Chapter 1321

After investigating Willowbrook Estate, Jacob discovered several servants had vanished in recent months. He checked every pawnshop in the capital, but none of the missing servants had been sold there, indicating they'd disappeared elsewhere. His search of government slave registration records yielded nothing.

Ultimately, Violet decided to stay at Willowbrook Estate. She told Carissa, "After all this time with Prince Hayden, I trust him. If he truly intends to deceive me, then I have nothing more to say." However, Carissa insisted Violet bring Bun and Cynthia for protection. If Hayden felt threatened, she reasoned, he wouldn't have objected to their presence. More help was always better. Conversely, any ulterior motives would quickly become apparent.

Carissa saw them off, watching as Hayden greeted them warmly, his face brightening at their arrival. Learning of the additional guests, he clapped and laughed, "Well, it seems my place will be quite lively now! A warm welcome to you all!"

Violet grinned, replying, "In that case, I shall consider this my home."

"That suits me perfectly," Hayden responded, immediately ordering the kitchen to prepare extra food. Carissa, though joining them for the meal, couldn't help but scrutinize Hayden's cheerfulness, wondering if it was genuine. Judging hearts was difficult in this world. After the meal, she returned to Capital Guard Headquarters.

Meanwhile, Violet asked Chaya to show them around. Willowbrook's flowers, though not as magnificent as Meadow Ridge's, were still lovely, adding a touch of elegance. Chaya gave a leisurely tour, pointing out the courtyards. She explained that besides herself and Hayden, only an older steward, Gordon, had lived there, considered part of the family.

"Gordon? Did you change stewards?" Violet asked.

"Yes," Chaya replied calmly. "The previous one returned home—he was simply too old for the job." She paused. "Also, most of Prince Hayden's former servants have returned to their villages. Only Sonny remains—he has no family left, so he stays with His Highness."

Violet exchanged a look with Cynthia and Bun. The changes seemed abrupt. "We saw them last time we were here," Violet remarked.

"They only returned a couple of days ago," Chaya said, walking towards the pavilion, her round face showing fatigue. "I'm sorry, I get tired easily. I need to rest."

They sat, and Violet observed Chaya. "You really should eat less. Every time I return, I see you stuffing food down as if starving."

"I've been so hungry before, I can't help it," Chaya replied.

Violet understood Chaya's past suffering under Eleanor. Hunger was only one of many cruelties. But Violet couldn't remain seated. She stood and strolled outside the Elegant Pavilion—a name she found pretentious. She noticed figures near the trees, initially watching the pavilion, but quickly averting their gaze upon meeting hers.

This surprised her. During her last visit with Carissa, the servants had been busy and never looked their way. These were unfamiliar faces. Of course, she didn't know every servant. They might have been there before, but she'd simply never noticed them.

Returning to the pavilion, she asked Chaya, "Are those new arrivals?" She gestured toward the figures.

Chaya followed her gaze, her expression stiffening before she slowly shook her head. "They were here before."

"Really?" Violet raised an eyebrow. "Then why are they standing there, acting so suspicious?"

"They're here to protect us," Chaya said, her gaze fixed on her knees, hands clasped tightly.

Violet's curiosity was piqued, but she simply nodded and approached the figures. They were startled at first, then composed themselves.

"Greetings, Ms. Spencer," they greeted respectfully.