Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1230

The news of the gentlemen's retreats' raid spread like wildfire through the entire capital.

Fabian was struck dumb with shock. He had been feeling unwell that evening and hadn't gone to any of the retreats, never imagining it would be seized.

The gentlemen's retreats had been in business for years, hosting many of the capital's elite. If Salvador had intended to shut it down, surely someone would have tipped him off.

But there had been no warning—it had simply been raided out of the blue!

When Fabian finally returned to his senses, he immediately called for one of his most trusted servants. He needed to know who had carried out the raid—and, more urgently, whether Gerald had been there tonight. He was well aware that Gerald frequented the retreat, and he had always kept that knowledge a secret.

Even the rest of the Quinton family was unaware, except for Gerald's trusted servant, Cody. To Gerald, the only person in the gentlemen's retreat who knew his identity was the steward.

The stableman who took care of the horses wasn't arrested and rushed straight to Glandale Estate to report the situation.

There was no need for further investigation. Two major pieces of news had already come to light. One, Carissa had brought the Capital Guard and the Garrison Unit and led the raid. Two, the white-faced old man had also been taken and was now being held at the Capital Guard headquarters.

The stableman hadn't known Gerald's true identity—only that he was the "white-faced old man".

Fabian's eyes widened in alarm. "Doesn't that mean someone saw him?"

"They were all covered up when they were taken, sir. The old man's face was concealed with a tablecloth, so no one could see his face."

But that didn't ease Fabian's mind. He knew that once they reached the Capital Guard headquarters, Gerald's identity would likely be discovered, especially by Carissa. After all, the Quinton family had once offended her.

Plus, Fabian's youngest daughter Hailey had been causing trouble with Jocelyn at Gracewood Women's Academy. Eventually, everyone withdrew from the school, mostly because of some things Kylie had said.

There were old grievances here, and if Carissa knew Gerald's true identity, she would make a public spectacle of it.

That would be a real disaster.

What made matters worse was the fact that the gentlemen's retreat had been established at Eleanor's suggestion. Fabian had invested money in it, and after Eleanor fell from grace, the retreats had become entirely his. Not many knew this, but if an investigation were to be carried out, it would all come to light.

"My heavens, you've stirred up a hornet's nest," she muttered, trembling. "What are we going to do now? Why didn't you tell me sooner? If you'd said something earlier, at least the family could have helped you! Now that he's in Lady Carissa's hands, do you think she'll let him off easily?"

Although Betty kept to herself most of the time, she hadn't missed a single piece of gossip from the outside world. She had married a man who was much older than her, and while she was greatly favored in the family, she held little real power. She had no other ambition than to enjoy a life of wealth and luxury.

But if something happened to Gerald and her natal family got dragged into it, how could she possibly stay in the Quinton household?

"Don't tell your brother-in-law about this. He's not in good health," Betty said. She knew that staying out of this matter was going to be hard, but after thinking it over, she realized she couldn't get involved just yet.

"Betty, we should ask him for help. He's still Lord Malcolm's third uncle. Surely he can speak on our behalf," Fabian pleaded.

Betty shook her head. "The fewer people who know about this, the better. Don't say you came to me for help. If things get really bad and we need to plead for mercy, then I'll step in."

Suddenly, she had an idea. "Also, you could suggest to Lord Malcolm that Lord Logan and Princess Kiera go to Carissa and plead for mercy."

Fabian nodded eagerly. "Yes, that's right! Logan married Princess Kiera, and Lord Gerald is Lord Logan's grandfather. As his grandson, Lord Logan can't possibly stay out of this."