The Lady Nun Vows Revenge by Caroline Rowland

The Silent 230 Chapter 230 "This is impossible." Gabriel said, his expression shifting between disbelief and suspicion. "Eliza and Nolan-how would they He turned to Adeline and snapped, "Are you certain you saw it with your own eyes?" Adeline sobbing uncontrollably inside the carriage, didn't dare admit she'd run off the moment she got scared and hadn't actually confirmed a thing. She stammered, clearly guilty, "O-of course I saw it. It's just... there was so much blood. I didn't dare go closer, so I can't say for sure if... if she's really dear.

Gabriel's face darkened with fury as he pointed at her. "That was your niece! And you just left her there and ran?!" "Well excusefor not wanting to get killed too" Adeline shot back defensively, though her tone was anything but confident. "What if the Prince Regent turned onnext? I barely escaped with my life! If I hadn't run, you'd be short one little sister by now!" "Kill you?" Gabriel growled. "Nolan wouldn't dare. You're Dale's wife, my sister- unless you committed treason, he wouldn't lay a hand on you no matter how mad he is." His voice rose as he jabbed an accusing finger in her direction But Adeline wouldn't back down. "Easy for you to say. You weren't there! The way that man looked at me-it was like I was already dead. I swear, if I hadn't turned and run, he'd have cutdown right then and there. And don't forget, he did kill Sophie in the Empress Dowager's own palace. You think someone that crazy can be reasoned with? He's completely unhinged!" She took a shaky breath. "If he really wanted to cover it up, do you think I'd still be sitting here, talking to you!" Gabriel clenched his fists. He couldn't argue with that-not entirely. Still, he wasn't about to let her weasel out of it so easily.

"You're going back." he snapped. "Tell the Empress Dowager what happened. Sophie ning palace etiquette under her care. If son ing happened to her, then the Empress Dowager can't wash her hands of it" Adeline's eyes went wide. "What?! No! I'm not going back! What if I run into the Prince Regent again?! I barely escaped once -what if I don't get lucky a second time?" Cabriel glared at her. "You think I'd send you if I were allowed to enter the inner palace myself?" But despite all his threats and shouting, Adeline refused to budge. After rounds of crying, wailing, and throwing a tantrum Gabriel finally gave up and kicked her out, sending her back to the Nevill estate.

He was fuming. With no other option, he prepared to enter the palace alone and seek audience with the King-but just as he was about to set off, a carriage passed his own, heading in the opposite direction.

Through the curtain, he caught a glimpse of a familiar figure. It was Eliza.

Gabriel's eyes narrowed. "Follow that carriage. he ordered the coachman They soon arrived on a quieter street, where the carriage pulled up outside a modest apothecary, Gabriel watched as Eliza stepped out, arms filled with parcels, and entered the shop.

Ordinarily, Gabriel would've waited for her to finish her errand and then intercepted her somewhere private. But today, his patience wore thin. Sophie's fate remained unknown, and even though he'd confidently claimed earlier that Nolan wouldn't dare harm her in the Empress Dowager's palace. Adeline's terrified ramblings had left a sliver of doubt.

Gabriel knew about Nolan's condition It wasn't public knowledge, but those within the court were well aware: the Prince Regent suffered from episodes of violent 10:44 Sat, 19 Apr A Chapter 230 madness-a war-inflicted affliction, said the imperial physicians. During his episodes, he becdangerously unstable. lashing out at everyone around him.

The King had issued an edict forbidding anyone from speaking of it. Anyone who did faced execution.

So while the court kept the secret, most of the outside world had no idea that the mighty Prince Regent was actually madman.

What if-Gabriel wondered-what if Nolan had snapped inside the Benevolent Palace Or worse... what if it wasn't madness at all? What if he and Eliza had plotted together to eliminate Sophie! The more Gabriel thought about it, the more likely it seemed. He knew Eliza hated Sophie. After all, when Sophie desecrated Caroline's remains, that was the moment their relationship becone of mutual destruction.

His fists clenched as he stared at the apothecary. Eliza was still inside. Enough was enough Gabriel shoved open his carriage door and stormed toward the shop.

The place wasn't large, but it was tidy and well-stocked Eliza had only entered for a quick visit-just long enough to stage a little detour- but she quickly found herself intrigued by the rare herbs lining the shelves. Sweren't even native to Hasen City.

"You've got quite the selection," she remarked to the shopkeeper. "Is this a new branch" "Sharp eyes, miss. Yes, we just opened here recently. There was a drought in Plutonville that delayed us-couldn't move the shipments until just a few weeks ago "Plutonville?" Eliza raised a brow.

"We're not from Plutonville ourselves, the man clarified, "but our estate's not far. The drought hit us too."

She continued browsing, making light conversation while selecting herbs for purchase, chase Just as she was finishing and heading for the door with a bundle of carefully packaged goods in hand, a shadow loomed. Gabriel stepped in front of her.

Eliza looked up, her expression polite, feigning surprise. "Why, what a coincidence. What brings you here?" Gabriel scoffed. "Drop the act. What did you do to Sophie?" Eliza blinked innocently. I'm sorry... What are you talking about? I don't quite understand" Her voice was just loud enough for everyone in the apothecary to hear.

Immediately, heads turned. Curious gazes peeked out from behind curtains and shelves.

Gabriel cursed inwardly and hissed, "Cwith me, We e need to talk.

He spun on his heel and walked out But Eliza didn't follow.

She took a small step back, hugging the parcel of herbs tighter to her chest. "I don't think so she said m Le sweetly still have scriptures to copy today. I'll be returning to Saint Grace Nunnery shortly. I'm afraid I can't accompany you." Chapter 231