Chapter 1113

After several baths, Violet finally cleansed herself of the dirt and grime. Emerging clean, she lingered with Carissa, enjoying the pampering. Lulu arrived with a tray of snacks. At the sight of food, Violet abandoned Carissa and rushed to the table.

"Lulu, has Isaac been settled in?" Carissa asked.

"Mr. Luke handled it personally," Lulu replied. "He's in Fortune Hall. I just heard from Mr. Luke that Mr. Isaac consumed two large bowls of ravioli."

Carissa smiled. "He has quite an appetite. Ensure he rests early. Vivi and I will thank him properly tomorrow."

"Understood." Lulu curtsied before leaving.

The two women sat down to eat. Joy and Pearl remained nearby, ensuring Violet received plenty of herbal soup.

"Lily says this herbal soup will help you sleep," Joy said. "She's worried you might have trouble sleeping tonight."

Violet was eating peacefully when Joy's words brought tears to her eyes. Carissa started to offer comfort, but Violet quickly wiped away her tears and continued eating, though her sniffles persisted. She finished her meal in silence, then placed her cutlery down, looking up at Carissa with red-rimmed eyes.

"Hell Monarch Estate feels just like home. Everyone here treats me so well. Can I stay here forever, Cari?"

Carissa smiled softly. "I'd love nothing more."

Violet's eyes welled up again. "I've never suffered such a blow. No wonder Soraya considered ending her life. Cari, if you've never experienced it, you can't understand how terrifying it is. It's worse than murder. I just wish such things never existed."

"It won't happen again. Don't worry," Carissa reassured her gently.

Violet looked at her with intense sincerity. "It's not just for me. I hope no woman ever has to endure such a thing. Murder may be a quick end, but when a woman is violated—there's no way to continue living. It's a slow death. That's why it's worse than murder."

Carissa's eyes held compassion. "Yes… I hope there will never be another."

"How does the law handle something like this?" Violet asked.

Carissa fell silent for a moment before saying softly, "The harshest punishment is beheading. But… very few cases reach court. Trials are lengthy, and often, the abuser is executed without much legal process. As for the wronged woman… she usually doesn't survive long enough to see justice."

Violet's eyes reddened further, her confusion evident. "Then, what should we do? Even if we don't want this to happen, it's inevitable. For all we know, it might be happening elsewhere right now. And those women who are hurt don't dare report it—what will happen to them?"

Carissa had no easy answer. Sometimes, the actions of a few couldn't change the world's course.

"Maybe the real question is, what can we do?" Carissa said quietly.

"What can we do? Just like with me…" Violet mumbled. "Even though he failed, I still have to cover it up. The Spencer family is prominent, and if something happened to me, my elders would be ashamed."

Carissa reached out and took Violet's hand, her gaze firm. "We're not helpless. There are things we can do. Don't you think so, Ms. Heroine?"

The nickname made Violet look up sharply. Their eyes met, and Violet hesitated.

"You're an official. Don't say things like that."

"It's just a casual conversation," Carissa said with a smile.

"It better be! As an official, you must follow the law. We both know that." Violet withdrew her hand, crossing her arms, her expression darkening slightly. It couldn't be that easy; there would be a price to pay.