Stop Right Now You Troublemaker
Jonathan Lawrence's heart softened inexplicably. He turned to Dowager Lady Evelyn Zhu and said, "Mother, we still don't know the truth. Let's hear what she has to say first!"
"It's all because you spoil her!" Dowager Lady Evelyn Zhu snapped at Jonathan Lawrence. "Kneel!"
Jonathan Lawrence shot a look at Grace.
Not wanting to make things difficult for her father, Grace Lawrence obediently knelt down and asked, "Grandmother, did I do something again to upset you?"
"Let me ask you, what have you been up to these past few months?" Dowager Lady Evelyn Zhu questioned her.
"What have I been up to?" Grace Lawrence looked genuinely puzzled. "I've been at Shuiyue Nunnery, copying scriptures and praying for my mother, haven't I? You know that, don't you?"
"Eric Chen, you speak!" Dowager Lady Evelyn Zhu pointed at Eric Chen.
"Yes!" Eric Chen replied. "Here's what happened: A few days ago, I was passing by the General's Manor and happened to see Miss Grace wearing a maid's outfit, walking out from there. I thought it was strange, so I asked around and found out that Miss Grace was really at the General's Manor, using the alias Bai Xiaoyu, working as the General's... personal maid."
"What?" Grace Lawrence cupped her hand to her ear, pretending not to hear. "Say that again?"
Eric Chen glanced at her and said, "I saw you with my own eyes walking out of the General's Manor, Miss Grace. I didn't mistake you for someone else, did I?"
Upon hearing this, Grace Lawrence said nothing. She simply got up, walked over to Eric Chen, and kicked him square in the face, knocking him to the ground. His ears rang and one of his front teeth was loosened.
"Where did this mangy servant come from, spouting nonsense here? I am the dignified Miss Grace Lawrence of the Prime Minister’s Manor! How could I possibly go to the General’s Manor to be a... personal maid?" As she spoke, still angry, she kicked him twice more, landing squarely on his nose.
Grace may not have any spiritual power, just the strength of an ordinary person. But her technique and precision in hitting and kicking were those of a Ninth Rank Spirit Master.
Grace Lawrence may not have any spiritual power, just the strength of an ordinary person. But her technique and precision in hitting and kicking were those of a Ninth Rank Spirit Master.
With a loud slap on the table, the Dowager Lady pointed at Grace, her breathing a little rushed. "Stop right now! You wretched child!"
"Grandmother, did you hear what he just said? How could he say such a thing? I mean, Grandmother, and Father! This is so ridiculous—do you actually believe it? And you’re even interrogating me like a criminal?" Grace Lawrence looked utterly incredulous.
Whenever someone got on her nerves in the past, she’d always act this domineering and unruly.
Everyone was used to it.
But every time the Dowager Lady saw it, she felt her heart couldn’t take it.
And now was no exception.
"You—kneel—down—now!" The Dowager Lady pressed her hand to her chest, enunciating each word. "Without my permission, you are not allowed to get up!"
Grace knelt down, clearly unwilling.
Dowager Lady Evelyn Zhu pointed at Serena Jane. "Serena Jane, you speak!"
Serena Jane dared not look Grace Lawrence in the eye. Bowing her head, she said nervously, "After Miss Grace arrived at Moonwater Abbey, she gave me a hundred taels of gold and some jewelry, saying she'd be leaving for a while and asked me to keep it secret. I was greedy, so... I agreed."
"Do you know where she went after leaving Moonwater Abbey?" Dowager Lady Evelyn Zhu asked.
"I don't know, Miss Grace didn't tell me," Serena Jane replied.
"What? Abbess Serena Jane, are you accusing me too? We see each other every day, and you say I left Moonwater Abbey?" Grace Lawrence jumped up again, furious.