Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair)
Chapter 254

After leaving the palace, Carissa helped Ryan onto the carriage and headed toward Highcrest Estate. It was already evening, and the men of the Klein family would be finishing their duties and returning home. Inside the carriage, Ryan used Carissa's palm as a writing surface.

He scrawled, [Going to Grandpa's house?]

Carissa nodded and replied, "Yes, we're going to your grandfather's house. Don't you miss them?"

Ryan nodded and wrote a single word, [Yes!]

Yet, his expression was tinged with worry. The child was sensitive, and the Klein family's disbelief in his return made him fear they might not want to see him.

Carissa noticed his anxiety and reassured him, "Ryan, don't worry. Your grandparents, uncles, aunts, and everyone else are very eager to see you. They just don't believe you're still alive. Once they see you, they'll be very happy."

Ryan leaned against Carissa, his sharp little chin raised slightly. He opened his mouth, trying to make a sound, but nothing came out. He looked disheartened.

Would they be repulsed because he was now mute and crippled?

After thinking it over, he wrote on Carissa's palm, [Will they dislike me?]

Carissa's heart ached at his words. She gently stroked his hair, and comforted him, "Silly child, they'll be overjoyed to see you. How could they dislike you? Don't think such things. They will be very happy."

But Ryan had endured too many rejections, scorn, and beatings while he was a beggar. His confidence was shaken by the reports of the Klein family's disbelief. He feared that their disbelief mea they despised him for being a beggar before this.

When they arrived at the entrance to Highcrest Estate, Ryan hesitated to leave the carriage. He hid behind the curtain and shook his head at Carissa, unwilling to step out.

Carissa patiently said, "Ryan, don't be afraid. I've met your uncle before. He really wants to see you, and so does everyone else. It's true."

Ryan continued to shake his head, pointing at his throat and then at his leg, his eyes filled with frustration and sorrow.

Carissa sighed inwardly. It was clear he was feeling insecure.

She approached Highcret Estate's gatekeeper and said, "Please inform them that Carissa Sinclair from the Duke of Northwatch's family has brought Ryan to meet the elders."

The gatekeeper peered in but didn't see anyone in the carriage. However, it was clear that someone from the Duke of Northwatch's family was present.

So he said, "My lady, please wait a moment. I will inform them right away."

The gatekeeper went in to report to the steward, who instructed him to keep the visit quiet and discreetly notify Anthony, who had recently returned from his duties.

Anthony frowned upon hearing the news. "She's brought that child beggar with her?"

The steward nodded. "Yes, my lord. They're at the gate. I heard that the child is reluctant to leave the carriage, so Lady Sinclair is still outside."

Anthony was displeased with Carissa's approach. He understood her intentions all too well. If the Klein family recognized this child as Ryan Sinclair, Carissa's chosen child could live as Ryan and become the heir to the duke's title and estate.

However, Anthony was determined not to allow it. The Klein family would not acknowledge someone who was not truly Ryan as Ryan.

"Don't disturb others. I'll go out and meet them myself," Anthony said.

He wanted to clarify the situation at the gate without allowing Carissa entry or alerting others, fearing the news might reach his grandmother.

The older woman was in no condition to handle such stress.

He and the steward stepped outside, seeing the carriage stopped at the main gate. Carissa was bending over, speaking through the carriage window.

Anthony cleared his throat and stood silently.

Carissa turned around and saw Anthony standing behind her with a stern expression. She greeted him," Anthony."

Anthony gave a slight nod, glanced at the carriage, and saw a small hand quickly pull down the curtain, hiding the occupant's face.

With an expression of cold detachment, Anthony addressed Carissa, "I understand what you re trying to do, but the Klein family will not cooperate. There is only one Ryan. No one can replace him. You have many other relatives in the Sinclair family. If you like one of them, you can just adopt them to inherit the duke's title. There's no need to replace a child that looks like Ryan, especially one that used to be a child beggar."