When Petals Meet The Blade (Priscilla and Waldo) novel Chapter 137

Jessica had warned there would be trouble today and sure enough, by morning, the Yates estate was in an uproar.

The Grover branch of the family was back again. This time, aside from Grover Yates‘ youngest son, who had died on the battlefield, all his other sons and their wives had shown up in full force.

But today, they were stopped far from the gates of Lucid Pavilion–unable even to set foot near the entrance.

“Outrageous!” Grover Yates slammed his palm against the armrest of his wheelchair, his voice shaking with fury. “Even I am to be blocked? Who gave you the guts?”

Standing in their way was Monica.

She bowed respectfully to each of them, then said politely, “You may not have heard, but General Algernon’s health has taken a bad turn. Doctor Millard visited recently and left strict orders–no disturbances of any kind. I must ask for your understanding.”

Grover Yates sneered. “You stupid girl, don’t you dare use Millard’s name to threaten me. I’m Algernon’s own brother, not some common riffraff.”

He glared at Monica, his voice dripping with menace. “Move aside, or you’ll regret it.”

Carole, Grover’s eldest daughter–in–law, immediately stepped forward, her voice sharp as a whip. “A mere servant dares bark at Grover Yates?” she spat, raising her hand to slap Monica across the face. “Let me teach you a lesson on behalf of your master!”

But her hand never landed. Before she could even swing down, Nolan stepped in and caught her wrist with a steely grip.

“You dare lay a hand on me?” Carole shrieked, her face twisting in rage.

Her husband, Lavern, lunged forward to strike Nolan–but he, too, was easily shoved

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like a piece of driftwood.

“You–you insolent curs! How dare a bunch of servants lay hands on their masters?” Carole howled, teeth gnashing in fury.

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Monica remained utterly calm. “We serve the Yates family,” she said coldly. “And Mr. Yates and Miss Yates gave strict orders: no one is to disturb General Algernon’s rest. We are only doing our duty.”

Grover Yates narrowed his eyes. “So you’ve made up your mind. You really won’t let me see my own brother?”

Yet instead of flying into a rage, Grover simply let out a dark, mocking laugh. “You think you can rely on that mutt’s martial skills forever? You really believe you’re the only ones who know how to fight?”

By “mutt,” he was, of course, referring to Nolan.

Everyone knew Nolan was Garbisch’s chief bodyguard–and a formidable fighter in his own right.

Jessica, with Nolan standing guard, hadn’t worried they might force their way in.

But she had underestimated just how deep Grover Yates‘ malice ran.

“Alivia!” Grover barked. “What are you waiting for? Get rid of these gatekeepers and clear the way!”

Monica and Nolan tensed instantly, lifting their heads to finally get a clear look at the woman standing quietly behind Grover’s crowd.

She wore a plain gown and her hair was tied back in a modest matron’s bun. She looked no older than twenty–five or twenty–six–neither particularl beautiful nor striking–but there was a quiet, righteous aura about her that could not be ignored.

She stepped forward with a heavy sigh, her face a portrait of reluctant duty. She clearly wanted no part of this ugly business–but she could not refuse.

This was Alivia, Grover Yates‘ third daughter–in–law.

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Chapter 137