Chapter 1087

Violet pondered, feeling a pang of guilt. She hadn't been able to visit her father. Perhaps writing him a letter and requesting money would atone—spending his money might be a way to honor him.

"Alright, I'll write a letter. Please wait a while," she said.

"There's no need to rush, my dear cousin-in-law. You can write it tomorrow and send it to me then. We won't be leaving for a few days. Why don't you stay and chat with your cousin a little longer?" Yuvan replied with a smile.

Carissa's eyes flashed coldly. Was Yuvan still not giving up?

Violet smiled at Yuvan, unaware of the mischievousness in her expression. "Alright then."

Carissa glared. What was she up to now?

Violet ignored her friend's warning gaze, feigning obliviousness to the unspoken rebuke.

Rafael observed Yuvan's persistent attention on Violet, feeling a surge of disgust. The man wouldn't relent. He hoped to charm Violet, curry favor with the Spencers, and manipulate them—and it seemed he harbored selfish desires as well. Yuvan was truly despicable. Rafael despised him and had no intention of inviting him to a meal. His rare day off was already wasted hosting this family, and he was eager for their departure.

"When do you plan to depart for Valken, Uncle Yuvan?" Rafael asked.

"We'll be leaving in three days. I've already informed His Majesty," Yuvan replied, sounding relieved. He'd been reluctant to leave the capital, fearing Salvador's refusal. To his surprise, the king had agreed.

Rafael smiled. "I'll be busy, so I won't see you off. But I wish you a safe journey."

Yuvan waved dismissively. "No need to see me off. If you're free, visit Valken sometime."

"I'll definitely make the trip," Rafael responded immediately.

Once the unpleasant family departed, Carissa grabbed Violet's ponytail and pulled her to the side hall.

"I see you have some opinions," Carissa said, arms crossed, eyes fixed on her friend.

Violet grinned mischievously. "None at all! I'm just doing what needs doing. Don't I need your approval? Without it, I won't go."

"You're not going," Carissa stated firmly. "Raf has been investigating them for so long, yet we still can't locate their hidden suicide soldiers. Their mansion is full of skilled fighters disguised as maids and servants. It's too risky for you to go alone."

"Of course! Why would I go? That place reeks of bad luck!" Violet exclaimed, shaking her head.

"If you go, we're done. Consider our friendship over," Carissa warned sternly.

"Stop nagging!"

Violet immediately dropped the idea. Carissa wasn't someone to argue with—her word was final. If she said their friendship was over, it would be.

Meanwhile, Rafael and Jacob discussed Yuvan's departure in the study. It was expected, or perhaps Rafael had anticipated it. They'd made no progress finding the suicide soldiers, but knew Yuvan had been expanding his private army. Several search parties had failed to locate the soldiers' hiding place. Therefore, Salvador allowed Yuvan's return to Valken.

Rafael actually believed Yuvan's departure wasn't necessarily good, as the suicide soldiers remained undiscovered. While in the capital, they'd been compelled to protect him. Now, some might remain behind, posing a greater danger. These people seemed to be everywhere, impossible to trace.

"They've been insisting on inviting Ms. Spencer to their estate again," Jacob said, stroking his chin. He hesitated, then added, "Prince Yuvan is quite clear about his intentions. This might be an opportunity to stir things up at Edgeview Estate."

"No," Rafael replied firmly. "We've already been to Edgeview Estate; the suicide soldiers aren't there. There's no need to cause a commotion. It could endanger Violet."

Jacob nodded. "You're right. I was just brainstorming. There's nothing to gain. If they were hiding anything at Edgeview Estate, they'd be incredibly bold."

"Let's wait and see. Once they leave for Valken, we'll have a better idea. Yuvan won't ignore his private army," Rafael said.

Over the next few days, Molly repeatedly invited Violet to Edgeview Estate, but Carissa's warnings deterred her.

Molly complained, "You and I are practically sisters, and now you've turned your back on me? Have you really stopped thinking of me as your cousin?"

Violet, feeling pretense pointless since they were leaving, replied bluntly, "Yeah. When you married Yuvan, I stopped thinking of you as a cousin."

Molly glared. "Fine. Don't come crying to me later!"