Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

I finally understood Cari's plan.

Maya had made a scene at the Prince family's residence, and would naturally have to go there and apologize. But the real plan was to use the scandal around Gabriel's disgrace to put pressure on the Saunders family. From now on, even if Courtney married into their family, they would be too scared to mistreat her.

With both leverage and a secret weapon in hand, it was a solid move.

But for me, today was about getting some justice, especially with Maya. I wasn't going to leave without making my point.

Once Michael and the others left, I turned to Maya. "I heard you say that your family is one of high standing and noble reputation. Truly, that's a laugh. What kind of noble family would kidnap a woman and make a scene by beating up someone at another person's residence?

"I was ready to tear your whole house apart and expose your hypocrisy to the city today, but you're lucky. Since Merrick genuinely cares for Courtney, I don't want to make things too ugly and embarrass them.

"Still, don't think for a moment that I'll let this go without a resolution. Courtney has been wronged, and I won't rest until she's properly compensated. She was raised with care; I won't let anyone pick on her. You may think that your title as a mere earl's family gives you the right to bully the Prince family, but remember-what goes around comes around.

"A small noble family like yours doesn't scare me. If you want the victim of your son's actions to forgive him, that's not my concern. But if you don't handle things properly with Courtney, I'll make it public. And once it's out in the open, I don't know if your precious title will survive. Just wait and see."

Maya's face turned bright red, but she didn't speak a word in reply. She couldn't, not after I had said all that.

In my years in the city, I usually preferred to handle things with reason. But if others didn't respect that, I had no problem showing them a different side of me.

It was clear now that Gabriel's actions were undeniable-he had been caught and the Capital Guard had taken him in. Maya knew that if I decided to make a bigger scene, I would make sure everyone knew the full story.

explained that it was Maya's act of

Maya wouldn't listen to reason, he knew how

more

person. She also brought a matchmaker with her. She acted as though nothing had ever happened, calling Courtney by name with excessive sweetness, as though she hadn't

and blamed by so many people throughout her life, yet

vel

Maya had suddenly changed her

but privately, I asked her if she really wanted to

had come to apologize, bringing a matchmaker and making grand promises, the

do you like about

like how hardworking and kind he is, and how

I pressed. "The young man's certainly handsome.

clearly shy. "Maybe

can admire women for

grew even

like his will bring you trouble. His mother is a difficult woman, and if it were anyone else, I'd tell them to simply

reddened.

a little

"But..." I gave Fer