Chapter 989 +25 BONUS

After dinner, Dominic and Rafael spent a long time talking in the study. Carissa had originally wanted to listen, but her grandfather told her it was a men's conversation and inappropriate for her to be present. Reluctantly, she agreed and left to find Winona and Kyle.

During dinner that evening, Everett announced he would be returning to Meadow Ridge. He insisted the others return with him, especially Kyle, scolding him for staying at Hell Monarch Estate. He claimed the estate was overcrowded with visitors, disrupting the peace.

In reality, most visitors were well-known court scholars and artists. However, Everett argued that the more connected someone was to the court, the less involved they should be. He didn't want Rafael dragged into unnecessary trouble, so he ordered them to leave Hell Monarch Estate immediately.

Winona confided that Everett was two-faced. When he needed them, he called and bossed them around; once the job was done, he treated them as a burden, eager to be rid of them. Winona rarely spoke ill of others, except Everett, and even then, never to his face.

“Are you really leaving?” Carissa asked softly, leaning her head against Winona’s shoulder. “Can’t you stay a little longer?”

“We have to go. Sage Everett’s orders are clear,” Winona said, affectionately ruffling Carissa’s hair. “But we shouldn't stay long anyway. Sage Adrian dislikes frequent visits from us. We're from the martial arts world, and too many of us at Hell Monarch Estate would cause trouble for you.”

“I don’t think it’s a problem. I like having you all around. Let Sage Everett go back alone,” Carissa mumbled.

Winona chuckled. “Don’t say that loudly. If he hears you, you’ll be punished.”

Carissa raised her head, adjusting her hairpin. “He won’t punish me here. He dotes on Raf immensely.”

Kyle laughed. “That’s true. He’s never said a harsh word to you here.”

Winona smiled. “It’s good. It’ll make things easier. We’ll tell him we’re checking on our junior guild member, Prince Rafael, or bringing him something, and Sage Everett won’t object.”

They all grumbled about their martial uncle, but knew Everett genuinely cared for the Pathfinders Guild. His vast estate spanned Starhaven, and he had numerous martial nieces and nephews who often made things difficult for him.

Despite their reluctance, the next day they said their goodbyes. Dominic and Cindy would stay a day or two longer. Dominic wanted to see Leona and see if his “useless” daughter would visit.

Leona knew Cindy had been staying at Hell Monarch Estate since arriving in the capital. However, Carissa had been busy and unavailable for a visit.

The next morning, Leona went to Hartstone Estate to ask her mother to accompany her to Hell Monarch Estate. When Heather saw her daughter, she embraced her and cried uncontrollably. “Your dad’s gone! He took all the family’s money! He doesn’t want me anymore!”

Leona froze. “Gone? What do you mean?”

Heather had been panicking for days. Seeing her daughter, she completely broke down. “He’s gone! He returned briefly, then left again. I didn’t dare tell anyone… What did he do? Does he not want the title of prince anymore?”

Leona, having grown stronger, instantly realized something was wrong. With a grave expression, she said, “Mom, act like you don’t know. If anyone asks, say Dad’s gone on a journey.”

Heather, consumed by panic and sorrow, barely registered this. “But he took all the silver, banknotes—everything! He withdrew all the money! What are we going to do?”

Knowing this was serious, Leona grabbed her mother’s hand. “Come on. We’re going to see Grandpa and Cari.”

“No!” Heather pulled away, retreating to the table, shaking her head in panic. “I can’t go! Your grandpa will kill me!”