Zoey arrived ahead of the Valor Estate party, apanied by her maid and servants.


    As she entered, she first greeted Helen. Upon seeing Yuvan''s family present, Zoey''s face paled. This was a significant blunder.


    Guided by Lulu, Zoey stepped into the side hall and immediately offered her apologies to Carissa. "Lady Carissa, please forgive me. Vi''s reckless behavior has offended both you and Lady Helen. I sincerely apologize on her behalf."


    Carissa waved her hand dismissively. "Mrs. Prince, you''ve arrived at the right time. Please take her back with you. I''ve sent someone to Valor Estate, but I doubt anyone wille to Hell Monarch Estate from there now. It''s best if you handle it." Vi raised her tear-streaked eyes to look at Zoey, who shot her a cold re before turning back to Carissa. "Of course, I''ll take her back now. I''lle to apologize in person another day."


    Zoey stepped up to Vi, her expression icy. "Are you going to walk back on your own, or do I need to have someone escort you?"


    Vi nced at the burly servant standing behind Zoey. Despite Vi''s indignation, she knew she had no choice but to stand up and follow.


    Carissa said coolly, "This can''t happen again. I won''t be so lenient if it does."N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    Vi turned back, wanting to say something to salvage her dignity. But under Carissa''s frosty gaze, the words died in her throat. When Zoey pushed her slightly, she stalked off in frustration.


    Once they were outside, Zoey turned back to Carissa and bowed. "Lady Carissa, I truly apologize..."


    "You were the one who did it, didn''t you?" Carissa interrupted her. "You informed Thomas about her and Ss, right?"


    Zoey nodded. "Yes, Your Grace. I''m sorry for dragging you into this."


    Carissa understood Zoey''s character, but hearing her admit it still impressed her. It took a strong sense of justice to separate personal ties from principle. Dealing with a sister-inw like Vi was no small challenge.


    "It''s fine. We''ll have coffee together another day. For now, take her back. Our estate enforces strict rules. The people in Hell Monarch Estate won''t leak any of today''s events. But there were guests in the main hall when she arrived. You noticed that too, right?" Zoey felt utterly exhausted. She never imagined Vi would suspect Carissa, or dare to burst into the royal residence like this.


    "I truly have no idea why she thought you were the one who said anything, Your Grace. It''spletely unfounded. Ultimately, it''s still my fault for not managing the aftermath properly."


    Carissa exined, "The other day


    when she went to Arcane Sanctum,


    she saw Ss and me together. It''s likely she suspects that Ss


    informed me, and then I told


    Thomas. This isn''t your faultel


    Prince. You didn''t know we had that chance encounter at Arcane


    Sanctum."


    "Now it makes sense," Zoey sighed, herposure slipping as fatigue and helplessness surfaced on her face. "Of course, she''s always been a bit brainless—just because she can think of something doesn''t mean she can actually do it. I''m truly sorry techave involved you, Your Grace."


    "That''s enough formalities. You should take her back now." Carissa understood the weight of Zoey''s exhaustion. She had once managed a troubled household like the Warren family, and knew how frustrating it could be to deal with unreasonable people.


    "By the way," Carissa recalled,


    needing to give onest piece of advice, "Prince Yuvan''s family is outside. They''ve witnessed today''s events, but they didn''t actually hear anything. If anyone tries to use this situation to get close to you or for any other purpose... Well, to your discretion to handle."


    leave it


    "Thank you for the warning, Your Grace. I''ll take my leave now." Zoey nodded, and exited.


    As she stepped outside, Zoey felt there was more to Carissa''s words than met the eye.


    What did she mean? If Yuvan and his family hadn''t noticed anything amiss and were merely there for the spectacle, why would theye calling?


    Still, Zoey tucked that thought away, knowing it was wise to be cautious. Some things were better to prepare for, whether they were anticipated or not.