CHAPTER 261: TO BREAK EVERYTHING IN HER

"Yes, have these gifts delivered to Mr. Vitiello’s estate," Mabel instructed firmly. Lester bowed in acknowledgment and signaled to the servants behind her to move.

Just then, her gaze landed on Casaio, who was crossing the main hall.

"Casaio," Mabel called, her voice halting his steps instantly.

The servants paused, uncertain, but Mabel gave a subtle wave of her hand, silently dismissing them. Casaio turned and approached his mother, his movements unhurried. His hair was tousled, and there was a faint trace of fatigue, or carelessness, on his face.

"Where were you yesterday?" Mabel asked with a sharp look.

"You already know the answer, Mom," Casaio replied, folding his arms behind his back as he stood before her.

Mabel’s lips pressed into a thin line. "So it’s true," she said at last. "You’ve chosen to follow in Gabriel’s footsteps and be a rebel."

"Mom, let’s not argue. Gabriel did nothing wrong in choosing his mate. Also, I’m here to talk with you and Dad only. I thought to speak to you in the evening, but since you started it, we shall speak," he affirmed.

The servants were quick to follow Lester out and now, only they both were left behind.

Mabel sat gracefully on the couch in a dignified posture.

"Your father isn’t available at the moment," she said, folding her hands elegantly in her lap. "What is it you wish to speak about?"

"I’ve made arrangements to relocate to a residence in the capital," Casaio began without hesitation. "Zilia and I will be moving there tomorrow. She is my mate, and I’ve chosen her to be my forever woman."

He didn’t pause to let her interrupt, keeping his gaze locked on hers.

"I’m not here to listen or submit to my mother’s decisions anymore. I will live the life I choose, not the one chosen for me."

Mabel’s expression remained composed, but her eyes darkened with fury.

"I will never accept a spy, a betrayer, as the daughter-in-law of this family," she said coldly. "I had hoped that giving you space would open your mind to reason. But clearly, I underestimated how far you’d stray."

She didn’t stop there and continued with a quivering voice, "Zilia could have cost you your life. You witnessed that yourself. If something happens to you in the future, who will be responsible?"

Her composure began to falter. The mist in her eyes showed how hurt she was. Her eldest son, the one she had trusted the most, believed would never make her feel low, had chosen the very woman who once posed a threat to him. To her, it felt like betrayal.

"Mom," Casaio spoke in a gentle voice. "What Zilia did wasn’t her choice. You know that. She never laid a hand on me. Yes, her mission was to kill me, but she didn’t. She defied her orders. That’s why Luke kidnapped my beta... to force me into submission."

He paused, meeting his mother’s wounded gaze.

"The least you could do is bless me. I’m not asking for your approval, just your grace."

Mabel didn’t respond, and Casaio’s voice dropped lower, but it carried more weight.

"And I know why Gabriel left the palace so suddenly. You’re the one who brought Riley here, so that she could hurt Amelie. You wanted to test the limits of that pendant’s power. Don’t deny it... I know everything."

Her eyes widened slightly, but Casaio didn’t press further.

"But I won’t argue about Gabriel. That’s his battle, not mine. I came here to speak for my own life, and my own choices."

Raidan had just stepped in from the corridor when he heard the tail end of their conversation. His steps slowed, and his brows drew together in a tight knot.

"Who allowed Riley into the palace?" His voice rang with authority as his gaze settled firmly on Mabel.

Startled, Mabel rose to her feet immediately. "Your Majesty," she murmured, bowing her head in greeting. Casaio, too, turned and bowed respectfully to his father.

But Raidan didn’t acknowledge the gestures. His focus remained fixed.

"Is it true?" he asked sharply. "Did you help Riley?" His tone wavered with disbelief. "How do you even know her, Mabel? And why–why would you do this?"

Casaio glanced sideways at his mother. Even he wasn’t sure how she’d explain herself now.

"Mabel, why are you silent?" Raidan’s voice rose. "Answer me!"

