Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 530

His mother had worked herself to exhaustion just to raise him and his sister, taking on more than anyone ever should.

He had never wanted to add to her burden, so no matter what he faced, he swallowed it and dealt with it on his own.

That was how it had always been.

Until that day outside the Imperial Examination Hall, when those men crossed a line and dragged his mother and sister into it, mocking them without restraint.

In that moment, a hundred different ways to make them pay flashed through Josh's mind.

But causing trouble right before the court qualification trials would've cost him everything.

So he clenched his teeth and let it go.

For now.

There's always time to settle a score.

Once he earned his place, once he had real standing, he wouldn't need to hold back anymore.

"What do you think you're doing?"

Kaelan had already stepped forward, placing himself slightly in front of Josh, anger clear on his face.

"This is the examination grounds. Throwing stones like that, are you out of your minds? If that had hit someone—"

The one leading the group, Albert, let out a lazy laugh.

Seeing Kaelan step in, he toned it down slightly, but the smirk never left his face.

"Relax, Kaelan. We were just having a little fun. Testing his reflexes. Looks like he did just fine."

The men behind him snickered.

"He's used to hard work anyway," Albert added. "A hit like that wouldn't do much. Maybe a bruise at worst."

Kaelan frowned. "A joke? That's your idea of a joke? Apologize. Now."

Albert didn't even react.

Another one stepped in. "Why are you getting worked up over him? Even if he passes, what does he bring to your household? Is he really worth this?"

"Exactly," someone else added. "Look at him. No background, no standing. Who knows what tricks he used to get Edmund's attention. Meanwhile, people who actually deserve it got turned away."

Albert's gaze shifted between the two of them, something uglier creeping into his expression.

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