Lord Harrison Turner's expression grew even more sour upon Madam Layla's invitation. He stared at her with intense fury and demanded, "Lady Layla, you're well aware of the reason we're here at your doorstep. Are you pretending not to know? What game are you playing?"
Madam Layla responded with a feigned innocence, a smile on her lips. "Lord Harrison, I'm afraid I don't quite understand what you're getting at. Why would I know the purpose of your sudden visit? It's rather perplexing."
Internally, Madam Layla couldn't help but scoff at Lord Harrison's attempt to manipulate the situation. She knew very well why he had come, and his intentions were quite clear. However, she maintained her fa?ade of confusion.
"Do you think I'm a fool, Lady Layla? Your cleverness is not lost on me. Quit pretending and explain yourself immediately! My patience is wearing thin!" Lord Harrison's voice was tinged with anger, his magical power emanating and causing pressure to bear down on the onlookers.
The sudden release of Lord Harrison's magic caused the bystanders to kneel under the immense pressure. Panic and pain rippled through the crowd.
"What's happening? I can't stand this pressure, it's overwhelming!"
"It's too strong, my bones are breaking! Ahhh!"
"Please, make it stop! I'm three months pregnant!"
Amid the chaos, Madam Layla's frown deepened. She called out, "Stop!" Her own magical power surged forth, countering Lord Harrison's pressure and alleviating the suffering of the villagers.
"Thank you, Madam!" A pregnant woman, relieved from the pressure, expressed her gratitude to Madam Layla for saving her unborn child from the magical onslaught.
"You can go now; it's not safe here," Madam Layla told the pregnant woman, who quickly left the scene.
With the woman gone, Madam Layla's fury was no longer restrained. She turned her attention back to Lord Harrison, her anger evident.
"Lord Harrison, what is the meaning of this? Explain why you're acting so rudely towards me, and why have you brought armed soldiers with you? This behavior is unlike you."
Butler Geoffrey stepped forward, addressing Madam Layla. "Lady Layla, as you're well aware, our young lord was murdered yesterday. It's the reason we're here at your doorstep."
Madam Layla's anger simmered beneath the surface. It was time to confront the situation and defend her family against the accusations that were now being laid bare.
"As I've said before, Lord Harrison, I truly apologize for your loss. However, I fail to comprehend the purpose of your visit. Shouldn't you be focused on finding the actual culprit responsible for this tragedy?" Madam Layla maintained her composed demeanor, her words laced with subtle defiance.
"Indeed, Lady Layla, that's precisely why we're here. You must be aware that before his demise, the young master Henry visited your residence. Yet, he never returned home after that visit, which raises suspicion," Butler Geoffrey stated with a stern expression, his gaze locked onto his lord, who nodded in agreement.
Madam Layla couldn't help but inwardly revel in her act's success.
'So, they suspect us of Henry Turner's death, not knowing it was my son-in-law who killed him. How amusing,' she mused.
"Are you suggesting, Butler Geoffrey, that we murdered young master Henry?" Madam Layla's frown appeared genuinely troubled.
"Ha! Still trying to deny your crimes, Lady Layla? Your deceit runs deeper than I thought," Lord Harrison snapped, his gaze an accusation.
"Lord Harrison, you're pushing this too far. While it's true your son visited us twice yesterday, he left in a fit of anger after discovering my daughter's engagement. He even destroyed our flower pit in a fit of rage," Madam Layla responded, pointing to the shattered flower pot.
"Who knows what troubles he stirred up after leaving? With powerful hunters and mages around, he may have offended someone and paid the price."
Madam Layla's words were strategically crafted to cast doubt on the true events, presenting an alternative narrative. She continued, "Blaming us for his death is unjustified. Can you truly fault us for the consequences of his own actions?"
The playful smile on Madam Layla's face only deepened as she deftly weaved her tale.
But her smile was the spark that ignited Lord Harrison's rage. His face contorted with fury as he felt mocked and provoked by her audacity.
'She thinks her honeyed words can deceive me? I won't fall for her charms,' Lord Harrison thought.
"Don't attempt to twist the situation, Lady Layla! We believe you're responsible for my son's tragic end. Who else in Pinebrook Village would dare? No one had the courage to harm my son but you!" Lord Harrison roared, his face contorted in anger.
"Lord Harrison, this accusation is baseless! Do you possess any evidence to support such a grave accusation? Let's be rational here!" Madam Layla's frown deepened as she defended her family.
Lord Harrison and Butler Geoffrey exchanged a surprised glance. Rose, engaged? This was news to them.
'Could she be inventing stories to save herself? And if Rose had truly found love and gotten engaged, I would have known already. How cunning!' Lord Harrison thought, dismissing Madam Layla's words as manipulation.
