When fate plays its hand (Miranda)

Chapter 1025 +25 BONUS Edgeview Estate was hardly a place where anything could be hidden. If there was something, it would likely be nothing more than correspondence, but anything truly important would have been hidden away or destroyed. Getting into the study would be no easy feat, and causing a scene would only make matters worse.

They had invited Violet here for a reason, though its true purpose had been unclear until now. Now, Carissa knew what that reason was.

Before arriving today, she had planned to use this opportunity to find out how many people in Edgeview Estate were skilled in martial arts, and whether any of the suicide soldiers were hiding within the estate. If the suicide soldiers weren't here, she could allow Violet to return next time.

Now that she knew Yuvan's intentions, she wouldn't let her friend take such a risk. The way Yuvan looked at Violet was revolting. His gaze was so lecherous that just thinking about it made Carissa feel sick.

The maids filed in, placing various pastries on the table. Suddenly, Carissa stood up and walked over to one of the maids holding a tray of pound cakes. The maid stood perfectly still, not stepping back, not even blinking. Fiona watched with suspicion, but Carissa merely pointed at the cakes and said, "These pound cakes are Prince Rafael's favorite. Please take them to the main hall for him." The maid lowered her gaze and replied softly, "Yes, Your Grace." She curtseyed and left, her steps steady and deliberate, without a single wobble.

Fiona couldn't help but chuckle. "Lady Carissa and Prince Rafael are truly affectionate, aren't they? Even after a spat, she still remembers His Highness likes pound cakes." Carissa returned to her seat, offering a forced smile, still maintaining an air of indifference. She even turned her back on them, resting her arms on the railing and staring off into the distance, watching people walk by.

Molly chuckled as well. "Violet, Fiona really enjoys doing things like this-trying to get close even when it's clear she's being ignored.

Fiona gave Molly a cold glance. This fool only cared about vying for power and favor. Now that they were merely guests in the capital, what power was there to fight over? As a princess consort, Molly should have had her mind on more important things. Yet, all she thought about was trivial nonsense. She wasn't fit for any significant role.

Still, Fiona knew Violet. Women like her prided themselves on their sense of justice, always rushing to defend the weak. So, Fiona said nothing and only lowered her eyes, which were slightly reddened in irritation.

1/3 Chapter 1025 +25 BONUS Violet furrowed her brows and said, "Molly, you're a princess consort. You shouldn't speak so harshly." Molly huffed. "What a fool! You don't even realize you're being used." Violet nearly laughed. Did Molly think people were born with brains but no sense? She decided to ignore Molly and turned her attention to Fiona, engaging in a conversation about the customs and culture of Valken. Of course, Fiona's responses were as guarded as ever.

After a while, Carissa said she felt a bit weary from sitting too long. She suggested they take another walk, so the group stood and began to move again.

Violet seemed quite interested in the estate, pressing Molly and Fiona to show her around. They walked from the garden to the courtyard, then to the back garden, and even to the storage building.

Naturally, Fiona didn't take them into the study. It was a place too important for casual visitors. Instead, they merely passed by the archway adorned with hanging flowers.

Fiona wasn't worried about them looking around. If they had ulterior motives, the more they looked, the better. Let them see that there was nothing to find in the royal estate.

After the tour, Carissa had enough of the wandering.

"I'm hungry. Let's go eat," she suggested.

During dinner, Stephanie and Sabrina didn't join them. Rafael ate a little, then put down his cutlery. When Wayne tried to offer him wine, he declined.

"Why aren't you drinking? Afraid your uncle might poison you?" Yuvan teased.

Rafael shook his head, playing the role of the honest, dutiful nephew.

"You wouldn't have any reason to harm me, Uncle Yuvan. If you did, it certainly wouldn't be at this moment- poisoningnow would ruin years of planning. I just can't stand this coarse wine. I usually drink ice wine, and these dishes aren't to my taste either." Yuvan's lips twitched. This nephew certainly had no sense of courtesy, did he?

Tonight's dishes were sweetened to suit Violet's tastes, as she was from om Ebonflow. A bowl proyal jelly soup No would be prepared specifically for her afterward, but it seemed that wouldn't be needed tonight. Yuvan gave Violet a long, piercing look. He would have this woman, no matter the cost.

After dinner, he turned to her and said, "Your cousin has no family here in the capital. If you have the time, please cby more often to keep her company, Ms. Spencer." 2/3 Chapter 1025 *25 BOHUS

Molly immediately linked arms with Violet, acting overly familiar. "Yes, when you have sfree time, let's go qut for a walk. Maybe have scoffee. I've been in the capital for so long, but I haven't even finished exploring a single street." Violet raised an eyebrow. "No family? Aren't you all her family?"

Yuvan paused, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before he let out a low, amused chuckle. He gave Violet NO albow, his gaze teasing as he said, "Ah, my mistake, I misspoke. Please forgive me, my dear." Violet suppressed the urge to slap him and fought the shudder running down her spine. She forced a smile and said coldly, "I'll cby when I have time." Travis had been slow to catch on, but he suddenly realized what was going on. He grabbed Violet's wrist and hissed, "Let's go!" Outrage surged through him. How dare this old fox try to play this game!