Chapter 749

Carmen's shoulders trembled, tears streaming down her cheeks. Violet offered no comfort, instead gazing down the alley. Why wasn't Ivy here yet?

After a moment, Carmen's voice thick with emotion, said, "When I brought Mom back that day, she told me in the carriage not to trust anything my sister said. I think Mom already knew about everything, but I don't understand why my sister would do that."

Did Carmen finally believe Violet's words?

Violet turned, surprise etched on her face. "Your mother really said that to you? Then she must know. As for why Celeste did it, your mother probably knows that too. You should ask her when you get back." Just then, Ivy rode into the alley on a donkey.

Violet waved and called, "Ivy, over here!"

Ivy spotted them and approached, slightly confused by their location outside Lester Estate's entrance.

"Why were you waiting here?"

"They're not living at Lester Estate anymore. They're over there," Violet said, then glanced at Carmen. "Don't act impulsively. Your mother's condition is serious. Cari specifically told me to ensure she receives treatment. You can disregard her good intentions, but don't let your emotions jeopardize your mother's health."

Ivy looked at Carmen, whose eyes were red and swollen. "What happened? Does she not need treatment anymore?"

Carmen quickly wiped her tears and bowed slightly. "Ma'am, please come with me."

"Alright, you two go ahead. I'll be leaving," Violet replied, her pride flaring. She didn't want to argue further. She knew her words could hurt, and she didn't want unfair treatment herself.

Carmen gently tugged Violet's sleeve. "I'm sorry for how I acted earlier, Ms. Spencer. Please don't be mad. I just I just can't accept this right now."

Tears streamed down her face again, a shattered look in her eyes. "In just a few short days, I've learned that my father betrayed me, the Lester family doesn't want me, and my sister wants to harm my mother. I just don't understand why it's come to this. Is the world truly so cruel? They are my family. Why would they do this?"

The alley was cold, the wind howling, drowning out Carmen's sobs. Her nose was red, and Violet felt a pang of regret for her harsh words.

Carmen had grown up with no one to lean on. Even her martial arts master, Greta, was one of Eleanor's people. Yet, Carmen possessed a strong will, admirably rising above her circumstances.

Chapter 749 406 BONUS +25

If Violet were in Carmen's shoes, she doubted she could survive such dire conditions, especially since Carmen had so readily entrusted Carissa with that note. It was clear Carmen easily believed others, and such people often suffered.

Violet walked back with them.

After Ivy examined Melanie, her brow furrowed with concern. "Her lung condition is very serious. Has she been coughing up blood?"

Melanie managed a weak smile. "Yes, I've been coughing up blood for over a month now."

Carmen stood anxiously beside her, her voice trembling. "Can she be treated?"

Ivy didn't directly answer, instead writing a prescription. "First, we'll start with medication. Here's the prescription. The medicine isn't rare; any pharmacy should have it."

Carmen looked at Ivy with hopeful eyes, silently pleading for reassurance, but Ivy avoided her gaze. She pulled a bottle of medicine from her kit and placed it on the table. "If the coughing gets severe, take one pill. It will help. But this medicine only alleviates the cough. You still need to take the prescribed medicine twice a day."

Carmen recognized the Arcane Sanctum emblem on the medicine box—their medicines were expensive. She tugged at Violet's sleeve, pulling her aside.

"Ms. Spencer, you said you could lend me some money. Is that still possible? I promise I'll repay you."

Violet reached into her purse and handed Carmen a banknote. "Here's a hundred silver coins to start with. When you're ready to do business, come back for another two hundred."

"That's too much! Just setting up a stall to sell pulled pork only requires a few silver coins," Carmen protested.

"Take it for now. If you don't use it, just return it. Besides, your mother still needs treatment and medicine." Violet had noticed Ivy's averted gaze, indicating Melanie didn't have much time left.

Carmen reluctantly accepted the money. "Alright, I'll see Ivy out and get the medicine."