Chapter 925

After Carissa sent for Rafael, Cindy said, "I've heard Lady Helen is staying here. Please take me to her so I can greet her."

Carissa readily agreed, "Alright, we'll go now."

Helen had already heard from Gillian that Cindy was arriving. Knowing Carissa and her aunt hadn't seen each other in a long time, Helen anticipated they would want to talk. She decided to remain for the evening meal to give them time to catch up.

Shortly afterward, Carissa and Violet brought Cindy to pay her respects. Helen was pleased; Cindy was clearly well-raised and displayed excellent etiquette. After the formalities, Helen invited Cindy to sit, eager to chat.

"It must have been a long journey. Were you exhausted?" she asked.

Cindy glanced at Carissa affectionately. "My heart was set on returning home, so it didn't feel tiring at all."

Seeing Cindy's loving expression, Helen sighed, understanding the depth of her affection for Carissa.

"It's good you're back. Lady Heather is your sister-in-law. As her elder, you should speak to her. She's been acting recklessly," Helen said.

When Cindy looked confused, Gillian explained Heather's foolish actions. Cindy already knew about Leona, but she hadn't realized how careless Harvey and Heather were, particularly their neglect of their daughter.

Violet, standing nearby, vented her frustration, recounting Heather's treatment of Carissa. Cindy's anger flared; she wanted to confront Heather at Hartstone Estate immediately.

Carissa and Violet remained silent about Harvey's collusion with Yuvan, so Cindy still perceived the prince as timid and weak. Her fury led her to curse Heather in front of Helen.

While Cindy couldn't curse Harvey, a prince, she felt fully justified in reprimanding her sister-in-law, Heather, a Sullivan.

Helen, enjoying Cindy's outburst, said, "It's best to call her while Prince Harvey is away from the capital. Give her a proper scolding. She doesn't care for her daughter or her niece. What good is she as a princess consort if she can't even manage her own family?"

Cindy's frustration was evident, but she knew there was no need to rush. She didn't want to spoil her evening.

Helen, understanding, smiled knowingly. "You haven't seen each other in a while, so I'll skip dinner tonight. Carissa, why don't you accompany your aunt downstairs? You two can catch up."

Carissa nodded. "As you wish, Mother."

Cindy rose to leave. "I'll come again tomorrow, Your Grace."

Helen smiled and nodded. "Very well, go ahead."

Helen then asked Violet to stay for dinner, preferring not to interrupt Carissa and Cindy's reunion. The bond between them was as close as mother and daughter, and they clearly had much to discuss.

Violet appreciated Helen's consideration and gladly stayed.

Chapter 925 (Bonus)

When Rafael learned Cindy had returned, he hurried to the estate to greet her. Cindy curtsied formally; he bowed in return before they sat.

Cindy had met Rafael before but hadn't paid him much attention. Now, she saw he and Carissa were a perfect match. His genuine care for Carissa warmed her heart.

They shared a meal. After Rafael left to give them privacy, Cindy spent another hour chatting with her niece.

Finally, she said, "I'm a bit tired now."

"I'll escort you back to rest, Aunt Cindy," Carissa offered, rising to help.

Cindy accepted Carissa's arm, smiling. "Alright!"

Lily had prepared Frostspire Hall for Cindy's arrival. Cindy had brought five companions—four guards and a longtime maid, Dina, who had already begun organizing the rooms.

After escorting Cindy to the courtyard, Carissa watched as her aunt patted her hand and adjusted her headpiece.

"Go on back now, and see if you like the gifts," Cindy said.

Carissa lowered her gaze. "I'll like them no matter what."

Seeing her niece's reluctance, Cindy felt a pang of sadness. She embraced Carissa and sighed.

"It's okay. You don't want to look. Just leave them for now."