Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 55 That voice was ... Frederick ? Hadn't he already cast Selena aside ? Why would he suddenly appear at Blackmoor Estate today ? A stunned silence swept through the crowd before everyone scrambled to their feet to pay their respects . "Greetings , Your Highness ! " came the chorus of respectful greetings . Though Stanley was an earl , it was a far lower rank than that of a duke , let alone a royal prince . Even now , unable to rise from his wheelchair , he quickly had his attendants push him forward to meet Frederick , bowing his head low .

" Greetings , Your Highness , " he greeted with as much respect as he could muster . Frederick gave a calm , almost amused smile . " Lord Stanley , I could have sworn I just heard a woman claiming to know my private thoughts in great detail . Did I imagine it ? " Emily dropped to her knees with a heavy thud , her face pale . " Your Highness , that wasn't what I meant . I would never- " " Oh? Then , you're suggesting I misheard ? That my ears are failing me ? " " No , not at all , Your Highness . I meant nothing of the sort ; " Impudent woman !

" William's voice rang out , sharp with authority . " How dare you insult His Highness ' hearing ! Guards , take her out and give her twenty lashes ! " " At once , sir ! " 4 Two guards seized Emily by the arms and began dragging her away . She screamed , nearly fainting from fright . " Your Highness , I was wrong ! Please ; have mercy ! Forgive me , Your Highness ! " Frederick didn't so much as glance at her . Ivan made to speak on his wife's behalf , but Frederick's gaze shifted , landing instead on Stanley . " Do you have something to say ? " he asked coolly . Stanley froze .

Not a sound or even a breath dared slip past his teeth . 11 Since even the earl himself had fallen silent , the rest of his household followed suit , not daring to utter a single word . The tension in the courtyard was so thick that no one even dared breathe too loudly . Emily truly received all twenty lashes . By the end of it , she had passed out from the pain . A No one from the Earl of Greymoor's household could quite make sense of the connection between Frederick and Selena . But whatever it was , none of them dared bring up the matter of Ivan's adoption again .

Once the punishment was carried out , the group hastily offered their farewells fo Frederick and made a swift retreat , under the pretense of having urgent business to deal with . As they left , Ivan couldn't resist turning back to glare at Selena , who caught the look clearly . Today's incident had been set aside only because Frederick had intervened . But with Sebastian's condition , Ivan clearly had his eye on the Duke of Blackmoor's household . He wasn't giving up , not by a long shot . 1/2 Chapter 55 +25 BONUS Sally had been hiding deep in the courtyard .

Once everyone was gone , she finally emerged and hurried over . " The commotion didn't disturb His Grace . I kept men stationed inside . Not a single one of the earl's people was allowed through , " she whispered to Selena . Selena nodded , then gave a quiet wave of her hand . Sally and Yuvan bowed and withdrew . The Duke of Blackmoor's household was indeed weakened and stretched thin these days . But fortunately , a few capable people stood by Selena's side , keeping things afloat for now . But in Frederick's eyes , it was only a matter of time before the whole thing collapsed .

" How surprising , " he murmured once Stanley and his people were out of sight , his voice edged with irony . " The ever - cunning Lady Campbell , reduced to such a pitiful , isolated state . One would hardly have believed it . " The remark was sharp and meant to sting , but Selena remained unfazed . She gave a slight curtsey and replied evenly , " I must thank you for your assistance , Your Highness . " " You think I was helping you ? " Frederick let out a cold laugh . " My grievance was with that vile woman . It had nothing to do with you . " " Ah , I see .

So , you weren't acting on my behalf , Your Highness . I must have misunderstood . In that case , I suppose I owe you nothing , " she said calmly . She let out a relieved sigh , her smile brightening noticeably . " I still have matters to attend to . If you want to enjoy the estate's gardens , please take your time . As for me , I must take my leave . Do make yourself at home , Your Highness . " With that , she turned on her heel and walked away with light , brisk steps . Frederick's expression darkened , his jaw tightening as he watched her go .

" So , you would leave me standing here alone ? Did I come all the way to Blackmoor Estate just to be dismissed like a servant ? " Chapter 56 +26 BONUS