Chapter 439

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Gillian brought a detailed list showing names, hometowns, ages, years of palace service, and the specific palaces where each servant had worked. On the surface, everything seemed in order.

Only three individuals—Leslie, Janice, and Sonia—had served in other palaces. Leslie had previously served Wanda, one of the late king's noble concubines. After Wanda's death, the queen dowager reassigned Leslie to Helen. Janice and Sonia had originally served Lauren, a concubine favored by the late king. Her death had been sudden, reportedly due to an acute illness.

After Lauren's death, in a fit of anger, the late king sentenced everyone who had served her to death. Janice and Sonia were only spared because Victoria transferred them to serve Helen, who had been ill at the time.

Most of the remaining servants had been brought to the palace by Helen from her residence. Gillian, Helen's wet nurse and caregiver, was not suspected of any wrongdoing. The servants Helen brought from her home were also unlikely to pose problems.

Carissa instructed that extra attention be paid to the three individuals who had previously served in other palaces, with any irregularities to be reported immediately.

As soon as the invitations for Helen's birthday banquet were sent out, some began plotting. One such person was Jessica, who specifically invited Serena to Harmony Palace and asked her to accompany her to the banquet.

Serena was reluctant. She harbored lingering resentment toward Carissa, her former sister-in-law. Why did Carissa get all the luck? How did she become the Hell Monarch's princess consort?

On the day of the banquet, aside from Helen, Carissa would undoubtedly be the center of attention. Serena had no desire to watch her former sister-in-law bask in the spotlight and flaunt her success. However, she dared not refuse Jessica directly, especially since she had already made mistakes and was fortunate that Jessica still wished to maintain their relationship.

So, Serena replied diplomatically, "Our family didn't receive an invitation to the banquet, so wouldn't it be inappropriate for me to attend?"

Jessica smiled and said, "The invitation was sent to my mother and my in-laws. Since it's an invitation to me, I am free to bring anyone I choose."

Serena forced a smile and replied, "You make a valid point, Lady Jessica. It's just"

"Do you still want to be Rafael's concubine? Tomorrow, I'll create an opportunity for you. If you fall in front of him and he catches you, he will have no choice but to take you as his concubine," said Jessica, her impatience evident.

Serena's eyes widened with sudden, intense joy. "Really? If I get what I wish for, I'll never forget the assistance you and Grand Princess Eleanor gave me."

"There will be many witnesses present. As long as he catches you and holds you in his arms, he will have to take responsibility for ruining your reputation. I know Rafael well—he is a responsible man and wouldn't let an innocent woman be mocked and left unable to marry in the future," Jessica replied. Serena's excitement was palpable; her mind swirled with thoughts of Rafael's handsome and imposing face. Her heart raced with anticipation. She knew she was not as beautiful as Carissa, but she was younger and untouched. If her wish came true, Rafael would surely favor and cherish her.

Jessica continued, "When the time comes, I'll make sure you have the nightclothes and jewelry. But you must keep this secret—don't tell anyone. Your household is already known for not keeping things in order. If the servants find out and word gets out, it could ruin your entire future."

"Yes, I'll definitely keep it a secret," Serena promised, trying to calm her racing heart. The thought of Rafael made her face burn with a deep blush.

After Serena left, Jessica scoffed, "What a fool."

"Does she really think she can join the royal family with her status? It's her own greed that binds her. She has only herself to blame," Eleanor said with a cold glint in her eyes.

Rafael would never take Serena as a concubine, but if he were to catch her, it could become a scandal that would tarnish his reputation.

"Mother, Serena may be hopeless, but we should still find someone suitable to marry Rafael as a concubine. That way, we will have control over all future actions at his household," Jessica said.