Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair) novel Chapter 462

Serena's voice trembled with frustration as she shouted at Barrett, "Barrett, your accusations are so unfair! If you hadn't been demoted, would I have been forced to do this?"

Barrett's reply was sharp, his tone unforgiving, "Since when does my future need you meddling in it? I will fight for my future on my own! You did this for yourself! You have feelings for Prince Rafael—what's so special about him that all of you keep chasing after him?"

Serena had been putting on an air of self-righteousness, but she was now completely exposed. Hearing her brother disparage the man she loved, her face flushed with anger and embarrassment.

"He's much better than you! Even Carissa would rather divorce you and marry the prince! Doesn't that prove he's far better than you? Besides, which noblewoman in the capital doesn't want to become the Hell Monarch's princess consort?"

Barrett's expression darkened. "You want to become the Hell Monarch's princess consort, but he already has a legitimate wife. Your dream is bound to fail."

Serena cried bitterly, "Don't you think I know that by now? But my plan was that even if I entered the household as a concubine, once I won the prince's favor, replacing Carissa would only be a matter of time! Aren't you all also angry with her? She sought an edict for divorce and dragged our family's reputation through the mud! Yes, I had my own motives, but I also wanted to defend our family's honor!"

"Enough!" Rebecca had finally regained her composure after listening to the siblings argue. Her sharp voice cut through the room, "Both of you, be quiet!"

Taking a deep breath, she turned her gaze to Serena, her eyes cold and piercing. "You said the Marquis of Ironridge, Lord Winchester, touched you?"

Serena sobbed. "He put his arm around my waist. Though he let go quickly, everyone saw it."

Rebecca's face darkened. "Since it happened in full view of everyone, Lord Winchester will have to take responsibility. The Marquis of Ironridge's family is one of the top five noble families in the capital, and it was Lady Jessica who promised to help you. Now that her plan has failed, she must bear the consequences.

"Tomorrow, I'll drag my ailing body to Ironridge Estate. Lord Winchester only has Lady Jessica as his official wife and one concubine, who has borne his children. If you marry in as a concubine, you'll still have an advantage. It's well known that Lord Winchester and Lady Jessica don't get along, and that concubine has already had several children. She can't compare to your youth and beauty—you will surely win his favor."