Chapter 349

“Who’s causing such a commotion outside the Duke’s estate?”

“Get lost, or don’t blame us for getting rough!”

One of the guards, gripping a club, stepped forward aggressively to drive them away. But in the next instant, Diana’s bodyguards unsheathed their swords with a sharp sound, the blades gleaming coldly.

The guard, who had been full of bluster moments ago, froze in shock. He instinctively stepped back and gulped. “Do you even know where you are? How dare you draw weapons outside the Duke’s estate?”

Diana stepped forward, her sharp gaze cutting through the guard like a blade. “Are you deaf, blind, or just plain stupid? Can‘ t you understand what I said, or even recognize my face?”

Suddenly, the head guard seemed to realize something. His expression shifted, and he quickly stepped forward in fear. “My apologies, Miss Baker. He’s new and doesn’t know better. He hasn’t had the honor of meeting you before. Please forgive him. I’ll go inside and announce your arrival right away!”

He hurriedly pulled his fellow guard back, forcing him to pay her respect.

“At least you’ve got some sense,” Diana said coldly. “But I don’t have the patience for formalities today. Skip the announcement.

Drag that bastard Matthew out here right now!”

“Y–Yes, right away!” The two guards hurried inside to notify the gatekeeper, who recognized Diana.

Peeking out, the gatekeeper was startled. “What the hell? Why is she back all of a sudden?

“Oh no, don’t tell me she’s back to settle scores for Lady Eliza!”

Everyone in the Duke’s estate, even all of Hasen City, knew how inseparable Eliza and Diana used to be. If Eliza wasn’t visiting the Baker family, then Diana was at the Stonor estate. The two had been glued together since childhood, their bond as close as sisters.

When the Baker family was reassigned, Diana had been worried they wouldn’t see each other for years. Hence, the two families arranged for her to marry Matthew, the third son of the Stonor family.

Most people assumed the engagement would go to the eldest, Benedict, or at least the second son, Dylan. But Diana had always treated Benedict and Dylan like older brothers, and they saw her as a little sister, just like they did Eliza.

Only with Matthew was it different. There was something more than sibling affection between them, which was why their engagement was set.

The wedding was supposed to happen three years after the Baker family’s reassignment. But to everyone’s shock, she returned after just half a year.

The gatekeeper, sensing trouble, quickly ducked his head inside and rushed to summon Benedict, the eldest brother of the Stonor family.

It wasn’t about shirking responsibility. With Matthew currently confined by the Duke and the Duke himself absent, the only option was to call Benedict to handle the situation.

Still, Benedict had been unwell lately, and the gatekeeper couldn’t help but worry whether he could manage Liza’s fiery temperament.

Upon hearing the gatekeeper’s report, Benedict, pale and unsteady, forced himself out of bed. He coughed weakly, his breath hitching as he steadied himself, and said, “Diana is here? As Eliza’s brother, I should go out and greet her.”

Before long, Benedict arrived at the gates of the Duke’s estate.

Diana was leaning casually against her carriage. She looked up at the sound of footsteps. “Benedict? What’s wrong with you?

You look like you’re about to die!” Diana almost didn’t recognize him.

His face was pale, and his steps were shaky. Diana might’ve mistaken him for Anthony, the perpetually sick brother, if she didn’t know him so well.

Eliza’s blunt remark shocked Benedict. After coughing twice to steady himself, he smiled weakly and said, “I’ve been feeling under the weather lately. Sorry if I look a bit worse for wear.” He brushed it off casually, not revealing that he had been poisoned.

Then he asked, “By the way, Diana, since you’re already here why not come inside? It’s freezing out here. I’ve had the fire lit.

Whatever it is, let’s talk inside where it’s warm Successfully unlocked!

Seeing how frail and pitiful he looked, some of Diana aliyei susiueu. Even so, it couldn’t extinguish her resolve to stand up for Eliza.

Diana’s face was stern as she said, “Thank you for your kindness, Benedict, but there’s no need for me to go inside. Liza isn‘ t here, and I have no intention of stepping into the Duke’s estate.”

1/2 349 Chapter 349 Benedict sighed, his breath visible in the cold air, and said, “Alright, if you don’t want to come in, I won’t force you and way what you need to. I’m listening”

He stood as if he already knew why Diana had come, his posture one of quiet resignation, ready to the water she ha to say Diana snorted coldly “Don’t worry, Benedict. I’ll deal with you later if I have to. I’m here for Matthew Tell him to come of and face me. Unless he plans to keep hiding like a coward Benedict said helplessly, “Matthew’s under house arrest. Without my father’s permission, I can’t let him ou Diana sneered. “So you’re refusing to call him out? Fine, but don’t blame me for what happens next. I may not want to step into the Duke’s estate, but I’m here to get justice for Liza. If it comes to it, I’ll break down the door and drag that sortag out myself!”

As Diana spoke, the guards behind her immediately shifted, their presence turning sharp and oppressive. It was dear DianA wasn’t joking. Her words were a direct warning to Benedict.

Benedict frowned at the scene before him, but after a brief moment of hesitation, he finally relented, his expression softening as he nodded in agreement.

“Fine,” Benedict instructed the steward behind him. “Go and bring Matthew out “Yes, Sir.”

Not long after, Matthew, who had been locked up for several days, was finally released. When the steward came to fesch him, he didn’t explain anything, leaving Matthew to assume his father had cooled off and decided to let him out.

However, uneasiness began to creep in as he followed An Sheng to the front gates. When he realized something was wrong, it was already too late. “Matthew! You dared to mess with Liza? I’ll make you pay for it! Diana’s furious voice rang out.

Tina’s sword flashed before her words had fully left her mouth, and the air force slashed Matthew with brutal force, leaving a deep, bloody welt across his body. The blow tore through his skin, leaving him in excruciating pain.