Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair) novel Chapter 516

After being roused from his stupor by the servants, Samuel sat in the courtyard, feeling as though his heart had been hollowed out. No matter who called out to him, he remained unresponsive.

Outside Hibiscus Lane, Henry's men kept a close watch. When they reported back to Henry, he frowned.

"Didn't Celeste say she would sever ties with him properly? Forget it. He's of no use anyway. The reputation of the Earl of Gracehold's family is already notorious. It wouldn't matter what he did."

Samuel spent two days at Hibiscus Lane, refusing to eat or drink. Celeste's departure wasn't the most devastating blow to him.

The real blow was the words she had spoken before leaving.

He had high ambitions and had achieved the rank of third place in the national examinations, garnering the admiration of many noble young women in the capital. He saw himself as a genius, someone born to stand apart from the ordinary, destined to rise above the common crowd.

In his mind, he wasn't just exceptional—he was meant to be a beacon of inspiration, revered by the masses.

Even when he lost his official position for Ruby, he wasn't afraid. In fact, it only proved how different he was from the world around him. He had broken free from society's shackles and fallen in love with a courtesan. Though he faced slander and criticism, future historians would record his story, and future generations would respect his fearless love for Ruby.

But when he lost his position as heir, a sense of panic began to creep in.

He knew that even if he couldn't become an official or enter the ranks of civil service, he would still inherit a noble title. As a titled lord, he could live his life in wealth and prestige, criticizing other nobles from a place of secure privilege.

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Claire relayed what happened at Hibiscus Lane to Violet, who then informed Carissa. Alana had visited a couple of days earlier, and informed Carissa that Leona had quarreled with Samuel.

Carissa advised Alana to gently guide Leona, to remind her that as a duchess, her authority meant that everyone in Gracehold Estate had to heed her wishes—including Samuel.

When feelings between a couple were gone, power became the deciding factor. As long as her family opposed it, Leona wouldn't consider divorce as an option.