Chapter 2

Leona coughed up water and came to. She glanced around at everyone, suddenly pointed at Simon, and started wailing. "He touched my chest in the water."

The crowd erupted in an uproar.

People immediately started pointing fingers at Simon. Vivian Whitmore, Duchess of Lorindel, led the charge.

For years, her two sons had been outshone by Simon, never being appreciated by the king.

Today was her chance to vent her frustration and humiliate the Chapman family. She wasn't about to let this opportunity slip away.

"Everyone says General Chapman is a young hero, fearless on the battlefield, but he actually took advantage of a girl when she was vulnerable. Can't judge a book by its cover," she said.

"Exactly. Bullying a helpless girl? What kind of hero does that?" someone else added.

"The Chapman family had been loyal and honorable. Many of its heroes died on the battlefield. How did they end up with an heir like him?"

"I can't believe General Chapman is this kind of person. He brought shame to his family."

Simon was always the straightforward type, hanging out with rowdy guys in the barracks. All he knew was battle plans and fighting.

Getting blamed like that, his face turned bright red as he shook his head and waved his hands in denial.

He stammered, "It wasn't me. I-I didn't touch her."

Leona's tears streamed down her face as she cried, "You didn't? You touched me everywhere. You bullied me like that, and now you won't even admit it."

Robert scolded, "Simon, you're a general. How could you do something so disgraceful?"

Simon was sweating bullets, desperately trying to defend himself.

"I swear I didn't. Robert, you have to believe me. Just hear me out, everyone," Simon said.

Robert's expression turned grim. "Simon, if you really didn't do it, then why would Leona accuse you? She's a noble, the second daughter of the secretary of the Ministry of Revenue. Why would she lie?"

Leona wailed, "General Chapman, why do you humiliate me like this? Would I ruin my own name just to slander you?"

She was crying her heart out, looking utterly pitiful, and the other ladies couldn't help but feel sympathy for her.

"General Chapman put his hands all over a defenseless girl under the guise of saving her. And now he won't even admit it. How shameless."

"General Chapman, I can't believe a few victories over the barbarians in the north make you so arrogant. You actually came back and bullied the noble girls."

"Since General Chapman destroyed Leona's name, he has to take responsibility. If word gets out, how is Leona supposed to get married?"

"Yeah, it's tough enough for women. And she's just a concubine's daughter."

Robert softened his tone and coaxed, "Simon, you should stand up and say right here, right now, that you'll marry and take good care of Leona."

Simon clenched his fists, said angrily, "I told you I didn't touch her. Why won't any of you believe me?"

Robert's face darkened. "Simon, after all this, you're still being so stubborn?"

I pulled Simon back behind me and glanced at him, making him keep quiet.

It was a scheme cooked up by Robert and Leona. No matter how much Simon tried to defend himself, nobody here was going to believe him.

Robert turned to me. "Sarah, you've been managing the Chapman family for years. This is Simon's fault.

"Just pick a good day, go to the Sutton residence, and formally ask for Leona's hand. Bring her back to the Chapman family with all the honors she deserves.

"If this blows up, it'll stain Simon's name and drag the Chapman family through the mud. It'll also hurt his career in court.

"Simon's about to inherit the Marquis of Nordgarde title. If word reaches His Majesty and things get messy, it'll be a real headache for everyone.

"Sarah, we're engaged. The Hayes family and the Chapman family will share the same future. Everything I say is for Simon and the Chapman family's sake.

"Her Majesty the Queen and the Crown Princess, Elsa, will be here soon. Let this drag on, and the lotus party will be ruined. If we anger them, there'll be hell to pay.

"Let's settle this quietly, turn a big problem into a small one. That way, everyone walks away happily."

Everyone was happy? Just Robert and Leona, that was all.

I shot Robert a look. This hypocrite always acted like he did it for Simon and the Chapman family. I felt disgusted.

In my previous life, I was fooled by his two-faced act and let Simon be his scapegoat. In the end, it got our whole family killed.

Now that I had a second chance, even if Simon and I had to die here, I'd never let him marry that scheming bitch, Leona.

I kept my composure and said evenly, "Robert, don't rush. Let me ask Leona myself and get the facts straight."

Robert looked stunned. "What more is there to ask?"

"Robert, be patient. Even if someone has to take responsibility, shouldn't we make sure we have all the facts first?" said Simon.