So there's a contract that limit her responsibility to just up to five children. Probably a contract with her ex-husband's parents, since the husband doesn't seem to care, and it's his mom who is leading the negotiation with Celestine's parents.  I thought she just had enough when he brought the sixth child in and announced divorce.  Can't understand how many land mines that guy dance through though. Celestine is still his official wife, and he never tried to produce any child/heir with her. Even if she's not his type, he still need to do his job as a duke. The children are all raised by her, and he's never there for them, why would he think they would side with him. His dad is probably dead, and his mother not interfering anymore probably from her already having enough and wait to see if her son will just self-destruct or save himself.