Chapter 962

After seeing Zoey off, Carissa and Violet returned to the council hall. Most matters had previously been discussed in the large study, but since Everett's arrival, he had insisted that important matters be reported in the council hall. He remained there from morning until night, listening to all proceedings.

Rafael hadn't returned yet, though negotiations had concluded hours earlier. He was likely still discussing tomorrow's talks with the delegation.

Once Carissa finished reporting the day's findings to Everett, he delivered a conclusion everyone already knew: "It's a case of silencing witnesses—tracing the killer leads nowhere."

Kyle spoke thoughtfully, "Sir, is it possible Aurora never needed to speak with the Westhaven people at all? That someone else contacted them and is simply shifting all the blame onto Dominic?"

Carissa replied, "But Harvey has already fled. I doubt Leroy would trust him now."

Kyle's expression tightened. "But what if it's not Harvey and Leroy? Yes, they were obviously targeting you. However, this person has been planning for years, indicating a complex mind. What if he has another plan targeting your grandfather?"

Carissa had to admit the possibility. Yuvan was a man who played the long game, after all. Aurora had likely been planning her escape for some time. She probably wanted to flee, but the king had assigned people to monitor her movements—a fact she must have known. Furthermore, after the failed assassination attempts, she would have been terrified of leaving Valor Estate, fearing another attack.

Therefore, she remained at Valor Estate until the Ministry of Justice arrived. Then, she contacted Barrett, seeking his help to escape. That plan also failed.

After her capture, her testimony focused solely on implicating Dominic—likely under instruction. This was her last chance to avoid the noose. However, the Ministry of Justice's return to interrogate Barrett forced her hand. She couldn't let Barrett be implicated. If she stuck to her story of Dominic's guilt, Barrett—as the general of the operation—would face even graver consequences. So, she changed her testimony, claiming that the massacre of the villagers and murder of the prisoners were her own spontaneous decisions.

Barrett's capabilities were irrelevant. Aurora protected him because, once captured by the Westhaven forces, he would be her only reliable contact.

After some analysis, Violet asked, "I'm curious—why did Aurora think Barrett could rescue her with so many Westhaven guards present?"

Everett turned to Carissa. "If your grandfather were taken by Westhaven, would you try to intercept them?"

"Yes!" Carissa answered immediately.

Everett nodded. "So, that was Aurora's plan."

Violet growled, clearly irritated. "That woman's been hiding in Blessed Haven, probably scheming. But Barrett speaking out—that surprised me."

Despite her surprise, Violet's disgust for Barrett remained. He was always indecisive, possessing a shred of conscience, but his actions were always messy and unclear.

Kyle said, "Let's see how the negotiations go. If Yuvan truly has another hidden plan, it will surface in the next few days."

Carissa nodded. "Alright. While Raf is still out, I'll visit Mother and Aunt Cindy."

Violet cautioned, "Don't let them see your injury."

Carissa waved off the concern as she left. "It's nothing, just a small scrape. They won't notice."

Everett watched her go, sighing softly. The rare concern in his eyes didn't escape Kyle's notice. Kyle quickly averted his gaze and said nothing, though moments later, Everett called from outside, "Get the pot."

Kyle was speechless.

Around nine that evening, Rafael and Winona arrived almost simultaneously. Winona had chosen to handle the retrieval of Harvey's wealth alone, hoping to avoid Everett's punishment. Successful completion of the task, followed by punishment, would be illogical.

As they approached the council hall, she stopped, seeing Kyle holding a pot above his head. What? Was there no logic to these punishments anymore?