Chapter 6
Ronan’s sharp instinct sensed something was off Without hesitation, he grabbed the court physician by the collar,
“Enough! Start from the beginning–why didn’t you treat Lady Eleanor properly?
The physician trembled violently, fear rooting him silent. He’d seen the Duke’s ruthless temper firsthand and dared not utter a full sentence.
“It’s just that… after your orders last night, Lady Annabelle,
Seeing the murderous glare in Ronan’s eyes, he quickly changed his words.
“Annabelle claimed that the Duchess was only pretending that her condition wasn’t serious.”
to him the day before.
Ronan narrowed his eyes, cold as ice. Annabelle had said the exact same thing to him
She played a careful game of false obedience and secret defiance. But this? Not something that should’ve sent the physicians fleeing in panic.
“You all hold contracts with the Whitmore Estate. Desertion makes you outlaws for life–you know that, don’t you?”
The physician swallowed hard, voice barely above a whisper, “Yes, Your Grace.”
“Then why run?” Ronan’s voice thundered.
Closing his eyes as if bracing for death, the physician finally confessed, “Because yesterday, we all saw the truth. The Duchess and her children–without medicine, they won’t survive.”
“The children’s high fevers came from being soaked in the rain, nothing to do with poison. When they were brought with the Duchess, they were already senseless.”
“As for the Duchess…”
“They might have been harmless insects, but they tore through her flesh and organs. Her body was riddled with wounds. No healer alive could save her.” Ronan stared in disbelief. “Then why did you lie to me yesterday?”
The physician forced a bitter smile “Before the Duchess withdraw from the marriage, you treated her harshly. She lanew you wouldn’t believe a single word she said, ”
“But Lady Annabelle held your favor without dispute. Anyone who spoke ill of her was banished from the estate immediately.”
“The whole court knew you named Annabelle’s child as heir on purpose. Even the Queen Dowager’s people couldn’t challenge that decision”
“And yesterday, your wrath was evident to all. Who then would have dared speak for the Duchess?”
Ronan’s hand shook uncontrollably. He couldn’t belleve it.
His efforts to protect Eleanor had turned into the sharpest blade against her.
Tur logically, it was a clever move.
If the Queen Dowager hadn’t exiled him to the frozen borderlands and strangled his power, he might never have outlived his older brother’s illness Even a trusted physician in the estate thought this way–what about the rest?
Trendling, Ronan asked the unthinkable:
“Who exactly benefits from this?”
The playsician fleshed a mogling grin, exposing the bitter truth
“Isn’t it obvious? Your Grace, are you really asking, or do you just want to make sure the Duchess sullers enough?”
“In the eyes of household, the Duchess is held in such low regard that even the stable beasts receive greater care, yet those who defy her find tavor and
reward
Homan’s head pounded, temples throbbing violently.
Memories of past and present collided, suffocating him like a crushing weight
Yet despite knowing the answer, he still demanded, voice cracking “Whose favor are we talking about?”
From his pocket, the physician produced a glowing moonstone.
D
DramaBox
4.6 FREE
Google Play
INSTALL
More exciting content awaits voul.
“None other than Annabelle’s.”
Ronan recognized it immediately–the jewels gifted by the palace. Ten in total, all handed to Annabelle.
He’d trusted Annabelle’s claims that Eleanor was careless with household affairs, that servants had stolen and sold estate valuables.
Now his vision blurred. A bitter metallic taste rose in his throat.
Only the arrival of his guards snapped him back.
“Your Grace, send the physician back immediately. The rest can wait.”
ell to focus.
Biting his tongue to steady his mind, Ronan forced himself to
Saving Eleanor was the only thing that mattered now.
He sprinted through the estate to the remote quarters, Eleanor lay motionless, silent as death.
Guilt gnawed at Ronan’s heart. He swore to himself: if Eleanor wolke, he’d protect her at all costs–ever if it meant his own ruin.
But the physician shook his head gravely.
Your Grace… the Duchess and the children they’ve already passed.”
Ronan gasped, blood flooding his mouth, collapsing to the floor.
When his guards rushed to support him, they saw a man aged beyond his years, hair whitening in an instant.
