Chapter 591

The next day, Carmen and Greta returned to Hell Monarch Estate to return the horse and deliver gifts of gratitude. Luke met them, but after waiting without seeing Carissa, they departed. As they left, they encountered Violet.

Violet greeted Carmen warmly, saying, "Ms. Lester, you've returned the horse? The estate has been busy. Let's discuss martial arts in a few days."

Carmen curtsied. "Thank you, Ms. Spencer. I will seek your guidance later."

Violet smiled and waved. "You should go. I have tasks to attend to."

As they entered their carriage, Greta muttered, "Why the long way? You didn't see the princess consort, but Ms. Spencer was enthusiastic. Start with her. Gaining her favor will greatly increase your access to the estate."

Discontented with the delay, Greta continued, "Your sister is efficient, but you're too soft-spoken. Do you want to rescue your mother or not?"

"Sage Greta, please speak to Mother and let me see my mother. I'll do my best afterwards," Carmen pleaded.

"Wait a few days," Greta replied.

Carmen bowed low. "Sage Greta, please! One meeting. If you plead with Mother, I promise to complete my task. Now is the best time. With Princess Kiera's wedding, things are chaotic. I can still return to Harmony Palace, but if Prince Rafael notices me, they'll investigate. Then I won't even see my mother."

Seeing Greta unmoved, Carmen cried, her voice filled with sorrow and indignation, "If I risk my life, I deserve a reward! I can't serve Mother without knowing how my mother is!"

Greta, realizing she needed to offer hope (no one, however obedient, is completely controllable; a mother-daughter bond is powerful), relented. "Wait. I'll help you plead your case."

"Thank you, ma'am! Thank you!" Carmen cried, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I'll never forget your kindness."

Greta's expression remained stoic. Though Carmen was nominally her apprentice, she was merely a tool. She felt no pity.

Chapter 591

Rafael had already investigated the Lester family, Carmen, Celeste, and the brothel Celeste had been in. Though Eleanor raised Celeste in the palace, Samuel's meeting her there suggested unsavory dealings.

Yesterday, Rafael reported the rescue to the king. Salvador praised him and mentioned Yuvan's return to the capital. Salvador showed no suspicion toward their uncle. The king sighed, saying, "I suggested taking Lady Ruth to Valken, but Uncle Yuvan insists on palace physicians. He believes it's safer here. He's worried I'll suspect him, so he keeps Lady Ruth in the capital to reassure me. But I've never doubted him. His caution prevents their family's reunion. He and Uncle Harvey are overly cautious, but I can't blame them. They've always been that way."

Rafael remained silent. His speaking might make Salvador suspicious of the wrong people. However, action was needed.

Yuvan's return signaled a larger strategy, mostly based on Eleanor. It was time to expose her true nature.