Chapter 1024
Yuvan reprimanded Stephanie, ordering her to return and reflect on her behavior, warning her against further embarrassment. Fiona summoned Sabrina and left with her. Upon leaving, Fiona signaled her maid to follow Carissa and Violet. While the estate lacked hidden chambers or prisons, it wasn't a place for unsupervised wandering. Molly's naiveté worried Fiona; she feared Molly might be unwittingly exploited.
Wayne had been observing Rafael, who, despite speaking with Yuvan, displayed displeasure. His gaze frequently drifted outward, resembling a minor lovers' quarrel—annoyance coupled with reluctance to separate. Carissa's earlier outburst confirmed Wayne's suspicion that her visit to Edgeview Estate aimed to defend Avis and vent long-simmering frustration. Wayne judged that allowing Carissa to release this tension was beneficial. Though they had left, Rafael remained, simplifying matters.
"Rafael, how is your mother doing?" Yuvan inquired politely.
"Thank you for your concern, Uncle Yuvan. Mother is well. How is Lady Ruth? Is she feeling better?" Rafael replied.
"She's finally improving," Yuvan said, sighing with relief.
"That's good to hear," Rafael said, smiling. "So, when do you plan on returning to Valken?"
Yuvan chuckled heartily. "Don't you want me to stay in the capital, my dear nephew? Why the rush back to Valken?"
Rafael smiled faintly. "It's nothing. I was just asking."
"His Highness likely returns to Valken by month's end," Wayne interjected.
Rafael took a sip of his drink, seemingly indifferent, his gaze again drifting to the window. After a long silence, Wayne, unable to discern the prince's true intentions, realized Rafael wasn't asking further questions. He doubted their visit stemmed solely from Molly's dinner invitation; another reason existed, though it remained elusive. Lacking sufficient information, direct inquiry seemed unwise.
Just as Wayne considered changing the subject, Rafael addressed Yuvan with subtle reproach:
"Uncle Yuvan, forgive my frankness, but your treatment of Aunt Avis was cold and heartless. No wonder Carissa is upset."
Yuvan and Wayne were surprised, exchanging a confused glance. Carissa's tantrum followed by Rafael's reproach was unexpected. However, his intervention felt less about the initial conflict and more about rectifying his earlier confrontation with Carissa. His approach lacked any overt ulterior motive; a manipulative individual would have sought information rather than acting petulantly.
Meanwhile, Carissa and Violet followed Molly through the garden, an area bustling with servants but lacking guards. Uninterested in the flowers, Carissa gestured to nearby maids. "Fetch some snacks. We'll sit in the pavilion."
Molly, upon the maids' brief hesitation, snapped, "What are you waiting for?"
Two maids curtsied. "Yes, Your Grace. Immediately."
Molly instructed others to prepare the pavilion with cushions. Upon Fiona's arrival, the servants were readying a flower-viewing session. Relieved that Molly hadn't taken them to the study (which would have complicated matters), Fiona still questioned their presence as mere guests. She resolved to win Violet over to ensure her return, as Violet remained useful to Yuvan.
With a bright smile, Fiona approached. "Your Grace, Ms. Spencer, why not enjoy the flowers further?"
"We've seen them. Neither of us cares for flowers," Violet replied.
Fiona offered Violet a handkerchief. "Ms. Spencer, to wipe your sweat."
Despite the pleasant spring weather and short walk, Violet accepted, thanking her and inviting Fiona to sit. Fiona observed Carissa's lingering anger and her unwillingness to interact, noting her vacant stare. Remembering Carissa's earlier remarks, Fiona avoided provoking her. Unbeknownst to Fiona, Carissa wasn't lost in thought; she was covertly counting servants and listening intently, observing their actions.