"Hahaha! Evidence? Who needs evidence when I have the strength to back my claims? I don't require proof to know you're responsible for my son's death," Lord Harrison laughed, his gaze unwavering.
"I understand now. You've brought soldiers to take control of the village, haven't you?" Madam Layla nodded knowingly.
A collective gasp swept through the crowd. Shock and disbelief radiated from the villagers' expressions.
"Lord Turner wants to overthrow the Monroe family? How audacious!"
"He aims to seize authority and become the village head himself. Shameless!"
"This is utterly shameless! Treating a family that's done so much for the village this way. He'll face divine retribution!"
"Yes, God will surely punish him for his sins!"
The onlookers exchanged whispers of outrage and astonishment, condemning Lord Harrison Turner's audacious intentions.
A minute later, the voices of the onlookers seemed to stoke the fires of Lord Harrison's anger even more. He erupted, his voice thundering at Madam Layla, "Lady Layla, do not attempt to divert the topic! My patience has its limits. Your games are not appreciated."
However, at that very moment, the grand door behind Madam Layla swung open, revealing Rose with a concerned expression, flanked by Yuan and his wives.
"Mother, what's happening? Why is Lord Turner here with his soldiers? Is there some misunderstanding?" Rose's voice held genuine confusion, her gaze fixed on Lord Harrison Turner and his imposing entourage.
The trio's acting was impeccable, their expressions matching their feigned ignorance.
Yuan and his wives exchanged amused glances and suppressed chuckles at Rose's skillful performance.
"Ah, finally making an appearance. Mother and daughter, both as cunning as foxes," Lord Turner seethed, his anger intensified by Rose's presence. She was the catalyst for his son's demise, a fact that churned his emotions.
"Uncle Turner, what do you mean by that? By the way, I heard the tragic news of Henry's passing this morning, and I am genuinely sorry for your loss. But please, can you explain why you're here, accompanied by soldiers? I'm truly puzzled by this situation," Rose inquired, her brows furrowing in apparent confusion. Her tone and expression were convincing, as though she truly didn't comprehend the circumstances.
"Why am I here? Because you are the direct cause of my son's demise! Had you accepted Henry's love, he wouldn't have met his end. I thought you were a kind-hearted girl, but it seems I was mistaken. Your rejection of his genuine love led him to his death!" Lord Harrison's words were a mixture of fury and accusation. His gaze couldn't help but flicker toward the handsome young man standing by Rose's side.
But when his eyes met Yuan's almost otherworldly handsome face, a surge of resentment swelled within him. He realized why Rose had chosen Yuan over his son, and his anger grew stronger. If a mere glare could kill, Yuan would've perished a thousand times over in that instant.
'With him around, my son never stood a chance. Yet, I cannot forgive her for not yielding, for not showing me any respect. I will make her pay for my son's death!' Lord Harrison's inner thoughts burned with fury as his gaze remained locked on Rose, his anger practically palpable.
"He loved me? Uncle, that's quite an amusing statement. He frequents the village brothel, bedding different women daily. Many have witnessed his habitual visits. Furthermore, I have no intention of spending my life with a man of his limited intelligence. The whole village knows he's lacking in wits. Why should I jeopardize my future by marrying such an incapable individual?" Rose's retort held a nonchalant edge, as if she cared little for what Lord Harrison thought of her.
Lord Harrison and Butler Geoffrey stared in shock, their eyes wide and disbelieving. How could she speak so ill of Henry, their dear departed son/young master?
"Y-Y-You, how dare you speak of my beloved son in such a manner? Do you have a death wish?!" Lord Harrison's voice trembled with rage. Rose's words cut deep, a searing insult to his deceased son.
"Why wouldn't I dare? Everyone in the village knows well enough of Henry's arrogance and idiocy. How many lives were lost due to his reckless actions? Calling an idiot an idiot is only stating the truth," Rose responded to Lord Harrison with an unwavering smile, her confidence bolstered by Yuan's presence, a formidable shield against any threat.
"Hahaha!" Yuan and his wives couldn't contain their laughter, their mirth resonating from the sidelines at Rose's audacity.
"You... Unforgivable! This insolence is unforgivable! Soldiers, apprehend this wretch and bring her to her knees before me! I will not tolerate such insolence any longer! Seize her!" Lord Harrison's roar reverberated through the air, his fury a force to be reckoned with as he commanded his soldiers to capture Rose and force her to kneel at his feet.
———————————
Greetings, everybody. Kindly consider casting your votes for this book using Power Stones and Golden Tickets to the best of your ability.
This 𝓬ontent is taken from fre𝒆webnove(l).𝐜𝐨𝗺