Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 52 " Ah- " Emily's scream barely escaped her lips when another heavy blow landed across her back . Stars exploded behind her eyes , the pain robbing her of her voice . She nearly fainted , her eyes rolling back in shock . The sudden violence stunned everyone nearby into silence . They stood frozen , wide - eyed and speechless . Just as the third blow was about to land , Emily's daughter , Lily Campbell , snapped out of her daze and screamed , They're killing her ! The Duke of Blackmoor's household is murdering someone ! " Emily's husband , Ivan Campbell , rushed forward .

He was the eldest son of the Earl of Greymoor , making him Selena's first cousin once removed . He grabbed Yuvan's wooden staff and growled , " You scoundrel ! How dare you strike my wife ! " Before anyone could stop him , he raised his hand to strike . Yuvan didn't flinch . When he raised the staff to hit Emily , he knew he couldn't avoid the consequences . After all , a servant striking a lady of a neighboring household - even if that household was related to the family he served- was sure to bring punishment .

But since his lady had ordered it , he wouldn't hesitate , even if it cost his life ! Ivan's hand was mere inches from Yuvan's face when suddenly , a delicate hand reached out and grasped his wrist . " Ivan , why are you striking my family's servants ? I ask you to explain yourself . " It was that wretched woman again ! Ivan yanked his arm hard , intending to throw Selena off . She was the one who had rushed at him first . If she ended up falling to the ground , she had no one to blame but herself .

He put all his strength into shaking her off - not just to get her away , but to make a show of force in front of everyone in the Duke of Blackmoor's household . Sebastian was nearly a cripple now , leaving the Duke of Blackmoor's family practically defenseless . This girl would surely be their easy prey . Ivan had already planned it all out . Once he threw her to the ground and made her eat dirt , he'd pretend to act surprised and mutter something about how it was just an accident . But to his shock , despite all his effort , he couldn't break free of Selena's grip .

She was still standing firm and steady , while he nearly lost his balance and stumbled to the ground . What was happening ? Had he lost all his strength today ? " You insolent girl ! I'm your elder cousin - let go at once ! " Ivan growled , pain flaring in his wrist and palm . He didn't understand why his own body was betraying him . Selena finally released his wrist , smiling lightly . " You're just my cousin in name . " Ivan staggered back a few steps , struggling to keep his footing now that she'd let go . " How dare you !

" he hissed through clenched teeth , furious but momentarily at a loss for words . Emily was still lying on the ground , wailing in pain from the blows she'd taken . Ivan rushed to her side . " Dear ! " 1/2 Chapter 52 +25 BONUS Lily and two servants hurried over as well , and even some members of Stanley's household scrambled forward anxiously to help . But with too many people , most could only crowd around , voicing their concern without getting close . " Y - you insolent girl , how dare you order your people to strike me ! You ...

" The woman who had been helped up was disheveled , her clothes dusty , and her hair in disorder . Pointing at Selena , she trembled with rage . As if just realizing who she was , Selena looked surprised . " Emily , it's you ! I'm terribly sorry . I saw someone brandishing a knife and thought an assassin had broken in . I acted in haste and ordered them to stop the threat . I had no idea it was you . But why did you burst into the estate with a knife in your hand ? " She blinked innocently , confusion clear in her eyes . " Grandpa is the Duke of Blackmoor by the king's own edict .

Anyone who breaks in carrying a weapon , unless they hold royal rank or special honor , is fair game to be killed on the spot . Frowning , her gaze dropped to the knife in Emily's hand . " Emily , that is a knife you're holding , isn't it ? "