Such arge-scale search naturally caught Helen''s attention. She had gone to bed early and was fast asleep when themotion outside woke her. Gillian, who was sleeping in the same room, was asked to check what was happening. When Helen heard that a servant had stolen Violet''s Mystic Pearl earrings, her anger red.


    "Our household provides a much better life than other estates. The person who stole the earrings doesn''t appreciate that. If I catch them, I''ll have their arms broken!" Helen eximed.


    "Lady Carissa has arrived," someone announced from outside.


    "Why is she here instead of handling things outside? I''m already in bed," said Helen, reluctant to leave her warm bed amidst the cold night air.


    "Mother." Carissa strode in confidently, alone.


    She knew that the Mystic Pearl earrings would be found in Janice''s quarters. Since Janice originally served under Helen, she should decide how to deal with her once the earrings were found.


    Helen''s displeasure evaporated the moment she saw Carissa, and a warm, inviting smile pulled at her lips. "What brings you here? It''s a chilly night, and you didn''t even put on extrayers. Come, have a seat."


    Carissa nodded respectfully. She was aware her mother-inw preferred to stay in bed, so she settled on the edge of it.


    "I''m sorry to have disturbed you sote, Mother. It''s my fault for not managing the household more strictly."


    "Oh, it''s not a big deal. It''s just that it''s quite the fuss at this hour. Why not search tomorrow instead?" Helen asked as she yawned.


    "If we wait until tomorrow, the thief could easily dispose of the earrings. They''re worth quite a bit of money," Gillian exined.


    Helen hummed in acknowledgment, ncing calmly at Gillian as if asking thetter to continue showing off how presumptuous she was.


    "Make some coffee," Carissa instructed. "It''ste, and we can''t hold out without a cup. I see your eyelids are about to close, Mother."


    Helen waved her hand dismissively. "No coffee for me. If I drink it at this hour, I won''t be able to sleep tonight."


    "Just a little to help us stay awake. If we catch the thief, you can reprimand them. Your status alone would be enough to intimate them and make sure they never do it again," Carissa said.


    Helen heard the implications in her


    daughter-inw''s words. While


    Helen''s status was indeed


    prestigious, she had never really involved herself in household


    matters. A few words of re


    wouldn''t be enough to intimate


    anyone.


    Besides, Carissa was always efficient in handling matters. So, it didn''t make sense that a minor thief issue would be brought to Helen in the middle of the night, let alone for her to be expected to intimidate anyone. Clearly, Carissa already knew who the thief was.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    Helen immediately narrowed her eyes and red at everyone in the room. "Who among you took it? Return it now while Carissa is still here, and I might still be able to plead for your sake."


    The ones serving Helen were Mindy


    and Sonia, along with Gillian. If her daughter-inw had made such a fuss bying to her room in the middle of the night, it had to be someone close to her, not just any random servant from outside.


    Mindy and Sonia quickly knelt down. "Your Grace, we haven''t taken anything."


    Helen had initially suspected one of them might be guilty. With a search underway, they wouldn''t be able to hide it for long if they had taken the earrings. Their only option would be to confess. If they admitted it now, there might still be a chance for mercy. Waiting until the search revealed the truth would make it toote to beg for leniency.


    But both denied it.


    Helen turned her gaze to Gillian, her suspicion deepening. It couldn''t be this old woman, right? Though, she had once mentioned that the money Helen paid her wasn''t much. Gillian caught the look of doubt in Helen''s eyes and frowned slightly. "Am I that kind of person?"


    Helen turned away. She did trust Gillian. After all, the elderly woman had been by her side since Helen was a child. They were more like family than just a master and servant. That was strange. If it wasn''t any of the servants close to her now, then who was it?


    Carissa smiled at Mindy and Sonia, who were still kneeling on the ground. "You can both get up now. Go make some coffee. Mother and I could use something to clear our heads." Helen realized the situation was more serious than she had anticipated. This was likely not just about stealing.


    Her heart skipped a beat as she said, "Go on, prepare the coffee."