Chapter 227

Tracing the matter back to Eleanor's estate was relatively easy. So many people had been bought off by Eleanor that some, with weaker nerves, would inevitably reveal everything they knew after a few interrogations by officials.

The investigation reached Eleanor's palace, but Anthony ordered a temporary halt. He decided to visit Northwatch Estate in person to see Carissa.

Carissa's wedding had been conducted with great discretion. There were no lavish feasts, and only three ladies from the Marquis of Highcrest's family attended to present gifts. No one else was present.

Carissa and Anthony had rarely met. She had left home young and seldom stayed in the capital. After returning from Meadow Ridge, the Marquis of Highcrest's female relatives occasionally visited Carissa's sister-in-law. Anthony had visited once or twice, but Carissa, still learning etiquette, only appeared briefly to offer a polite greeting, concealing her face.

The last time Carissa had seen Anthony was during the massacre of her family. Returning home from the Warren family estate, she found him sitting on the bloodstained stone steps, holding a severed and mutilated head. His eyes were dark and haunting, like the sky before a storm.

Hearing he was coming personally, Carissa's hand trembled as she embroidered, pricking her finger. As she watched the blood well up, a dark, menacing presence seemed to engulf her; everything appeared to turn red. She hadn't expected him to come personally; she'd assumed someone else would be sent.

Composing herself, she said softly, "I'll change into another dress and come out right away." After steadying herself, she rose to change her clothes.

Since the massacre, she had had no contact with her sister-in-law's family. While with the Warren family, she had deliberately avoided them at social events. Their relationship was like gunpowder buried deep within; seeing each other only ignited painful memories and wounds that couldn't be suppressed.

Carissa changed into a plain dress, her hands trembling slightly within the wide sleeves. She could never forget the sight of Anthony holding Ryan's mangled head. The memory was too painful and overwhelming.

Reaching the main hall, she took several deep breaths. However, her reddened eyes betrayed her unshed tears. Each step felt as though her feet were weighed down by lead.

She heard Frederick greeting Anthony. Anthony's voice was deep and authoritative, but his responses were curt and minimal.

After several attempts to compose herself, she finally appeared at the doorway of the main hall and slowly stepped inside. Instead of looking directly at Anthony, she lowered her gaze and offered a polite greeting: "Greetings, Lord Klein."

Anthony rose and returned the gesture with a respectful nod. "Lady Sinclair, how are you?"

The formal address felt awkward; their eyes betrayed their discomfort.

"I'm well enough," Carissa replied, her voice trembling slightly. "Please, have a seat."

Anthony gestured for her to sit as well. "Please, take a seat as well."

They both settled into their chairs. Frederick withdrew to the doorway, squinting against the glaring sunlight, his eyes stinging. No attendants or servants approached; the two sat in the silent main hall.

Both were trying to calm their churning emotions and the overwhelming sense of bloodshed. This might be something neither of them—nor their families—would ever forget.

Anthony broke the silence. "At the victory celebration in the palace that day, I saw you and almost didn't recognize you."

Carissa recalled the parade and subsequent palace celebration. She hadn't changed her clothes and was covered in grime.

Chapter 227 +25 BONUS

She managed a faint smile, but tears fell onto the back of her hand as she looked down. Her voice sounded unnatural as she said, "I'm sorry for that."

Anthony took a deep breath, his throat tight with emotion. "Your father and brothers… everyone in the Duke of Northwatch's family would be proud of you."