novelraw Chapter 307: On Protecting Shortcomings, Who Can Compare to Griffith Squire
Chapter 307: On Protecting Shortcomings, Who Can Compare to Griffith Squire
Leah saw Ignatius Leclair staring intently at Delphine. She stepped forward to block his view and was just about to deliver a mocking remark when Bessie Leclair couldn’t hold back anymore. She cried out loudly, "No one saw you hit Melody Cloud, but everyone saw you shove me. Big brother, the Squire Family is simply outrageous. I’m going to find Grandfather."
"So only you have a grandfather, but I don’t have a brother?" Leah sneered. When it comes to standing up for one’s own, who could compete with Griffith Squire?
Delphine grabbed Leah, whose temper was flaring, and then addressed Bessie Leclair clearly and with a slight chill to her voice, "Today, the Leclair Family is hosting guests from far and wide. As the hostess, when something happens, instead of calming the situation, you escalate it further. Neglecting your responsibilities as the host—that’s the first point.
Striking out at guests without discerning right from wrong, then throwing a childish tantrum, all while letting people laugh at the spectacle—tarnishing the Leclair Family’s reputation—that’s the second point.
Miss Cloud is injured, and you are close friends with her, yet you don’t summon a doctor or bandage her wound. And instead, you make your big brother intervene. When word gets out, who knows how much gossip will circulate? If your big brother marries Miss Cloud, it’s no problem; but if he doesn’t, who in South Seas would dare marry Miss Cloud afterward? Disregarding your friend’s reputation—that’s the third point.
And here you are, still bawling. If I were you, I’d be so ashamed I’d bury myself in the ground already."
Her speech was clear, rapid, and perfectly structured. Astonishingly, the third point even reprimanded the Crown Prince of the Leclair Family himself. The crowd was stunned, utterly doubtful of their ears. Yet, strangely enough, the Crown Prince didn’t appear angry at all—if anything, he seemed faintly pleased. At this, the crowd began questioning not only their hearing but their sight as well.
Bessie Leclair’s face turned ashen from being chastised, and she dared not cry anymore, trembling all over in resentment.
Leah slyly tugged on Delphine’s sleeve, her crooked smile betraying how much effort it took to keep her laughter in check. She looked at Delphine with newfound admiration.
"Dr. Zheng is here."
The elderly Dr. Zheng, already over fifty years old, hurried in. He couldn’t help but feel that he’d visited the Leclair mansion far too frequently this year.
Dr. Zheng instinctively found Delphine among the crowd and, with a surprised "Oh!", said, "Miss Delphine, your complexion doesn’t look good. Have you caught a chill?"
The crowd exchanged glances and couldn’t help but look toward Melody Cloud and Bessie Leclair, stifling laughter.
Two patients—one bleeding from an injury and the other covered in mud from a fall—were promptly ignored by the old doctor.
Bessie Leclair aside, even the usually graceful and amiable Melody Cloud’s expression darkened. She had sacrificed her right hand, lost so much blood, and yet not only did her scheme fail to stir up trouble for Leah, but she herself was reprimanded—only to then have the old doctor disregard her entirely?
Ignatius Leclair spoke in his deep, measured tone, "Delphine is suffering from stomach pain. Dr. Zheng will need to check her later. But Miss Cloud has injured her hand, and Bessie also fell."
Everyone present was astute. Seeing Ignatius Leclair, the esteemed young master of the Leclair Family, take criticism from the fostered orphan without losing his temper and even going out of his way to prioritize her medical care, the guests couldn’t help but reevaluate their view of Delphine. No longer did they dare show her any hint of disrespect or contempt.
Dr. Zheng nodded, glanced at Melody Cloud’s hand, then at Bessie Leclair, and said, "Fourth Miss should go to the hospital for an X-ray. Miss Cloud’s hand has been well-bandaged and seems fine. On the other hand, Miss Delphine doesn’t look well at all. Stomach pains can be life-threatening."
Ignatius Leclair’s gaze deepened like a hawk’s. Without regard for Leah’s protests, he reached out and pulled Delphine over, checking the temperature of her hands, feet, and forehead. He then gravely instructed the butler, "Summon all the servants who were in the side hall earlier."
The old butler’s heart skipped a beat, and he hurried to call for the household staff.