Chapter 960

Carissa briefed Zoey on the situation at Silverstone Estate. Zoey immediately responded, "This involves General Sullivan; we must act swiftly. I'll go at once."

Viola, anxious since Barrett's arrest at the Ministry of Justice, had sought her family's help to intervene. Zoey refused, stating, "This is an inter-kingdom matter. What influence could I possibly wield?" However, Zoey discreetly inquired and learned Barrett was receiving preferential treatment.

She relayed this to Viola, but it offered little comfort. Viola complained incessantly, blaming Aurora for Barrett's imprisonment and criticizing Natalie for arranging the marriage and Evelyn for consenting. Zoey rebuked Viola for her lack of resilience and urged her to take responsibility. Humiliated by Zoey's rare anger, Viola retreated to Valor Estate, neglecting her household duties and leaving them to her father-in-law, Jonathan. This became a source of ridicule.

Upon arriving at Valor Estate, Zoey demanded Viola produce all servant contracts. Viola questioned the reason, but Zoey simply replied, "I'm seeking a way to help Barrett." Despite Viola's further inquiries, Zoey, visibly anxious, dismissed her, insisting, "I'll explain later. Just do as I say. Now."

Viola, having no choice, complied. Zoey meticulously reviewed the contracts, then questioned the steward about the household staff's origins, particularly those serving Aurora. She then interrogated the gatekeeper about comings and goings, focusing on the period since Westhaven's envoys arrived. She reasoned that the most relevant information would likely be found within this timeframe.

The gatekeeper's records, while somewhat incomplete, were sufficiently detailed. Zoey found no significant irregularities. The inner household maids and attendants rarely left the estate except for errands, and Aurora hadn't employed male servants in Blessed Haven since a previous assassination attempt. The steward confirmed this, explaining Aurora's extreme precautions stemmed from a genuine fear of a male servant smuggling in a weapon.

This led Zoey to conclude that any communication would have involved the maids. After questioning the steward, she interviewed other staff, excluding those from Blessed Haven, asking about any unusual absences or meetings by Blessed Haven's maids.

The staff recounted many details, most mundane. Zoey listened patiently, searching for a crucial detail. By nightfall, a breakthrough occurred. Jill, a servant, recalled an incident on the day Rebecca died. During a supply run for the funeral, Leila, a maid from Blessed Haven, had been seen having coffee with a woman she called a friend from their hometown. Jill had joined them briefly and received a cake from Leila.

While seemingly innocent, the timing was significant. Rebecca had just died, and Leila, from Aurora's inner circle, had left for coffee. Furthermore, Aurora, usually avoiding large gatherings, attended Rebecca's funeral and spoke privately with a visitor, Paige (Mrs. Lester). Paige's maid was the same woman who had coffee with Leila.

Zoey recognized the connection: the Lester family, merchants related to Henry's deceased concubine, Melanie Lester. Zoey had investigated them previously due to Celeste's trip to the Southern Frontier.

Zoey immediately ordered Leila's detention and insisted on questioning her alone, dismissing all but Jane.