Chapter 746 #25 BONUS

Carmen was taken aback by Violet's appearance. Remembering Carissa and Violet's deception left her disgruntled. Even if it served the plan, deception remained deception. Carmen managed only minimal politeness.

“Is there something you need, Ms. Spencer?”

Violet, perceptive of Carmen's displeasure, softly asked, “Can I come in and talk?”

Carmen stepped aside. “Please.”

Carmen's actions were impulsive. She knew that without Carissa and Violet's secrecy, she would have told Henry. She never imagined her own father would betray her.

The small cabin was modest, with a tiled roof; its entirety was visible at a glance. A small kitchen sat outside; inside, a small hall led to a single room. Sunlight streamed through gaps in the crumbling roof, highlighting its disrepair. Heavy rain would surely flood the place.

Violet tried to ignore the discomfort of the rickety bench in the cramped hall, bathed in sunlight. While Carmen assisted her mother, Violet climbed onto the roof. She hoped to adjust any shifted tiles, but found many broken ones. Replacing them would require purchasing new tiles.

Jumping down, Violet startled Carmen and Melanie, who were outside.

“What were you doing on the roof?” Carmen asked.

“The roof is damaged,” Violet replied. “If it rains, you’ll be in trouble. Even without rain, the wind will whistle through at night; winter will be unbearable.”

Carmen said softly, “I know. I’ll find someone to fix it.”

“It definitely needs repairs,” Violet agreed. Noticing Melanie's unwell appearance, she added, “Why are you helping your mother? She should rest.”

Melanie bowed. “I wanted to thank you and Lady Carissa, Ms. Spencer. Without you, I'd still be in the dungeon—perhaps dead.”

Seeing Melanie's pale complexion and unsteady stance, Violet quickly offered support. “No need to thank us. Just rest. I've called Ivy, a physician, and she'll be here soon.”

Melanie's weakness alarmed Violet; she feared even a sneeze might cause her to collapse.

Melanie waved dismissively. “No, it’s fine. I don’t need treatment.” Violet was confused. Why refuse treatment when ill?

Then, Violet remembered Carmen and Melanie's expulsion from the Lester family, implying financial hardship.

Chapter #25 BONUS

To avoid a direct question, Violet said, “Cari—I mean, Lady Carissa arranged it. She sent the physician. Whether you want treatment is your choice, but you can tell the physician when she arrives.”

Turning to Carmen, Violet said, “Help your mother to bed.”

“I’m grateful for Lady Carissa’s help, but there’s really no need…” Melanie protested, but Violet gently guided her inside to lie down.

The room was worse than the hall. There was one bed and a makeshift one—two benches pushed together, covered with an old quilt—likely Carmen's sleeping arrangement.

Violet couldn't help asking, “Why won’t the Lester family take you back?” She hesitated to interfere, but remembered Carmen's former life of luxury with them.

Carmen's expression hardened; she pulled Violet outside the room.

“Don’t mention that to my mother,” Carmen said firmly.

“Okay,” Violet replied, then realization struck. “You're out of money, aren't you?”

Carmen’s face flushed.

“I’ve never had money. My jewelry was gifts from the Lester family and Grand Princess Eleanor. I’ve never handled money. Now, the Lester family won’t take us back. I only have the clothes I was wearing; I had to leave everything else.”