Chapter 961

Leila had heard that Zoey was investigating the servants at Valor Estate but had no idea why. Brought into the questioning, she looked utterly confused.

Only when Zoey questioned her about having coffee with a hometown friend the day before Rebecca's funeral did Leila realize what was happening. She quickly dropped to her knees and confessed, “Madam Zoey, that day, I had coffee with a close friend, a maid at Lester Estate. She mentioned returning to our hometown and asked if I had messages for my family. She also invited me to go shopping for gifts…”

Zoey, having questioned Leila for some time, grew impatient. She interrupted, bluntly asking, “Did she ask you to pass any messages to Aurora that day?”

Leila thought for a moment, then replied, “Yes, she asked me to tell Madam Aurora that Mrs. Lester would also be attending Madam Rebecca’s funeral.”

“Did she give you anything to deliver to Aurora?”

“Yes, a package of herbal medicine.”

“What kind of herbal medicine?”

“Moonroot.”

“Was there any note or message hidden in the package?”

Leila shook her head. “I don’t know. After I relayed the message, Madam Aurora dismissed me immediately.”

Then, she exclaimed, “Oh! Wait, there might have been something. Later, when I returned to serve her, I noticed ashes on the ground, like burnt paper.”

Zoey asked if there was anything else, but after considerable thought, Leila confirmed there wasn’t. Zoey then instructed someone to escort Leila out.

Viola had been repeatedly visiting the side hall, questioning servants. This time, she arrived just as Zoey ordered Leila’s dismissal.

Viola frowned and asked, “Zoey, what exactly are you investigating? You haven’t explained anything, yet you’ve disrupted the entire household. The servants are hiding or slacking off. I can’t even get coffee, let alone have dinner prepared. It’s late, and the kitchen staff hasn’t even started cooking!”

Zoey glanced at her and replied coolly, “I’m finished questioning. You can handle the servants as you see fit.”

She instructed Jane to take Leila away and left.

“She’s a maid from Valor Estate. Why are you taking her?” Viola called out, but Zoey ignored her and hurried away.

Leila was nervous and confused. She had no idea what was happening, but with Barrett and Aurora arrested, she was terrified.

In the carriage, Zoey said gently, “Don’t be afraid. I’m taking you to Lady Carissa, the Hell Monarch’s princess consort. She’ll just ask you a few questions. Repeat everything you told me exactly as you said it.”

Leila was relieved to be going to Carissa. When Carissa had managed Valor Estate, she had always been generous and kind to the servants, the most gentle and considerate of mistresses.

Once they arrived at Hell Monarch Estate, Leila was introduced to Carissa and Violet. Zoey shared her findings.

“I thought you might have questions for Leila, so I brought her,” Zoey said.

Violet immediately turned to Leila and asked, “The woman you mentioned, Mrs. Lester. Is she Melanie Lester’s sister-in-law?”

“Yes, Ms. Spencer,” Leila quickly replied. “My friend serves her.”

Noticing Violet’s changed expression, Carissa asked, “What’s wrong?”

Violet’s face grew serious. “I didn’t mention this earlier because I didn’t think it was important, but I learned that earlier this year, when Mrs. Lester and her husband went to the city outskirts to pray, their carriage overturned and fell down a hill. Four people died—Mrs. Lester, her husband, the coachman, and a maid.”

She glanced at Leila. “I’m not sure if one of them was your friend.”

Leila’s face paled. “My friend’s name is Maeve. But… she said she was going back to our hometown.”

“I don’t know the maid’s name, but you can find out,” Violet replied.

Heart racing, Leila excused herself to go to Lester Estate. Violet secretly sent someone to follow her.

Seeing that Carissa didn’t question Leila further, Zoey realized Carissa trusted her investigation and understood she and Violet needed to discuss privately.

Chapter 961

Smiling, Zoey said, “If you need nothing more, I’ll go home for dinner.”

Hearing Zoey hadn’t eaten, Carissa quickly took her arm. “Please stay and dine here. I’ll have someone prepare something for you. I’m sorry you’ve been delayed.”

Zoey laughed. “You don’t need to be so formal. You all continue. I’ll eat later.”

Carissa was about to insist, but Zoey waved her hand dismissively. “No need. Once everything’s settled, we can have a meal together.”

Carissa reluctantly nodded. “Alright. Let me escort you out.”