Chapter 1105
Wayne felt a headache coming on. His thoughts were clouded by irritation at Yuvan's relentless obsession. He'd believed this matter nearly settled, expecting a smooth departure from the capital. Instead, Yuvan insisted on a new arrangement, even deploying suicide soldiers for this task—soldiers who were supposed to remain in the city. Violet's involvement had utterly shattered their plans.
A flicker of anger crossed Wayne's gaze. Had Carissa been eliminated that night and quietly buried, no one would have known. But she had escaped, now holding Yuvan hostage. This was far from easily resolved.
Fortunately, Wayne had anticipated such a scenario and taken precautions. He was prepared for the aftermath and for smoothing things over with the Spencer family. But now… regardless of the outcome, a significant rift with the Spencers was unavoidable, making future dealings considerably more difficult.
Carissa's heart seethed with frustration; her eyes burned with rage as she glared at the two county duchesses hidden in the carriage. Yuvan's audacity—attempting to violate Violet while his own daughters were present!—was appalling. Fiona was a lost cause, and Molly little better. They were all, she thought, scum.
"Lady Carissa, please don't misunderstand," Fiona insisted, attempting to placate Carissa. "Ms. Spencer is Prince Yuvan's cousin-in-law. He couldn't possibly have improper intentions. We're leaving the capital. Why stir up more trouble? This only harms our relationship with the Spencer family."
Her words rang hollow, lacking conviction. But as long as they maintained a united front, even if the king learned of this, it would likely result in only a mild reprimand.
What truly worried Wayne was Carissa's fury. If she killed Yuvan in a fit of rage, it would be disastrous.
Yuvan protested, "Lady Carissa, you've misunderstood! If you don't believe me, ask Ms. Spencer herself!"
Fiona quickly gestured to a suicide soldier. "Tell Her Grace what really happened. Explain everything to her."
The soldier removed his mask, revealing an unremarkable face. His expression was neutral as he spoke, almost reading from a script. "Your Grace, we've been stationed at the courtyard near the western mountain pass. Yesterday, we received orders to prepare for our departure to Valken. While preparing, we saw several people dragging Ms. Spencer up the mountains. Recognizing her as Lady Molly's cousin, we feared for her safety. We intervened and later discovered she'd been drugged with an aphrodisiac. Worried her condition might cause misunderstandings, we hurried her back to the capital and brought her directly to Prince Yuvan."
Another soldier, his voice steady, added, "This situation has caused quite a stir. Villagers nearby witnessed everything; some even assisted. This can all be verified."
It was clear this had been meticulously planned. Once the Spencer family heard this story, they would have no choice but to consent to their daughter's marriage to Yuvan.
Carissa laughed coldly. "Well, the plan is certainly thorough. Mr. Wayne, your strategic skills are impressive."
Wayne sighed, his tone resigned. "If you insist on this interpretation, there's nothing more I can do, Your Grace. Perhaps we should send someone to investigate and clear His Highness's name. As for those who kidnapped Ms. Spencer, they should be thoroughly questioned and turned over to the authorities."
"That's right! You should at least thank us, Your Grace! How can you blame us? Where's the logic? You're being unreasonable!" Fiona added.
Carissa listened, understanding their preparedness for any outcome. Whether Yuvan had succeeded or not, they would spin the story, claiming Violet had seduced him under the influence of the aphrodisiac. He would maintain his righteous stance, claiming he was saving her. And as the matter escalated, no one would pay attention to this thinly veiled lie. All the gossip would turn against Violet, burying her under scandal.
Wayne and Fiona's calm demeanor showed they feared no escalation. Carissa's heart burned with fury, but she forced herself to calm down, considering her next move. She stepped forward, letting the cool night wind brush her face as a cold smile touched her lips.
"In that case, I seem to have misjudged His Highness. It seems he was trying to save the innocent girl. While I don't know her identity, she was kidnapped and drugged—such a sad fate! I'm relieved she's escaped unscathed. It's truly a great comfort to know she's safe now."