Chapter 1232  Malcolm sat in the study, pondering for a moment before sending someone to Inkwood Hall to bring Logan back. However, his efforts were in vain as Logan had gone to Ebonflow with Kiera after the New Year and wouldn’t be back until March.  Furious, Malcolm threw the inkpot on his table. “All he does is play! If it weren’t for the Quinton farfiily’s influence and his marriage to a princess, would he be living such a carefree life?”  The Quinton family’s steward, Mark, suggested, Lord Malcolm, why not send the third lord and his wife instead?”  Malcolm furrowed his brow. “A fool and a simpleton. If I send them, they won’t be able to say a word without making matters worse.”  If only Rafael were still in the capital. Two men could manage a conversation better, but now he would have to go and speak to a woman. How could he possibly maintain his dignity?  This matter couldn’t wait until tomorrow–it had to be dealt with tonight. Gerald’s health wasn’t good, and he was locked up in the cold, drafty cells of the Capital Guard headquarters. Who knew how long he could survive there?  It wasn’t that Malcolm had no one to turn to. He simply couldn’t afford to let anyone find out. He never would have imagined, in all his years, that his dad would have such a secret. There had never been any sign of it before. Gerald had married, had children, and surrounded himself with servants, guards, and attendants. He had always been strict and composed.  When Carissa established her workshop, Gerald had even criticized her for it. The Quinton family was known for its rigid rules, and it was often he who ordered the younger generation to be disciplined on multiple occasions.  Who would have thought that, while the younger generations were staying out of trouble, it was Gerald who had fallen into scandal?  Reluctantly, Malcolm ordered a small carriage to be prepared, intending to make a quiet trip to the Capital Guard headquarters. After tonight’s raid on the gentlemen’s retreat and the capture of so many people, it was likely that Carissa was still at the headquarters.  Malcolm tried to remain discreet, but once he arrived, there would be no need to hide his presence. After all, anyone still there at this hour would be involved in tonight’s operations. Upon arriving at the Capital Guard headquarters, Malcolm stepped out of the carriage, his head covered with a veil as he entered. He first encountered Michael, who was yawning in the courtyard as he gave instructions to the guards on how to monitor the prisoners.  Malcolm considered himself fortunate to have met him. He approached him quietly and said, ” Deputy Commander Brown, I wish to see Commander Sinclair.”  11  +25 BONUS  Chapter 1232  Malcolm didn’t introduce himself, but Michael recognized his voice immediately.  Since Michael had been assigned to another gentlemen’s retreat, he was unaware that Gerald had been captured. Hearing that Malcolm wanted to see Carissa, Michael assumed it was likely to help secure the release of some officials.  He nodded and replied, “Commander Sinclair is in the side hall. I’ll take you there.”  The Capital Guard headquarters had not been renovated for a long time. The building was in a state of disrepair, and the biting wind howled through the cracks, chilling the bones.  Wrapped in a cloak, Carissa had just entered the side hall. It was a makeshift space separated from the main hall, where she usually worked and took short rests. A small coffee table was set up, and she had just taken a sip of hot coffee when Michael arrived with Malcolm.  That was quick.  Could they have known about Gerald’s visit to the gentlemen’s retreat already? Then again, maybe not–it was possible that the Marquis of Glandale went to plead for help.  Commander Sinclair!” Malcolm greeted, bowing with respect.  Carissa stood to return the bow. “Lord Quinton, please sit.”  Her face showed no surprise, as if she had expected him to arrive. Clearly, she had already deduced Gerald’s involvement.  Undeterred, Malcolm sat down across from her, the two facing each other in an obvious standoff. He had prepared himself for a difficult negotiation. On his way here, he had already been bracing himself for the outrageous demands she was bound to make.  Determined to take control of the negotiation, he spoke first as soon as he sat down, saying, ” Commander Sinclair, my niece acted recklessly at Gracewood Women’s Academy and failed to live up to your teachings. I apologize on her behalf.”  He began with a minor apology as a way to test the waters, curious to see what she might demand. If her request was excessive, he was prepared to negotiate further.  “It’s all in the past now. The academy has already resumed admissions, and Ms. Quinton has apologized as well.” Carissa poured him‘ a cup of coffee. “Lord Quinton, you must be anxious, coming all the way here so late. Have some coffee first.”