"I wanted to test the pendant’s power," she admitted.

"And you used Amelie as the bait?" Raidan’s voice thundered in disbelief, his eyes wide with fury. "She’s pregnant, Mabel! What’s wrong with you? How could you endanger her like that? All this time, I kept wondering why Gabriel suddenly left. Why he stopped returning my calls or messages. And now I understand. My son left... and he never once said a word. But now I know. Mabel, this time—" he exhaled deeply, trying to steady himself, "this time, you’ve truly disappointed me."

"Your Majesty, my intention wasn’t–"

Dominick and Katelyn arrived in the main hall too from outside when they heard the thundering voice of their father. Even they were shocked upon learning the truth.

"Stay quiet!" Raidan angrily spat at her, not letting her finish. "You will be punished for this. All these years, I have only forgiven you for whatever you did to Gabriel. But this time, I won’t let it slide. You will stay locked in your manor for next ten days. No one is allowed to see you. Whoever does it will face my wrath."

All his three children were quite stunned. Mabel was never once punished like this before. They knew how much their father loved and respected their mother.

"Your Majesty," Mabel stepped up, "I request you to–"

"I won’t listen to any of your request," Raidan interrupted her again. "What’s there even left? You need to understand the gravity of your mistake? You targeted a woman who’s carrying a pup. You took advantage of her vulnerable situation. And you let an intruder enter the palace. You betrayed my trust as well, Mabel. How are you supposed to rectify all of this?"

Mabel lowered her eyes in shame. She never imagined a day like this would ever come. She was guilty of her action. But it was too late.

~~~~

Gabriel carried Amelie upstairs gently in his arms. She had drifted off to sleep during their drive back from the golf club, her head resting against his shoulder, completely at peace.

He lowered her onto the bed with care, adjusting the pillows behind her and pulling the duvet over her body to keep her warm. For a moment, he stood there, watching her sleep.

Then he moved toward the window and drew the curtains shut, blocking out the golden strands of evening light that had started to creep across the floor.

Afterward, Gabriel stepped into the washroom to freshen up. When he returned, now dressed in more comfortable clothes, the soft vibration of his phone on the table caught his attention.

He picked it up, and his brows drew together. There were twenty missed calls from his father.

Without hesitation, he answered the call and brought the phone to his ear.

"Yes, Dad?" he said and walked out of the room, shutting the door behind him. "Good evening, Dad."

"Good evening. You finally answered my call," Raidan said, feeling at peace. "Why didn’t you tell me the reason you and Amelie suddenly left? Did you think I wouldn’t take any action?"

Gabriel’s eyebrows cocked up. ’Does Dad know?’ he thought.

As if reading his thoughts, Raidan continued, "Yes, I know everything. Your mother let an intruder into the palace."

There was a pause after that.

"Gabriel, forgive me. I failed to keep your mother in check. I’ve punished her for what she did. I know I should’ve done it long ago, but I didn’t... and I’m truly sorry. If Amelie is with you, let her know I apologize to her as well."

Gabriel remained silent.

"Are you there, son?" Raidan asked, sensing the long pause.

"I’m here," Gabriel finally said. "But let me be clear. I’m not coming back to that place. You may have punished her or even forgiven her, but none of that matters to me. Amelie trusted her. She tried to mend our family, to bring peace. But the Queen destroyed everything we were trying to build. I won’t let Amelie return to a place that tried to break everything in her."

And with that, Gabriel ended the call without another word. He slid the phone back into the pocket of his trousers.

Then, looking down, his eyes landed on Carlos who was coming from outside.

Gabriel descended the stairs. "Where did you go today?" he asked with a smile.

Carlos tilted his head. "I went to meet someone of my kind."

"Who?"

"Glenice Pavoni."

"And who is that?" Gabriel questioned.

"A witch, who is known for her charms and spells. None can beat her in that. I went to speak with her regarding writing protective charms for you and Amelie," Carlos answered.