Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1083

The investigation ultimately led back to the Quinton family.

Malcolm was completely unaware of the matter until Carissa explained it to him privately. After hearing the entire story, his fury was uncontrollable, his whole body trembling with rage.

He had already made a grievous mistake in the past—fathering a daughter with a mistress—a stain on his reputation that he could never fully erase. If this new scandal were to spread, how could he possibly face anyone? Even if he was innocent, others would assume he was guilty.

In his rage, Malcolm ordered the guard involved to be brought forward.

The guard, Trey Carter, was a family servant from birth. After learning some skills, he stayed on as a guard in the household. His parents were senior servants in the estate, and it was through them that he learned of the Whitley family's inquiries to the gatekeeper about Malcolm's visit to the hot springs. Later, Trey followed Malcolm and Marjorie to the temple. When he saw Malcolm had not gone to the hot springs, he decided to exploit the situation for his own gain.

It was him. He had defiled Karen.

For a moment, Malcolm was so furious that he wanted to kill Trey—especially because Carissa was sitting across from him.

This was the same woman who had personally exposed his mistress and handed his illegitimate daughter over to his wife. Malcolm was no ordinary man—he was the father-in-law of the king and the Civil Minister. Countless officials' futures were in his hands.

Yet, he feared Carissa. In her presence, he couldn't hold his head high.

A man's mistakes could be many—he could murder, steal, or destroy—but none carried the weight of this particular disgrace.

Without hesitation, Carissa kicked Trey to the ground. The force of her blow seemed strong enough to kill him. Blood gushed from his mouth as he collapsed, clutching his abdomen. He curled up on the floor, his mouth wide open, unable to make even a sound of pain.

Malcolm wiped his forehead with a handkerchief, sweat beading not just there but on the tip of his nose too. He didn't even know what to say.

Carissa sat back down across from him. "Lord Quinton, how do you propose we settle this? The people involved deserve an explanation."

Malcolm wiped his face again, his thoughts racing before he finally let out a long sigh. "Trey is undoubtedly at fault, but wasn't Mr. Whitley also to blame? He was the one who sought to sell his daughter for his own advancement."

"That will be handled by someone else," Carissa said coldly. "I am only asking how you will deal with Trey, Lord Quinton."