Chapter 694 (+25 BONUS)

Carissa didn't answer Lulu, but said, "Tomorrow, Raf and I are leaving the city. Can you help me paint my nails so I don't have to rush in the morning?"

"My lady, where are you going tomorrow? Are you taking me?" Lulu asked eagerly, her face lighting up.

"No," Carissa said with a playful glare. "I just feel like going out."

Janice glanced around in confusion. Rafael and Carissa had entered together, yet Carissa was alone. Janice was sure Rafael hadn't left through the locked door. Had he escaped through a window? Why the secrecy?

As they began painting Carissa's nails, Violet called out, "Carissa, I can't find the Mystic Pearl earrings you gave me. Are they here?"

She entered the room, frustrated. "Help me check."

Carissa laughed. "But you never remove your jewelry in my room. How could they be here? Did you forget them somewhere else? Have you looked thoroughly?"

Violet opened Carissa's jewelry box and searched nearby containers. "I've checked everywhere. I planned to wear them tomorrow. Let me see if they're with you."

Carissa owned many pieces of jewelry; those present were only a small selection. Violet's frustration grew as she couldn't find the earrings.

"Could someone have taken them? We don't have thieves, do we?" she asked.

"Impossible," Carissa replied. "You're careless and often leave things lying around. Couldn't they have fallen or rolled under the dresser? I'll ask Lily to help. Lulu, Janice, you can help too."

Violet sighed. "Alright. Those Mystic Pearls are valuable. It's not just the money; they're special because you gave them to me."

"But I need to paint Lady Carissa's nails," Janice protested, wanting to find clues. Perhaps Rafael was still in the room. Their actions were suspicious. Janice would inform Eleanor in the morning if anything happened.

"No need," Carissa said, standing. "I'll look for the earrings too."

Left with no choice, Janice took one last look, confirming Rafael's absence, before following Carissa.

Violet's room was in disarray, with furniture pushed aside. Lily and several maids had arrived to help. They were astonished by the mess.

The room was small, so the search was quick. They also searched the outer courtyard, but found nothing.

Carissa's expression darkened. She said sharply, "Those earrings didn't vanish. If anyone took them, step forward now, and I won't hold it against you. But if I have to find out who did it, don't expect leniency."

Everyone denied taking the earrings.

When Luke arrived, he asked the same question, receiving the same denials.

"A thief would never admit it," Luke said. "Ms. Spencer, when did you realize they were missing?"

"Tonight. I was still wearing them yesterday."

"Then they were likely stolen today, and probably haven't been sold," Luke said. "Your Grace, I suggest we search everyone's quarters."

Carissa nodded. "Since no one is admitting it, go ahead."

Janice paled and tried to flee, but Lily stopped her.

"Janice, Lulu, Pearl, Joy, Qiana, Sydney—you'll come with me. Luke, take guards and search the lower-ranking maids' and servants' quarters," Lily said.

Chapter 641 (+25 BONUS) (This chapter seems unrelated and needs to be separated if it's a different story.)