Chapter 696 (+25 BONUS)

Helen randomly picked up a hairpin. A gemstone was set in its head, and she instantly recognized the craftsmanship. It was from The Gilded Tower, a shop that sold imitations of The Golden Tower's merchandise.

She picked up a bracelet and examined its similar quality. Dozens of such items lay on the table. Combined with the banknotes and ingots, the items totaled roughly a thousand silver coins.

Initially, Helen suspected Janice of theft. However, who at Hell Monarch Estate would buy jewelry from The Gilded Tower? Helen herself had sold off all such items to distance herself from them.

"Lily, take everyone else out," Carissa ordered. "I'll interrogate her with my mother-in-law."

"Understood." Lily waved, leading everyone out, including Mindy and Sonia, who looked equally shocked. They had shared a room with Janice and knew nothing of her apparent wealth.

Violet entered, closed the door, and grabbed Janice's chin. "Caught you red-handed. What do you have to say for yourself?"

"I didn't steal the earrings!" Janice protested, her face pale and trembling as the situation's gravity sank in. She realized this was a setup.

Carissa's tone remained calm. "If you didn't steal them, where did the money and jewelry come from? Were they gifts from my mother-in-law?"

Janice's lips quivered. "T-Those are mine. I bought them myself. The banknotes are from my savings."

"Your savings? How much is your monthly allowance? Should I call the accountant to calculate how this is possible?"

"I-I saved up when I was working in the palace…" Janice stammered, sweat beading on her forehead.

Carissa said calmly, "I don't care how you acquired the silver coins, gold ingots, or jewelry. However, the Mystic Pearl earrings were found in your possession. As a palace maid, you will be returned to the palace tomorrow and handed over to the Royal Management Department as punishment."

Janice's face was ashen. She realized the theft was a pretext—Carissa had seen through her. Being sent to the Royal Management Department meant being within Eleanor's reach, and with her usefulness at an end, Eleanor would ensure her silence permanently. Janice knew she would die.

Her lips trembled violently. All she could manage was a weak, "N-No…"

Chapter 190 (+25 BONUS)

"Take her away and tie her up in the woodshed," Carissa ordered. "She'll be sent back to the Royal Management Department tomorrow. My mother-in-law and I will personally report this to the palace. We won't handle matters privately with a palace maid."

Violet opened the door, signaling for Janice to be taken away. Janice felt utterly weak, tears streaming down her face as she was dragged out. Spotting Mindy and Sonia, she cried, "Sonia, help me! Save me…!"

Helen remained silent while Carissa refilled her cup.

"Mother, have another cup," Carissa said.

Helen glanced at Carissa, then at Violet, and finally at Gillian. "What was going on with her? Who did she collude with to harm us?"