Chapter 572 The Queen's Fury
When Smith cracked a dirty joke, Bianca shot him a furious glare.
But she didn't respond, continuing to focus on her meal.
After lunch, the two of them lounged on the deck, soaking up the sun for hours.
As the sun began to set, Bianca reluctantly said, "Should we head back now?"
Smith, seeing her forlorn expression, felt a pang of sympathy and hugged her tightly.
He kissed her forehead gently and coaxed, "I'll take you out often, just the two of us, okay?"
Bianca looked up at him and asked, "Do you promise?"
"I wouldn't lie to my wife."
"And if you do lie to me?"
"You can do whatever you want with me."
"You said it. Don't blame me if I'm ruthless."
Smith shivered at her words, but he had no choice but to agree.
Back at the palace, the secretary approached them. "Your Majesty, Allegra has been waiting all day to plead for Emilio."
Bianca responded calmly, "I see. According to the law, how many years will Emilio be sentenced?"
"About five years."
"Understood. Take me to see the Caspian couple."
Smith grabbed her arm and said, "This mess started because of me. I should go with you."
Bianca glanced at him and said, "No matter what she says, don't speak. I'll handle everything."
When they entered the reception room, Allegra immediately began to cry and plead with Bianca. "Your Majesty, Caspian has already been punished. He's sixty years old and nearly died from the hundred lashes he received. Please, for his sake, spare Emilio. He was just misled by Eva and didn't truly mean any disrespect. Please, for the sake of our alliance, forgive him."
Bianca looked at her coolly. "Have you considered that if Smith hadn't uncovered their plot, I would be the one facing public disgrace right now? Do you think I can forgive him?"
"But he was only angry because Smith took his project. Emilio just wanted to get back at him, not you."
"So you're saying this is all Smith's fault and I should punish him instead?"
"Isn't that right? Smith has taken several major projects from the William Family, costing us billions. Now Emilio is in jail, and his father was beaten. This is all Smith's doing. He wants to destroy the William Family. Please, Your Majesty, see the truth."
Bianca's expression grew colder. She looked at Allegra and said slowly, "If I remember correctly, Smith is your youngest son and was groomed as the heir from a young age. The family should have given him those projects. Why do you say he took them? Since our marriage, it seems you've been against him. Is it because you don't like me, or is there another secret?"
Allegra glared at Smith, about to speak, but remembered Caspian's words. She knew Smith was targeting them to weaken their power. But for the family's sake, she had to swallow her anger.
She shook her head. "No, it's an honor to be allied with the Queen. We just think Smith isn't ready to take over the family yet."
Bianca smiled faintly. "Is that so? I thought you didn't like me as a daughter-in-law. In that case, I'll send some top-quality ointments and supplements to Caspian as a gesture of goodwill from Smith and me."
Allegra bit her lip. Was this a warning followed by a bribe? She had always thought Bianca was just a pampered princess, not skilled in politics or social maneuvering. But this incident showed she was adept at both.
Allegra's face darkened. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I hope you'll also show leniency to Benjamin. He's Smith's brother and your brother-in-law. If he goes to jail, it won't look good for you either."
Bianca pondered for a moment and then said, "The one who tried to frame me was Princess Eva, Christopher's daughter. I spared her because she was innocent, but she repaid me with betrayal. There are still Christopher's supporters among the officials. If I show leniency to Emilio, it will be the same as showing leniency to Eva. This will make others think I'm weak and encourage them to oppose me. For the sake of the country and the people, I can't do that. Emilio is not innocent; I have enough evidence of his involvement in Eva's plot. So, Allegra, I'm sorry, but I can't grant your request."
Bianca's words left Allegra with no room to argue. If she continued to plead, it would seem like she was putting her son's interests above the country's safety. This was too heavy a burden, and Allegra couldn't refute Bianca's reasoning.
She stared at Bianca for a long time, then shook her head and left, dejected.
As she passed Smith, she shot him a venomous look, as if she wanted to devour him, then stormed out.
Smith walked over to Bianca, bent down, and kissed her forehead. "Thank you for standing up for me."
Bianca looked at him and smiled. "Are you really their beloved youngest son? It doesn't seem like it. It feels like they want to get rid of you. Smith, is there something you're not telling me?"
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
