Chapter 1027

Jacob noticed Travis had digressed and quickly intervened.

“Mr. Mullen, we can’t use Prince Rafael as an example. Such men exist, but that’s irrelevant to our current discussion.”

Travis adopted a look of deep sympathy, as if offering sage advice, and continued, “Vivi says she doesn’t want to marry, and I agree. If she doesn’t marry, she won’t get hurt. Young love is intense, but it often fades into something unpleasant. It’s like iron coated in gold—once the coating wears off, the iron rusts and decays. Even genuine feelings can end that way. Then there’s Yuvan, scheming and devoid of love's sweetness. He's like an old thief. The moment a woman like Vivi—someone who could heal his broken heart and help him—enters his life, he becomes a dog in heat, revealing his worst traits.”

Jacob was utterly lost. After a long pause, he asked, “Did your mentor say that?”

How could anyone utter such weary yet insightful words without considerable experience? Travis couldn't have conceived such a statement.

“Yeah, my mentor has said things like that. Want to hear more?” Travis grinned.

“No thanks,” everyone responded in unison, clearly disgusted.

Yet, Travis’s words held truth. Everyone paused to reflect, realizing his perspective stemmed from human nature, eclipsing Yuvan's previous behavior.

Carissa quietly noted the number of skilled servants and maids she’d encountered at Edgeview Estate earlier that evening.

“There were eighteen maids and twenty-three attendants. They didn’t seem like suicide soldiers. Suicide soldiers undergo intense training, especially for high-risk situations. They instinctively react defensively due to their life-or-death training. I tested three today—one maid and two attendants. They showed no change in expression or bodily reaction under unexpected pressure,” she said.

Rafael nodded. “I agree. Suicide soldiers need not be calm; they need to be ruthless and completely obedient. Such composure suggests martial arts expertise, likely bodyguards.”

They were martial arts experts with crisis training, but their movements were calculated. Suicide soldiers, however, operate in the shadows, relentlessly pursuing their targets to the death.

When Icarus tried to assassinate Carissa, he used suicide soldiers. Several were captured and tested. As Carissa predicted, they reacted as expected.

“I’ve searched nearly all of Edgeview Estate except the study in the central courtyard,” Carissa said. “I didn’t sense the bloodlust of a suicide soldier, but I can’t rule them out. Hidden rooms or secret chambers might exist.”

“I’ll look into it,” Violet replied.

“No,” Carissa firmly interrupted. “You’re not going back to Edgeview Estate.”

“Why not? It’s the perfect opportunity! That was the plan.”

Carissa shook her head. “We didn’t know how vile Yuvan truly is. You can’t go. He’s cunning and vicious, using various poisons. If he poisons you and controls your mind, you’ll be forced to obey.”

“I’ll be careful,” Violet insisted. “I might find the suicide soldiers myself.”

Carissa was adamant. “No! That wasn’t our purpose. We weren’t looking for suicide soldiers—we were assessing Molly’s intentions and the estate’s security. All their guards are disguised as servants and maids, blending in unpredictably. That’s even more dangerous. If you’re trapped, escape will be impossible. You can’t go,” she reiterated. “If they invite you again, refuse. Travis, keep an eye on her.”

Violet grinned playfully. “If you tell me not to go, I definitely won’t.”

Having Travis watch her was useless. He was easily bribed—a weakness she lacked.