Chapter 582

Violet and Carissa shuddered at the thought. To throw a newborn baby to its death was an act of unimaginable cruelty.

Carmen managed a bitter smile. “Such things… who knows how many cruel and vicious secrets are hidden in the Grand Princess’s inner palace? I once had a younger brother. When my mother was pregnant, she was sure it was a boy.

“She knew my father couldn’t protect her and that the Grand Princess wouldn’t allow a boy to live. Boys were doomed from the start. So, my mother wanted to escape, but the Grand Princess had people watching her. Once you enter the Grand Princess’s inner palace, the only way out is as a corpse.”

Carmen wiped her tears and continued, “My father promised to help her escape. My mother believed him and waited for a chance. When the time finally came, it was almost too late, but she finally had a chance—the Grand Princess was out for a banquet and wouldn’t return until late.”

“Did she manage to escape?” Violet asked, both angry and anxious.

“She did escape, but was caught halfway. My brother was born in the carriage, and they didn’t even cut his umbilical cord. When they were dragged back to Harmony Palace, my mother and brother were pulled across the ground all the way to Fragrance Courtyard. By the time they got there, my brother had stopped crying. His skin was torn, and he was just a bloody mess. He wasn’t even breathing anymore,” said Carmen.

Carissa, Rafael, and Violet had seen the brutality of a battlefield many times. However, that was a war between nations, where lives were exchanged and cruelty was unavoidable. But now, they were talking about the Grand Princess’s inner palace—how could she commit such insane and vicious acts? How cruel and twisted could a person’s heart be?

Carmen looked at Carissa, her smile full of despair. “You haven’t seen my mother or the other concubines in Harmony Palace. If you did, you would understand why the Grand Princess treated them that way.”

Goosebumps erupted all over Carissa’s skin as she had a sudden realization.

“Could it be that they all resemble my mother?” she asked sharply.

Carmen’s tears fell freely. “That’s right. My mother was mistreated so horribly because she resembles Madam Sinclair. The Grand Princess gathered every woman who resembled Madam Sinclair and made them my father’s concubines. She humiliated them, tortured them, and took out all her hatred for Madam Sinclair on them.”

Carissa clenched her fists, a glimmer of lethal intent in her eyes.

Violet’s face turned ashen. Her voice seething with anger, she declared, “We’ll kill her!”

Grasping Carissa’s hand, Rafael turned to Carmen and asked, “What is your mother’s name? What is her connection to the Lester family that Greta mentioned?”

Since Greta had provided a specific address, they would need to verify it upon returning to the capital. If the verification didn’t match, they would doubt Carmen’s words, and Eleanor’s plan would be jeopardized.

“My mother’s name is Melanie Lester. The Lester family is my mother’s natal family. They were also coerced and enticed by the Grand Princess. Moreover, as merchants, they couldn’t possibly stand against Grand Princess Eleanor,” Carmen replied.

“Carissa, your mother’s name is Melanie Sullivan,” Violet said angrily.

Still on her knees, Carmen pleaded, her voice choked and broken, “Just because they share the same name and look alike, my mother endured even more suffering than other concubines. Your Grace, I swear that if you can save my mother, I will repay you with my life. I have no other option but to beg you. I know you do not like Grand Princess Eleanor either. We can join forces. Whatever you need from me, just give the order. I will face any danger for you.”

Carissa helped her up. “You will come back to the capital with me and follow their plan for now. I don’t fully trust you yet. I need to investigate once we return. But if you’re sincere, tell me—what’s hidden in the western courtyard of Harmony Palace?”

Previously, Carissa had thought the western courtyard might be where the concubines were hidden. But if it were only concubines, it wouldn’t be so heavily guarded.