Chapter 838

Carissa, Amelia’s sister-in-law for a year, felt she understood Amelia’s character well. Cowardly and timid, Amelia was the gentlest member of the Warren family.

Carissa had some insight into the situation at Valor Estate. Rebecca was still recovering; Viola, pregnant, couldn't help; and Aurora, practically hiding in Blessed Haven, was even less likely to assist. This left Amelia as Rebecca's sole caregiver.

Carissa had filled this role herself while living with the Warrens. Rebecca, though demanding, hadn't been difficult, especially given Carissa's substantial dowry. Amelia's situation, however, was different.

"Could she have suffered an injustice?" Carissa suggested.

Violet nodded. "Definitely. It must have been severe to drive her to run away in the middle of the night. Lily told me Ahnella couldn't find another way out. Jacob's already sent people to search. I also asked Claire to investigate at the Warren family estate; losing a lady of the house would worry them."

"True. They may not value Amelia highly, but they can't afford to be without her," Carissa agreed.

Still, she felt uneasy. Why had Amelia gone to Northwatch Estate? If she'd been looking for Carissa, Hell Monarch Estate would have made more sense.

Despite a waning appetite, Carissa shared lunch with Violet, who ate heartily, having skipped breakfast. Later, Claire arrived: "The Warren family hasn't searched, but Madam Charlotte sent maids and servants to inquire."

Carissa understood Charlotte's detachment from the main household. Sending help meant something significant had happened.

After considering this, she instructed, "Claire, find someone from the Warren family's second branch. If you do, ask them to convey an invitation to Aunt Charlotte to meet at Glimmering Tower. Tell her Violet wants to treat her to a meal. If you can't find anyone, forget it. Don't go to Valor Estate."

"Got it." Claire took a sip of water and left.

Violet asked, "Should we go to Glimmering Tower then?"

"Yes, their private rooms have soft couches. We can rest while we wait," Carissa said, rising. Dark circles under her eyes hinted at sleepless nights.

At Glimmering Tower, seeing Charlotte stirred warm feelings in Carissa. During the Warrens' hardest times, Charlotte had been her only true support.

The older woman's eyes were slightly red. She missed Carissa but hadn't dared to visit, fearing misinterpretations. She was also concerned about gossip regarding Carissa's departure from Valor Estate and her continued association with her former acquaintances.

As Charlotte curtsied, Carissa quickly rose to support her.

"How are you feeling?"

Charlotte smiled. "Thank you for your concern, Your Grace. I'm doing well."

She studied Carissa, surprised by how well the official robes suited her. Charlotte had never seen a woman in uniform, but Carissa looked striking and commanding.

"And you? Is everything well?" Charlotte asked.

"Quite well." Carissa helped her sit and introduced Violet, "This is my dear friend, Violet Spencer."

"I've heard of you, Ms. Spencer," Charlotte said warmly. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Same here, Madam Charlotte!" Violet replied respectfully. Kindness towards Carissa earned her approval.

Carissa continued, "Aunt Charlotte, I invited you to ask about Amelia. This morning, she was found sitting at Northwatch Estate, looking like she'd been there in the cold for a long time. What happened?"

Charlotte gasped. "She went to Northwatch Estate? Where is she now?"

"I don't know. By the time Frederick found her, she'd disappeared. But he said something seemed wrong; she'd been crying. He suspected she'd arrived in the middle of the night. That's why I thought I should ask you."