Her Graceful War Song

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.

Maya remained silent as 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 Prince family and created trouble for the couple.

Franklin was a reasonable man. If Maya wouldn't listen to reason, he knew how to make her understand.

I didn't waste any more time and stood to leave.

Soon enough, Maya came to apologize in 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 caused so much harm to her.

Courtney appeared at a loss. She had been criticized and blamed by so many people throughout her life, yet had never once received an apology. She clearly didn't

vel

understand why Maya had suddenly changed her tune so dramatically.

I didn't say much to her about it, but privately, I asked her if she really wanted to marry Merrick.

Courtney seemed hesitant. Even though Maya had come to apologize, bringing a matchmaker and making grand promises, the family still frightened her.

"What do you like about Merrick?" I asked her.noveldrama

Courtney's cheeks flushed slightly. "I like how hardworking and kind he is, and how he respects others."

"And what else?" I pressed. "The young man's certainly handsome. Did his looks attract you at all?"

Courtney fidgeted, clearly shy. "Maybe just a little."

I smiled. "What's there to be shy about? If men can admire women for their looks, why can't we appreciate handsome men?"

Courtney's face grew even redder.

I looked at her seriously. "A family like his will bring you trouble. His mother is a difficult woman, and if it were anyone else, I'd tell them to simply refuse."

Courtney's eyes reddened. "I know."

her nose a little tap,

"But..." I gave Fer

"Since it's you, I'd advise you not to

miss the chance with the man you like. Sure, his family is tough to deal with, but your own family isn't a bunch of weak-willed people either. With us at your side, you need not

fear any harm. As long as Merrick treats you well, nothing else matters. If it comes to it, you can live separately in another estate. You have enough support and a good dowry, so there's no need to be afraid."

When I saw the tears well up in her eyes, I added, "Don't think so little of yourself, okay?"

"Thank you, Aunt Violet!" she cried, her voice breaking as the tears flowed freely.

I gently patted her back to comfort

her. "From

now on, you must stand tall, Courtney. Remember, you are your own person. The mistakes your father and aunt made have nothing to do with you. You don't need to bear the faults of others in your life."