Chapter 608

Yuvan, with his entire family, had returned to the capital and settled in. After greeting the Queen Dowager and the King, he brought Fiona and his new princess consort, Molly Spencer, to Hell Monarch Estate. Rafael, on leave and at home, was frustrated by Yuvan's unannounced arrival.

Yuvan was Rafael's uncle, so a meeting was unavoidable, especially with his whole family present. However, proper etiquette would have dictated that Rafael visit Yuvan and his family at Horizon Estate. Yuvan's initiative made Rafael appear arrogant and dismissive, disregarding family hierarchy.

With no better option, Rafael asked his mother, Helen, to join them. This allowed them to maintain the pretense that Yuvan's family was visiting Helen.

The two men exchanged few words; their relationship had never been close, and both were preoccupied. Their conversation was stiff, filled with polite but shallow pleasantries.

Meanwhile, Molly enthusiastically tried to connect with Carissa, repeatedly mentioning Violet. Unknown to Molly, Violet, aware of Molly's arrival, intentionally avoided meeting her.

Carissa scowled at Yuvan throughout, openly displaying her distaste. Since Avis's death, she had awaited Yuvan's return to the capital. Molly's resemblance to Violet intensified Carissa's discomfort, especially recalling Violet's comment about a cousin determined to marry Yuvan.

Yuvan, maintaining a cordial tone, said, "Rafael, serving as Chief Judge seems beneath you. Even I find it unfair. It's merely an administrative position, and you reclaimed the Southern Frontier. The King should have kept you in military command."

Rafael replied, "If you think it's unfair, speak to the King. But I find being Chief Judge suitable; it deals with law and justice. Besides," he added with a wry smile, "don't make mistakes, Uncle Yuvan. I'm impartial, and the Supreme Court tries cases involving the royal family."

Yuvan forced a laugh. "Rafael, you jest."

"He's not joking," Helen interjected. "He's too serious for humor. Be careful in the capital, Prince Yuvan. Rafael follows the rules strictly."

Yuvan laughed, attempting to ease the tension. "Thank you for the reminder, Lady Helen. You're as witty as ever."

+25 BONUS

Helen chuckled, but inwardly despised Yuvan. Knowing Avis's situation, she longed to banish him. Only Victoria's potential disapproval prevented her from abandoning the pleasantries.

As Yuvan spoke with Rafael, he admired Carissa, saying, "You have the spirit of the Duke of Northwatch's family. You and your father are exceptional commanders."

Carissa ignored him, answering Molly's earlier question: "About Violet? She's at the estate, but refused to meet you, even spitting in disgust. Did something happen between you two?"

Yuvan and Molly paled; Yuvan from being ignored, Molly from her secret—defying her family to marry Yuvan—being exposed.

Before their shame could turn to anger, a shrill scream echoed from outside. It was filled with fury and desperation: "Get out of my way! All of you, move! Or I'll kill myself, and there'll be two lives lost! Let Carissa explain that!"

Carissa recognized Viola's voice and felt confused. Had she angered Viola? Viola screamed again, "Carissa! Get out here!" The maids gasped. "Mrs. Warren, please put down the dagger!"

Yuvan's eyes gleamed with amusement. Today promised to be quite a spectacle.