Chapter 926

The gifts had already been delivered to Orchid Hall, where Rafael was carefully arranging them. He had bathed and was waiting for Carissa's return. Earlier, he had gone to the Ministry of Justice to review Aurora's testimony. He had planned to skip dinner to observe Aurora's evening re-interrogation, but Matthew sent word that Carissa requested his return because family had arrived in the capital. Hearing this, he immediately returned home.

Cindy's return pleased him greatly. He intended to involve himself in the upcoming negotiations, regardless of Salvador's permission. He might not be able to care for Carissa when the time came. With Violet and Cindy there, however, he felt reassured.

He had always believed Carissa could endure anything, but these negotiations concerned the Sinclair family massacre—a deeply buried wound. He knew this would be difficult for her.

Hearing footsteps, he quickly replaced his serious expression with a charming smile and rose to greet her.

"Back so soon?"

Carissa removed her headpiece with a soft hum. "Aunt Cindy was tired. I escorted her back so she could bathe and rest."

She glanced at the neatly arranged gifts, beautifully packaged in brocade boxes, with two chests bearing senders' names. Her gaze lingered on four boxes from her seventh uncle, Wade, then quickly shifted away. It felt as if something had burned her.

"Do you want to open them?" Rafael asked.

"Not now," Carissa replied, then called, "Lulu, have someone move the gifts to the storeroom and place them separately."

Lulu hesitated, her confusion evident. "Your Grace, won't you take a look?" Carissa's usual eagerness to open gifts from Victory Pass was absent.

"Not now. Just move them downstairs," Carissa insisted.

Lulu nodded and instructed the servants. Since the contents were unknown, they were set aside.

Rafael didn't mention the gifts, instead instructing Pearl and Sydney to prepare Carissa's bath. He retrieved her nightclothes and placed them on the mahogany rack. Once she was bathing, he lit a calming candle.

After settling the gifts, Lulu entered to assist Carissa. Having suffered a similar loss in the massacre at Northwatch Estate, Lulu understood Carissa's pain. She had found it difficult to cope these past few days, despite Lily's urging to rest.

(Bonus Chapter 926 begins here, seamlessly integrated)

Carissa lifted her head from the bath and saw Lulu entering with a towel.

"Lulu," she called softly.

"Yes, my lady?" Lulu hurried over, handing the towel to Pearl.

Noticing the dark circles under Lulu's eyes, Carissa understood she hadn't been sleeping well. "I need to request special approval from the Queen Dowager tomorrow morning and return to Capital Guard headquarters afterward. You'll accompany Violet to pick up Ryan."

"Of course!" Lulu readily agreed.

"A lot is happening, so you won't have much time to rest. Get some sleep tonight; we can't afford mistakes."

"I understand, my lady."

Lulu was relieved to have a task. Busyness kept her mind occupied and prevented dwelling on painful memories. She also wished to be near Carissa.

"Good. Now, go rest. You have an early start," Carissa instructed.

Lulu, seeing Pearl and Sydney present, bowed and quietly left.