Chapter 685

Pigeons from Skywing Spire flew haphazardly across the land, relentlessly exchanging messages. After several days, the birds arrived in the capital two evenings before the Emberfest Festival.

Claire and the others compiled the messages into a letter, which was delivered to Hell Monarch Estate that night. Claire handed the letter to Violet, who, without opening it, summoned everyone to the study. She asked Jacob to read it first, as it concerned Jaina.

After Jacob finished, the veins on his forehead bulged. "This is absurd! It's clearly a conspiracy. That so-called rescue was meticulously planned."

Rafael read the letter and summarized it: "The troublemakers were local thugs hired to cause chaos. The masterminds were from the largest estate in Stonebridge County, belonging to Aunt Eleanor. She was staying there during her visit.

"Carissa, you asked us to investigate Aunt Eleanor's presence in Stonebridge County around the performance troupe incident. She was there. It seems she noticed Jaina during their performance. And those 'bandits'? They were local officials. After Jaina left Stonebridge County with Eleanor, the troupe leader was found dead."

Carissa's expression changed slightly. "How did he die? Was it thoroughly investigated?"

"He starved to death. He was left in a small shack after they broke his legs. The neighbors only reported it when the stench became unbearable," Rafael replied icily, clenching the letter.

Violet seethed. "In other words, that vile woman provided no medical attention. She broke his legs and let him starve! How cruel!"

Carissa's face turned cold. "Jaina left him money. If they hadn't broken his legs, he wouldn't have starved."

"How could such a wicked woman exist? And Jaina—how could she trust that monster?" Violet exclaimed, her cheeks flushed.

Carissa looked at her friend. "You can't blame Jaina. She doesn't know Eleanor's true nature. In Stonebridge County, Eleanor likely has a reputation for generosity and kindness. She saved Jaina and even called a physician for Lucas. How could Jaina suspect a scheme?

"Having foraged for herbs and hunted in the mountains, Jaina likely never imagined she'd become a target. She felt indebted to Eleanor for saving her and for the medical expenses. She thought following the Grand Princess to the capital was repayment, serving as a maid.

"But she was confined to the inner palace. Although Eleanor didn't mistreat her, she likely reassured Jaina about Lucas, using information from Stonebridge County officials, allowing Jaina peace of mind until now."

Violet, regaining composure, said, "I'm sorry, I overreacted. Carissa is right. How could Jaina, an ordinary performer, imagine such a scheme? She understands debts and favors; once she owes one, she feels compelled to repay it."

Carissa's voice grew serious. "Exactly. Jaina exercised caution, but her thoughts were wishful. The kindness was tangible, and she had no real choice."

Carissa tightened her grip on the armrest, her anger boiling. She knew Eleanor was drawn to Jaina because of her resemblance to Melanie Sullivan. Jaina's true savior, Lucas, died because of this.

How could Jaina cope with that? The thought filled Carissa with fury and anguish. She couldn't imagine Jaina's feelings.

After a moment of silence, Jacob spoke, his eyes bloodshot. "We can't tell Jaina about this. I can't imagine her reaction to learning about Lucas."

Everyone nodded in agreement. They knew any of them would find it unbearable.

(Note: The "+25 BONUS" and the seeming Chapter 625 at the end are extraneous and have been omitted as they appear to be a mistake in the original text.)