Chapter 161: Mockery
The servants had watched in silent horror as her trunks were carried across the estate, and whispers of her audacity spread like wildfire.
Benedict had heard them too, and the knowledge had sent him spiralling further into despair. How could she desecrate his mother’s memory so brazenly? And why was no one stopping her?
How could his father... How could he do this?! The answer was as plain as it was infuriating: no one dared. Anna had somehow won over the Duke’s favour, and with it, the implied authority to do as she pleased.
Her boldness was backed by the Duke’s indifference, leaving the servants powerless to intervene. Even those who had served the late Duchess loyally for years were forced to bow their heads and follow Anna’s commands.
Benedict clenched his fists at the thought of it, his nails digging into his palms until they left crescent-shaped marks. He wanted to do something—anything—to stop her. But every time he resolved to confront her, a crushing wave of helplessness swept over him.
What could he do? His father would not listen to him, and the household had already accepted Anna as the new mistress in all but name.
He tried to distract himself by pacing the length of his room, but the oppressive silence only made his thoughts louder.
His mother’s laughter echoed in his memory, a cruel reminder of what had been stolen from him. He could still see her smile, and hear the gentle love in her voice as she spoke his name. Now, all of it was gone. Snuffed out in an instant.
The day of the funeral arrived, and the estate buzzed with activity. Guests began to arrive, their carriages pulling up to the grand entrance in a steady procession.