Chapter 811

The next day, Lionel went to Pearwater Convent to pick up Amara. Carissa was present, so he pulled her aside. "Commander Sinclair," he began, "please don't worry. My mother will treat Amara well and won't make things difficult. I have half-brothers and half-sisters from my father's concubines, and my mother has always been kind to them."

Carissa replied bluntly, "I don't doubt your mother will be good to the child. However, I need to clarify something. Yesterday, your mother asked me the child's name. I told her it was Briar. Whether you use 'Amara' after returning is up to you."

Lionel sighed softly. "Thank you, Commander Sinclair."

"Since you're bringing the child back, will you let her meet Casey?"

Lionel nodded. "That's fine. In fact, my mother said yesterday that if my father wants to take Casey back to our residence, she would agree."

Carissa looked at him in surprise. "You're not that simple, Lord Lionel. Be a little kinder to your mother and consider her feelings."

Lionel hurried to explain, "Please don't misunderstand. My mother isn't petty. She's thinking about the bigger picture to avoid giving anyone a reason to attack our family."

"I'm not misunderstanding. I know your mother is considering the greater good, but that doesn't mean you can treat her like she has no heart. In this situation, who do you think suffers most? It's not your father. It's your mother. Yet, even in her difficult position, she's still thinking about your family's future. You can't match her vision."

Carissa rarely showed such patience with the Quinton family. Yesterday, she wondered if Marjorie was being too kind-hearted. Upon reflection, Carissa realized Marjorie didn't want the Quinton family or Kylie to be attacked later, so she'd rather take the hit now.

Lionel's eyes glimmered with sorrow. "I know my mother must be hurting. But if we're talking about who's suffering most, it's definitely my father. This incident has caused many of our family's young men to lose respect for him. He's sacrificed much to maintain our family's honor, and he's been struggling without an outlet for his frustrations. That's why he didn't refuse Casey when she came to him.

"Commander Sinclair, you're in the court too, so you understand how difficult it is to hold an official position, especially as Civil Minister. He's always tirelessly recommending capable people and evaluating officials."

Carissa understood that men often viewed things from a male perspective. She didn't argue.

"Alright, Lord Lionel. I'm just offering a suggestion. This is your family matter, and I don't want to interfere. Handle it as you see fit."

Lionel said awkwardly, "Alright, I'll take Amara back first. As for bringing Casey later, I'll ask my mother again. If she agrees, I'll send someone to fetch her. For now, let's not meet her."

Chapter 811

Carissa wanted to remind Lionel not to call the child Amara, as it would further wound his mother. However, it was clear he didn't see it that way. Bringing it up would only seem meddlesome.

Lionel left with the child without letting her meet Casey. He hadn't even asked Casey if she wanted to go to the Quinton residence.

After attending to some matters, Carissa decided to check on Casey. She was sitting alone in a shared room; her roommate hadn't returned. Hugging a blanket on the bed, she hadn't spoken much since arriving and hadn't eaten anything that day.

"Why aren't you eating?" Carissa asked gently.

Casey lifted her head. "Did he leave?"

Carissa nodded. "He's gone."

Casey sighed with relief. "The Quinton matriarch will treat her well. I'm reassured." Casey had approached Malcolm for a mission, so someone had investigated the Quintons.

"Are you alright?" Carissa inquired.

"I couldn't be better," Casey said with a smile, lifting her gaze to meet Carissa's. Her long hair framed her face, making her eyes seem larger. "It feels unreal. How could the heavens be so kind? I'm afraid to step outside. What if someone takes me back to Harmony Palace to be punished?"

"Take a walk. You'll see that everything is more real than it seems. By the way, if the Quinton family wants to take you back to their residence, would you want to go?" Carissa asked.