Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 140 Stanley's temper flared the moment Aurora stopped. "What do you think you're doing? Strike that whelp down at once! And if anyone dares bar my way, throw them aside! I'm here to see my brother, and | will not have these outsiders interfering!" Emily shrieked in agreement, "Exactly! Aurora, do something! Do you not hear him? He's your late husband's father, as good as your own father! "Besides, the Duke of Blackmoor's household has no heir now. Soon, the duke will adopt our family into his household.

My husband will be recognized as the duke's legitimate son, and | shall be his rightful eldest daughter-in-law! Do you refuse to heed both me and Father, Aurora?" Aurora felt a dull roar in her ears, her irritation rising. She calmly looked at Selena and said, "My lady, my lord merely wishes to see his brother. It is no evil deed, | assure you. | beg you, allow him passage." She and her late husband had always held Thomas and Lara in the highest regard. From childhood, they had liked Sebastian and Selena and never wished for conflict. But today's circumstances were beyond her control.

After all, she was only Stanley's daughter-in-law. ---- "Please don't force me into a difficult position, my lady," she added, tightening her grip on the spear. Yuvan moved instinctively, ready to intervene. He knew full well how deadly that spear could be-a single thrust could end Selena's life. Though Aurora would never truly harm her, she could certainly make Selena endure a taste of hardship. Even if he couldn't match Aurora's skill, he could never stand idly by and watch his mistress be mistreated. However, Selena simply raised a hand and signaled Yuvan to stand down.

Emily continued her tirade, her voice shrill with anger, "Aurora, why do you still hesitate? Will you not heed Father's words? You have achieved nothing in your life, yet he allows you to remain in our household out of respect for Zane. Do you dare defy him? Do you not fear being cast out?" Ivan snorted, his expression plainly showing he agreed with his wife. "If you are cast out of this family, do you think you will ever be laid to rest beside Zane in the family tomb? Dream on!" Emily threatened, her voice sharp and cold. Aurora's expression changed instantly, her face paling.

She cared little for anything else in the world, but what truly mattered ---- 'to her was anything connected to her husband She glanced at Selena, resignation and helplessness in her eyes "My lady, the earl is my father-in-law. If | disobey him, it would be a grave breach of duty. | beg you, please-" "You will heed my command, Aurora," Selena interrupted, producing a small object from her hand and holding it out. Aurora's eyes widened, and her expression instantly turned serious. With a sharp clang, she lowered her spear to the ground and sank to one knee.

"As you command, my lady." "You will return to your quarters at once and reflect on your actions for the day. There must be no error in your conduct." "Understood!" Aurora rose gracefully, gathered her spear, and prepared to leave, "Aurora! How dare you defy Father?! Do you even wish to remain in this family?" Emily shrieked in fury. Aurora stepped forward and spoke in a tone heavy with reluctant respect, "Father, forgive my disobedience. Duty to the kingdom must come before family. Orders from above are absolute, and | have no choice but to obey.

| beg your understanding." ---- With that, she shouldered her spear and walked away. Dora followed closely behind her. The two moved with remarkable efficiency, their steps brisk yet carrying a subtle air of satisfaction, as if relieved to be free of the quarrel. It was plain that Aurora never wished to be embroiled in such matters. Once they left, Selena narrowed her eyes, her gaze icy as it swept over the members of the Earl of Greymoor's family. "Yuvan, everyone here except Great-uncle Stanley is fair game. Their rank is far beneath mine, and | don't know exactly who has come today.

Strike them, and strike hard, but make sure not to harm Great-uncle Stanley."