The Lady Nun Vows Revenge by Caroline Rowland

The Silent 205

Chapter 205 Chapter 205

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Gabriel was a step behind, and by the time he rushed to Matthew's side and looked down, he saw at a glance that the boy's. leg was broken-completely, grotesquely, and beyond any doubt.

He turned to Nolan with eyes blazing. "How dare you do this to my son? Were you trying to kill him with that kick?!"

Sull seated calmly on horseback, Nolan didn't even blink at the accusation. He let out a cold, mocking laugh. I was acting under orders-to protect Eliza. Your son tried to break through Black Flag's formation to force his way to her carriage. Such arrogance, such blatant disregard for my authority-if I had killed him with that kick, what exactly would you have done about it?"

Gabriel's face twisted with fury. "You're the arrogant one, Nolan. Don't think I don't see what this is. You shielding that girl so fiercely-it's not just because the King told you to, is it? What kind of intentions are you really harboring toward Eliza? Don't take us all for fools."

No sooner had the words left his mouth than smack-a thunderous slap echoed through the air as Mary stepped forward. and struck Gabriel across the face, so hard he staggered back and nearly lost his footing.

"You disgusting excuse for a father," she hissed, her rage barely contained. "Do you even hear yourself right now? Eliza may no longer be a Stonor by name, but does that give you the right to slander her like this? Is this the kind of filth a father should be spewing about his own daughter?!"

Mary's chest rose and fell with fury. If word of Gabriel's insinuations got out-if the world believed Eliza, a nun devoted to God, was seducing the Prince Regent-she wouldn't just lose her reputation. She could be destroyed.

Even Matthew, writhing in pain on the ground, muttered, "Father.. you went too far."

And Benedict, who'd been overing in cern just moments ago, turned to his father with disbelief. "How could you say something like that? Eliza is still in the carriage. What if she heard you?"

Gabriel, too, seemed to realize he had gone too far. A flash of regret crossed his face. But the words were already out.

He clenched his fists, forcing himself to keep his ground. "Yes, what I said involved Eliza," he admitted, "but my target was the Prince Regent. If you Nolan, truly had no impure thoughts about her, then you wouldn't be so quick to take offense. The very fact that you reacted proves my point. So tell me-right here, right now-do you or do you not harbor feelings for her that you shouldn't

felt a searing urge to draw his sword

so

of the court speaks so highly of your cold-blooded ruthlessness," he said slowly. "A man who would use his daughter's name as a tool for political games. What

Gabriel's expression was grim.

cared what Nolan said-he'd already burned

another, he would

a Stonor, and she would be buried as one wife,

built, meant

protect

said darkly. "But if

Nolan's voice cut him off like a blade.

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Chapter 205

off

refusing to back down, even as Nolan towered over him, eyes cold

you insist

use a woman's reputation as leverage. But since you insist on dragging Eliza's name into. this publicly-fine. I'll give you an

bracing herself. One wrong word from

then, Nolan's voice rang out, clear and

entire court knows I've long loathed being approached by women. But if I were to care for someone, the whole world would know it. If there were someone I held dear, someone I truly valued... I would let it be known. Because only

a breath, not a word. Even the wind seemed

Nolan, as if