Chapter 764

Carissa was unaware that Viola had returned to Silverstone Estate. She had come to discuss matters with Zoey, choosing the evening because she still had cases to handle during the day. The Earl of Silverstone’s family had no close ties with Eleanor, eliminating the need for formal daytime visits, which would require bringing the Capital Guard, to avoid appearing preferential.

Seeing Carissa in women’s attire instead of her uniform, Zoey felt relieved. She greeted, "Hello, Your Grace, Ms. Spencer. It's good to see you!"

"Good day, Mrs. Prince," Violet replied, joining Carissa despite her tiredness. She held a special fondness for Zoey.

"Please come in and take a seat," Zoey said, smiling and instructing servants to bring refreshments.

Once seated, Zoey asked, "Your Grace, you could have sent someone. There was no need to come personally."

"Mrs. Prince, there's no need for formality. I'm here to share some things," Carissa said, glancing at the servants. "Could you ask them to leave?"

Zoey exchanged a knowing look with Jane, who instructed, "Everyone, you may leave now. No need to wait."

After the servants left, Zoey said, "Please speak freely, Your Grace."

Carissa asked, "Have you heard of Ms. Ava Weaver from Weaver Coffee?"

Zoey immediately recalled Caspian's comments after buying ravioli. She had been suspicious of Ava. Her heart raced as she replied, "Yes. My brother-in-law met her a few times, but I haven't heard him mention her since."

She recounted Caspian's encounter at the ravioli stand. "I found it strange and kept an eye on things. I even instructed the servants not to buy Weaver Coffee. Caspian didn't have a good impression of Ms. Weaver either. When he returned for ravioli, the vendor mentioned she hadn't eaten hers, even though they weren't bad. My brother-in-law thought she was wasteful, and hasn't bought her coffee since."

Though unsure what was happening, Zoey instinctively wanted to clear Caspian's name. Carissa's personal visit, especially given her treason investigation involving Eleanor, indicated something serious.

Carissa admired Zoey's sharpness. Such a woman truly supported the household.

"Fortunately, there's been no contact. I'm here to inform you that Ms. Weaver's real name is Celeste Kingsley. She's the daughter of Henry and his concubine, sent by Eleanor to get close to Mr. Prince. You must have heard of the courtesan Samuel, whom the Earl of Gracehold married. She is the same person."

Zoey paled. "What? Thank goodness Caspian wasn't deceived!"

The thought chilled her. If Caspian had been involved with Eleanor's concubine's daughter during the treason plot, Carissa wouldn't be here as the Hell Monarch's princess consort—she'd be Commander Sinclair.

Zoey felt grateful for Caspian's obliviousness. Celeste, as a courtesan, must be incredibly beautiful. Any other man might have fallen for her.

Carissa paused, her gaze complex. "Yes, it's fortunate. However, the Royal Citadel has been questioning Harmony Palace servants. A junior steward revealed Celeste recently inquired about the Earl of Silverstone's preferences. She said that since she couldn't get to Mr. Prince, she might as well target the Earl directly. She reported this to Eleanor, who approved. Celeste even bribed a servant to gather information about Marshal Prince's preferences. Now, she's left the capital, and I suspect she's heading to the Southern Frontier."