Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 54 Once , Selena had been the noble daughter of the Duke of Blackmoor's household . Who would've dared lay a finger on her ? But now , Gideon was gravely ill and bedridden , while her parents were long gone . The only person she could rely on was her brother , who was now nothing more than a broken man , unlikely to ever rise to greatness . And most importantly , she'd once been engaged to Frederick . Believing she would become his esteemed princess consort , everyone had scrambled to curry favor with her .

But after that disastrous palace banquet a few days ago , everything had changed . Everyone now knew Frederick had found someone new , and that Selena had been cast had been cast aside . So now , even people from the Earl of Greymoor's household dared to come and insult her . " My lady , watch out ! " Emily's hand was already mid - swing , about to strike Selena across the face , when Yuvan quickly lunged forward . He didn't dare retaliate against Emily , so the slap landed squarely on him instead . A loud smack echoed through the courtyard .

Thankfully , Yuvan was tall , so the slap hit him across the neck rather than his face . Even so , the burning sting on his skin made his heart clench . If Emily had managed to slap Selena , it would have left a mark on her face ! The audacity of that vicious woman ! Yet , Emily only glared at Yuvan and snapped , " You mangy dog . Get out of my way ! " Selena , who had just lifted her hand , let it fall silently to her side . She stepped out from behind Yuvan and walked straight toward her cousin - in - law . It was Emily who had intended to hit Selena in the first place .

But for some reason , now that the latter was approaching , the former couldn't summon the nerve to strike . Selena's cold , piercing eyes froze Emily to the spot , making a chill run down her spine . Instinctively , she stepped back and hid behind Ivan . " Honey ... " " Selena , what do you think you're doing ? " Ivan barked . A flicker of something dark and dangerous lurked in Selena's eyes . One look at her was enough to make the hairs on the back of one's neck stand on end . But at another glance , she still seemed like the same delicate , soft - spoken girl she'd always been .

That glint of fury vanished as quickly as it appeared . She didn't bother responding to Ivan and instead calmly turned to face Stanley . " Great - uncle Stanley , it was Physician Klein who recommended that Grandpa rest . He's the king's own physician . Are you saying you don't even trust him ? " Stanley snorted . " You think mentioning the king will frighten me ? Let me be perfectly clear . Sebastian is no longer the man he once was . If things continue like this , the main branch of the Campbell family will end with him !

" I came here today to demand that Gideon agree to adopt Ivan's family into the main line . That way , our family's legacy won't die out . 1/2 Chapter 54 +25 BONUS " You and your brother are obstructing us on purpose , aren't you ? I doubt Gideon even knows what's going on . If you don't bring him here so we can speak directly , you'll be the one to blame for destroying the Campbell family ! " Emily chimed in , " Father , perhaps that wretched woman is hiding the duke on purpose . She's using his condition to control the household and seize the entire family inheritance for herself !

" Selena cast a cold glance at the other woman . " What does the Campell family's inheritance have to do with you ? " That legacy had been built by Selena's grandfather , parents , and two uncles . It had absolutely nothing to do with the Earl of Greymoor's family . These people certainly knew how to make themselves at home in someone else's house . " And who says it has nothing to do with me ? " Emily stepped forward boldly , her voice full of self - importance .

" Once my husband is adopted into His Grace's line , he'll be the duke's eldest son , and everything in this estate will belong to him . " She lifted her chin . " Now , let us see the duke ! The Campbell family can't be allowed to remain in the hands of two useless siblings . If you refuse , I'll have no choice but to bring in others and force our way through ! " Selena nearly laughed . The nerve of this woman . Did she truly believe she was already the mistress of the household ? Where did she get such gall ? And yet Emily continued pressing forward , growing bolder with each word .

" Selena , do you still think you're Prince Frederick's darling ? Everyone knows he's cast you aside . You have no one left to protect you ! If you don't bring the duke here this instant , I'll have to report this- " A deep voice cut through the commotion , smooth and sharp like the draw of a blade . " My , is this lady a mind - reader now ? Can she truly know what I'm thinking ? Then , perhaps she should tell me what I intend to do with her now . " Chapter 55 +25 BONUS