Chapter 3

Cathy shot me a cold, cutting glare before speaking in a low, mocking tone. "Keep dreaming. I'd die before I let you touch me. There's a pregnancy, but it's not mine. It's my maid Lily's."

She turned to the servant behind her. "Lily, go ahead. Don't cover for him anymore. Say whatever you need to. Edward and I will stand up for you."

Lily, her eyes red and swollen, stepped up. "Lord Harrington, on the third night after Mr. Harrington arrived at Harrington Manor, I went to Lady Cathy's room to bring her some coffee.

"I heard her crying, so I pushed the door open and saw Mr. Harrington grabbing her hand, trying to... force himself on her.

"In a panic, I threw the coffee in his face to help Lady Cathy escape. But then he saw me and... he forced himself on me. I was too afraid to speak up, but yesterday, the doctor said I was expecting."

As soon as Lily finished, the crowd erupted in shocked gasps.

I was just as shocked, my mouth hanging open. "So, according to you, I'm some kind of creep who goes after any woman, no matter the age?

"I'm the heir of Harrington Manor, for crying out loud. Even a cat in heat isn't as ridiculous as you're making me out to be.

"Besides, I've only been back for less than two weeks. This whole pregnancy thing? Seriously? Aren't you making things up?"

Cathy hurriedly snapped at me, her voice sharp. "The evidence is undeniable. How dare you still try to argue your way out of this?"

She then turned to Edward. "Edward, Lily hasn't told a single lie. She's been with me since she was little. How could she suddenly be pregnant after Parker returned?

"If you don't trust her, feel free to call any other doctor to check her.

"And our girl Emily has been so scared she's cried herself to sleep every night. She's only thirteen. I kept quiet to protect the kids' reputation, hoping he'd change, but today he even tried to assault me. We really can't let him stay."

Henry jumped in, "Yeah, Edward, since when has our family ever had a disgrace like this? Keeping him under our roof is a stain on our name. We should throw him out before he ruins us."

And then, the so-called victim, Emily, burst onto the scene, crying her eyes out. "Daddy, I don't want Parker as my brother. He'll hurt me. Please, send him away."

Seeing Emily's tears, the crowd couldn't take it anymore and started urging Edward, "Lord Harrington, you really need to think carefully. Family is important, but our reputation is everything."

"That's right. Bringing someone like him into the house will only bring disaster."

I looked at everyone calmly. "Since you're all so righteous, why not join me in the court and let's clear things up?"

Edward quickly pulled me aside and whispered, "Don't air our dirty laundry. It's already come to this. Just admit your mistake. Say you lost your head for a moment and promise to change. I'll handle the rest."

I snickered. "No need."

Edward froze. "Have you lost your mind? You're giving up your place as heir? You don't want the title anymore?"

If he knew I was just a girl who couldn't inherit the title, he probably wouldn't even bother acknowledging me.

Cathy was cool as ice, clearly ready for anything. "Forget the court, Parker. Just now, a royal messenger said King Leo will be dropping by. If you think we're framing you, why not defend yourself in front of His Majesty?"

With her so full of herself, I couldn't help but think Lily really must be pregnant.

Cathy figured that three witnesses and Lily's pregnancy would be enough to seal my fate in front of Leo.

What she didn't realize was that Leo already knew I was a girl, and he was only coming to Harrington Manor for the homecoming dinner because I invited him.

Edward was still trying to stop Cathy when a sharp voice rang out from the corridor. "His Majesty has arrived!"