Chapter 839

Charlotte sighed. "At first, I had no idea what was happening. I try to stay out of the main household's affairs as much as possible. I've wanted to separate from them for a long time, but I've always feared outsiders would think the Warren family is divided. So, I held back."

"Lately, things at Valor Estate have become chaotic. Since Viola became pregnant, she's been nominally in charge, but Amelia is still managing everything. The only thing Amelia needs to clear with Viola is the money she withdraws. With Rebecca's health fluctuating, Amelia has been by her side, tending to her. You know how Rebecca is—she has nothing but disdain for Amelia and opposes her at every turn."

Carissa nodded. "I can guess Amelia's predicament."

"This morning, Amelia disappeared. They searched every corner of Valor Estate and even came to my house looking for her, insisting I was hiding her. I told them I hadn't seen her, but they didn't believe me. I had to get angry before they accepted it. I later learned that Amelia had argued with Viola about household matters."

"Viola said Amelia could manage things, but Barrett would only contribute 30 percent of his salary to the family funds. They had a huge fight, and Viola even shouted that Amelia was trying to drive her to her grave. She even brandished a pair of scissors at Amelia and demanded Amelia stab her in the stomach."

Charlotte recounted everything she had learned to Carissa and Violet, including how Rebecca and Benjamin had slapped Amelia and threatened to throw her out of the family.

"After hearing all that, I felt uneasy. But they hadn't sent anyone to look for her. Rebecca thinks Amelia wouldn't go far—just out for a walk. They think she's just trying to scare people by disappearing for a bit, and they'll deal with her when she returns. But I sense something is wrong. Amelia would never act like that. That's why I sent someone to search for her," Charlotte added.

"That's outrageous! Those people went too far!" Violet slammed her hand on the table in anger.

Carissa furrowed her brow. "Is she really living such a life?"

"Yes. It's quite sad. I've advised her to feign illness and avoid managing anything, but she couldn't keep up the pretense anymore. Rebecca was in decent health when Amelia first married into the family, so she didn't relinquish control. Later, you arrived, and Amelia didn't have to worry about anything."

"Now, everything has fallen onto her shoulders. That scoundrel Benjamin thinks only of being dutiful to his parents. He sacrificed his wife's well-being, believing he was doing the right thing. None of them respect Amelia, and her temperament is so weak."

"Just because she's weak doesn't mean people can bully her," Violet said angrily. Her spirited nature couldn't tolerate such injustice, and the thought infuriated her. "Weakness isn't a sin, but bullying is."

Carissa placed a comforting hand on Violet's. "Let's focus on finding Amelia first. I'm worried something bad might happen."

Charlotte rose. "I'm counting on you, Your Grace. I won't keep you any longer. I'll take care of the bill."

Violet, accustomed to wealth, also stood. "There's no need for anyone to pay since I'm here."

"How can I do that? You shouldn't…"

Carissa grasped Charlotte's hand. "Don't argue with her. She has more money than she knows what to do with. If you're not in a hurry to leave, why not enjoy some coffee and snacks here? The bill will be taken care of."

"Very well. It's indeed a rare opportunity. Thank you," Charlotte said.

Although worried about Amelia, Charlotte understood Carissa's kindness and didn't reject it.

"Well then, we'll be on our way. Try not to worry too much," Carissa said, rising with Violet to settle the bill.

Violet tossed a hundred silver coins onto the table. "If there's extra, give it to Madam Charlotte."

Back at Capital Guard headquarters, Carissa asked Michael to gather people to help search and check the city gates to see if Amelia had left the city that morning.

Jacob then sent word that they still hadn't located Amelia. Having visited Arcane Sanctum yesterday, Carissa and Violet decided to go there themselves to inquire with the shop assistant who had spoken to her.