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.

Franklin quickly apologized, promising that Merrick and Courtney were meant to be together. He explained that it was Maya's act of listening to foolish gossip that caused the rift with the

Maya wouldn't listen to reason, he knew how to make her

more time and stood to

brought a matchmaker with her. She acted as though nothing had ever happened, calling

at a loss. She had been criticized and blamed by so many people throughout her life, yet

vel

had suddenly changed her

didn't say much to her about it, but privately, I asked

Even though Maya had come to apologize, bringing a matchmaker

you like about Merrick?" I asked

hardworking and kind he is, and how he

pressed. "The young man's certainly handsome. Did his looks

fidgeted, clearly shy.

about? If men can admire women for their looks, why can't we

face grew even

family like his will bring you trouble. His mother is a difficult woman, and if it were anyone

eyes reddened.

a little

"But..." I gave Fer