Chapter 695 (+25 BONUS)
A large-scale search naturally caught Helen's attention. She had gone to bed early and was fast asleep when the commotion outside woke her. Gillian, sleeping in the same room, was asked to check what was happening.
When Helen learned that a servant had stolen Violet's Mystic Pearl earrings, her anger flared.
"Our household provides a much better life than other estates," she exclaimed. "The person who stole the earrings doesn't appreciate that. If I catch them, I'll have their arms broken!"
"Lady Carissa has arrived," someone announced from outside.
"Why is she here instead of handling things outside? I'm already in bed," Helen grumbled, reluctant to leave her warm bed in the cold night air.
Carissa strode in confidently, alone. She knew the Mystic Pearl earrings would be found in Janice's quarters and that, since Janice originally served under Helen, Helen should decide how to deal with her.
Helen's displeasure vanished at the sight of Carissa; a warm smile graced her lips. "What brings you here? It's a chilly night, and you didn't even put on extra layers. Come, have a seat." Carissa nodded respectfully, settling on the edge of the bed, aware her mother-in-law preferred to stay there.
"I'm sorry to have disturbed you so late, Mother. It's my fault for not managing the household more strictly."
"Oh, it's not a big deal. It's just quite a fuss at this hour. Why not search tomorrow instead?" Helen yawned.
"If we wait until tomorrow, the thief could easily dispose of the earrings. They're worth quite a bit of money," Gillian explained.
Helen hummed in acknowledgment, glancing calmly at Gillian as if challenging her presumption.
"Make some coffee," Carissa instructed. "It's late, and we can't hold out without a cup. I see your eyelids are about to close, Mother."
Helen waved her hand dismissively. "No coffee for me. If I drink it at this hour, I won't be able to sleep tonight."
"Just a little to help us stay awake. If we catch the thief, you can reprimand them. Your status alone would intimidate them and ensure they never do it again," Carissa said.
Helen understood the implication. While her status was prestigious, she rarely involved herself in household matters. A few words of reprimand wouldn't intimidate anyone. Besides, Carissa was efficient; it didn't make sense that a minor theft would be brought to Helen in the middle of the night, especially with the expectation that she would intimidate the thief.
Chapter 695 (+25 BONUS)
Clearly, Carissa already knew who the thief was.
Helen narrowed her eyes and glared at everyone in the room. "Who among you took it? Return it now while Carissa is still here, and I might still be able to plead for your sake."
Her staff consisted of Mindy, Sonia, and Gillian. If her daughter-in-law had made such a fuss, it had to be someone close to her, not a random servant.
Mindy and Sonia quickly knelt. "Your Grace, we haven't taken anything."
Helen initially suspected one of them. With a search underway, they wouldn't be able to hide it for long; confession offered a chance for mercy. Waiting would make it too late to beg for leniency. But both denied it.
Helen turned to Gillian, her suspicion deepening. Could it be this old woman? She had mentioned that Helen's pay wasn't much.
Gillian caught the doubt in Helen's eyes and frowned. "Am I that kind of person?"
Helen looked away. She did trust Gillian; the elderly woman had been with her since childhood, more family than servant.
This was strange. If it wasn't any of her close servants, then who?
Carissa smiled at Mindy and Sonia, still kneeling. "You can both get up now. Go make some coffee. Mother and I could use something to clear our heads."
Helen realized the situation was more serious than she'd anticipated. This was likely not just about stealing. Her heart skipped a beat. "Go on, prepare the coffee."