Chapter 1151

Bernard, the steward of Silverstone Estate, submitted a report that puzzled Zoey. The properties she had sold were swiftly acquired, and at prices significantly above market value—a full twenty percent higher. Zoey, a longtime household manager with extensive experience in property transactions, found this unusual. While some properties occasionally sold for slightly more than market rate, the consistent overpricing of her recent sales was unsettling.

She even considered whether Carissa, suspecting Zoey's financial need, had orchestrated the inflated purchases. Zoey requested the sales agreements and discovered the buyer was Yves Gardner, a name unfamiliar to her. She questioned Bernard, who confirmed he'd never heard of him. The discrepancy, coupled with the high prices, raised concerns about potential risks.

However, upon reviewing the sales documents, Zoey found everything legally sound: proper signatures, seals, registration, and official witnesses. What could possibly be wrong?

“Forget it,” she decided. “Don’t sell any more properties for now. I don’t want to attract Mother’s attention.” Zoey had kept the sales secret from Evelyn, Caspian, and Luna, as they weren't involved in household management. She would explain later, if necessary.

The mystery lingered, though. Later, during Carissa's visit, Zoey casually inquired, “Do you know anyone named Yves Gardner?”

Carissa paused. “Yves Gardner? That’s an uncommon surname in the capital. Did he offend you?”

Zoey shook her head. “Not exactly. I recently sold a small shop, and he was the buyer. His offer was twenty percent above market value.”

Carissa smiled. “Isn’t that fortunate? A good deal for you.”

“It seemed so at first, but it felt odd. Anyone could easily determine the market rate, and he set the price himself—it doesn't add up.”

Carissa chuckled softly. “As long as the transaction is legitimate, the price exceeding market value is irrelevant. Consider it a windfall.”

Zoey felt certain Carissa knew Yves, as she’d avoided a direct answer. Carissa was usually forthright. Zoey suspected Yves was connected to Hell Monarch Estate. Perhaps Carissa, knowing about the sales, had purchased the property out of kindness.

Hesitantly, Zoey decided to speak. “Your Grace, the shop should be sold at its fair market value—no more, no less. I can’t accept your generosity. Let's stick to the market price.” She couldn’t take advantage of Carissa's kindness.

Carissa smiled. “You misunderstand, Madam Zoey. My household didn't buy the shop.”

“But you know Mr. Gardner, don’t you?” Zoey pressed.

Carissa, adept at reading people, realized her slip—she hadn't anticipated Zoey mentioning Yves.

“I know him,” Carissa admitted. “He’s a senior guild member and my fourth apprentice, but I didn’t know he bought the shop, or even that he was in the capital. He hasn’t been to Hell Monarch Estate.”

Zoey’s eyes widened. “He’s your senior guild member? Could you arrange a meeting? The price is far too high. My steward should have known better. Knowing this, I can't accept such generosity.”

“As I said,” Carissa replied, “Yves didn’t tell me he was in the capital. I don’t know his whereabouts. But he’s shrewd; he wouldn’t overpay unless he deemed the shop worthwhile. That’s likely why he offered that amount.”

Carissa understood: Isaac had bought the shop, using Yves's name. She chose to wait, knowing Jacob and Luke were investigating.