


    Let go of me


    med, ring at him with fury.


    "Alright, I will. As I. vg as you do not leave, I will not touch you." The moment Dn saw the anger in her eyes, panic set in, and he quickly witha. w his hand.


    "Lord Dn, do not call me Eliza. Her voice was cold. "I am merely a nun of Saint Grace Nunnery, not the Eliza you speak


    of


    Dn''s throat went dry, and his chest tightened with unbearable pain. "Eliza, please do not say that."


    "Hi, Dn." Before Dn could finish speaking, two more figures appeared behind him, Sophie and Matthew


    "Dn, do not forget what Father told you. The moment Matthew stepped in, his gaze swept coldly over Eliza


    Dn''s expression stiffened. He turned back to Matthew, disbelief written all over his face. "Matthew. She is our sister. Must you be so heartless toward her?"


    "She is not anymore. Compared to Dn, Matthew''s tone was chillingly indifferent.


    "She is now merely a nun of Saint Grace Nunnery, Matthew said tly. She is no longer the daughter of Duke''s estate, and she is certainly no longer our sister."


    "Matthew, do not say that. Eliza must feel awful hearing it, right? Sophie feigned concern, ncing at Eliza with a look of sympathy.


    Matthew let out a coldugh. Feel awful? She brought this on herself."


    Eliza''s heart ached at his words. Yet, not a trace of emotion showed on her face. She merely lowered her gaze slightly, concealing the turbulence in her eyes.


    That is right. This is exactly the oue I wanted. I will not regret it. There is nothing left in that house worth holding on to, Eliza wondered


    "Matthew, enough. Dn grabbed Matthew''s arm, furious. "Can you not say whatever you have to sayter? Must you speak. to Eliza like this in front of everyone?"


    By now, themotion at the gates of Marquis''s Estate had already drawn quite a bit of attention.


    The moment Adeline heard that people from Duke''s estate had arrived, she immediately came out to greet them.


    Unfortunately, instead of Gabriel, what she saw were her two nephews along with Sophie.


    "Sophie, my dear, why did you not tell me you wereing? Caleb has been thinking about you a lottely"Adeline had initially been watching the scene from


    a distance with amusement, but the moment her nephews noticed her, she quickly stepped forward..


    As soon as she approached, she took Sophie''s hand with practiced ease, her affectionate manner making it clear that she had


    15:30 Fr. 11 AP NAO.


    Chapter it


    long since regarded Sophie as family


    "He came back, and now I have no idea where he ran off in. I have not and tell


    him Sophie is here. Have hime out and chat with her said Adeline


    for half the day. Someone,


    71%


    Sophie blushed slightly. "That will not be necessary. Aunt Adeline. I came with Dn and Matthew Once they finish their business, we will probably be heading back?


    "Business What business? Adeline turned to Dn and Matthew. "If you two have something to say, then just say it


    Seeing Dn gripping Matthew tightly, clearly trying to stop him from speaking, Adeline seemed to grasp the situation,


    this business is about Eliza?"


    She let om


    en slotted her gaze to Kliza. "Oh, do not tell


    Mathemained


    Dn and Maithe remained lockest in a silent standou


    "Dn Father''s orders must be carried out sooner orter, Matthew said coolly. "Besides, Aunt Adeline is not an ouruder. It is better to say it here than out in public, is it not?"


    "Mathew, do not you dare," Dn growled, furious. He caught the unspoken threat in Matthew''s words. They would either speak nower let the whole world hear it.


    Eliza had intended to speak, but Mary beat her to it. If you have something to say, then say it quickly. If not, Serenity and I


    will take our leave."


    With that, she took Eliza''snd, preparing to walk away. But some people had no intention of letting them go so cauly


    "Ah, hold on. What is the rush Adeline deliberately stepped forward, blocking their path with an outstretched arm.


    She cast a disdainful nce at Eliza and Mary before turning her attention back to Eliza.


    “Eliza, no matter what, you were once part of the Stonor family. Your father has something to say to you, and you will not even listen? Do you really have no regard for past ties?" Adeline sneered.


    Before Mary could respond, Eliza, who had already lost all patience, smiled faintly and spoke. “Mrs. Nevill, if you wish to talk about past ties, why do we not discuss


    how you once begged my mother to help arrange your marriage? That was quite


    favor, was it not?


    Adeline''s expression changed instantly.


    Back when the Duke''s estate was not yet basking in its current glory, it held only an empty title without real power.


    Even with Gabriel''s cunning, he had to strategize carefully, step by step, to restore its prestige.


    At that time, the Stonor family sought an alliance with the Padi family, and their union allowed both families to advance together.


    Gabriel married Caroline, and in turn, the Padi family helped the Stonor family quickly gain the king''s trust and reim a position of influence.


    Even before inheriting his title, Gabriel had already secured a voice in court. Tasting the allure of power, he naturally wanted more, so he sought to form additional alliances, one of which included Marquis''s estate.


    Initially, Gabriel intended to win over the Marquis himself, but he unexpectedly discovered that his sister had a deep fondness for Dale, the current Marquis. Seeing this, he deliberately facilitated their connection.


    However, no matter how much Adeline tried to please him, Dale showed no interest in her whatsoever.


    After being repeatedly rejected, Adeline heard that Caroline and Dale had been childhood friends. Desperate, she tearfully


    15:30 Fri, 11 Apr NA.


    Chapter il


    sought Caroline''s help


    At first, Caroline refused, but eventually, both the Stonor family and her own parents pressured her into it. Left with no choice, Caroline made a visit to Marquis''s estate.


    No one knew exactly what Caroline said that day, but in the end, Adeline got what she wanted.


    Since then, Adeline had lived quite well in Marquis''s estate. But deep down, she could never forget that Dale had never truly liked her. Instead, she relied on another woman''s intervention to secure her position. It was a wound in her heart that never fully healed.


    Over the years You are spout


    had nearly buried those painful memories, only for Eliza to tear open the scar today Shut your mouth!