Helen''s question revealed that she had guessed Janice had epted a bribe and betrayed the Hell Monarch''s family. She just didn''t know who had bought Janice off. "Grand Princess Eleanor," Carissa said softly.


    Helen''s anger red. "What does she want? When did it start?"


    "It''s likely Janice was already under Grand Princess Eleanor''s thumb while you were still in the pce. Wasn''t Grand Princess Eleanor doing business with you back then? Janice must have sung her praises to you repeatedly," Carissa exined. Helen narrowed her eyes. She recalled the past and became increasingly furious.


    "She didn''t just say nice things. She practically bragged about her! She imed Grand Princess Eleanor''s reputation for virtue was widespread, and that she was highly respected among the noble families in the capital. She also imed Grand Princess Eleanor was so skilled at handling things that everyone praised her, making her sound more capable than even my sister. It almost made me respect her too!"


    Violet wanted to point out that it wasn''t respect-it was fear. Eleanor and Jessica had manipted and bullied Helen. If it hadn''t been for Carissa stepping in, Helen wouldn''t have dared confront anyone, even if she knew she was being deceived.


    "Why did she ce her people around me?" Helen still didn''t grasp the situation. "I was in the harem, just chatting with my sister most of the time. After the king ascended the throne, I barely interacted with the queen or the other concubines." "Because you have an exceptionally talented son," Violet replied.


    "Is this about Rafael? Does she want to harm him?" Helen''s voice softened a bit, her anger visibly lessening. "If it''s about him, why not ce someone in Hell Monarch Estate instead?" Carissa stated, "Regardless of her motives, just make it known and let the pce people handle it."


    Helen didn''t quite understand at first. "Why hand her over to the people in the pce? I brought Janice out myself. If I dealt with her, no one would dare say anything. Sending her back would make it seem like our household is weak. It''s like telling them we''re unable to deal with a mere maid!"


    Carissa exined, "It won''t appear weak. Instead, it shows that we follow proper protocol. When someone from the pcemits an offense, they are handed to the Royal Management Department for punishment. As for how the department reports to the king or the queen, that is beyond our concern."


    Helen sipped her coffee, her brow still furrowed in confusion. "Why would a thieving maid catch the king''s attention?"


    Carissa took a leisurely sip but was interrupted as Violet snatched the cup away.


    After downing the coffee in one gulp, Violet exined, "Because she''s a convicted servant sent back to the Royal Management Department from Hell Monarch Estate. The king will certainly want to inquire about that." Carissa smiled. "Do you understand now, Mother?"


    What was there to understand? Helen was still perplexed.


    She nced at Gillian, who wore a knowing expression, and figured she could ask the older womanter. Nodding gravely, Helen set her cup down.


    "I see. It makes sense now."


    "You should rest, Mother. I''ll take my leave," Carissa said, pulling Violet to her feet.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    "Alright, go ahead. I''m feeling sleepy," Helen replied.


    In truth, she wasn''t really tired at all. She still had questions for Gillian.


    When Carissa and Violet were out of earshot, Helen turned to Gillian.


    "You understand what''s going on, don''t you? Why would the king care about a thieving maid sent from our estate? Is there something I''m missing here?"


    Gillian smiled knowingly. "Your


    Grace, Prince Rafael has achieved


    remarkable feats, and Janice followed you out of the pce. Now that she''smitted an offense and is being sent back to the Royal Management Department, the king will certainly want to inquire about it to show recognition of the prince''s standing. It''s a way of reassuring Prince Rafael."


    "Is that how it is?" Helen felt something was off, yet the exnation brought her a strangefort-Rafael was being valued so highly.


    Gillian began to tidy the bed. "Alright, let the pce people handle it. You should rest."


    Gillian said nothing further. Carissa had already smoothed things over and clearly didn''t want Helen to know too much.


    Carissa simply wanted to use this


    incident as a wake-up call for Helen so that she would be more mindful of the people around her, especially when it came to promoting new individuals. Otherwise, they might end up with another Janice in their midst.


    Gillian had pieced it all


    together Janice hadn''t stolen the Mystic Pearl earrings, but it was a convenient excuse to get rid of her. Perhaps Carissa intended to give the


    Kip


    a discreet heads-up.


    After lying down, Helen sat up again..


    "From now on, I want you to keep a close eye on everyone in our household, whether they''re serving inside or outside. If you notice anything unusual, report it to Carissa immediately." "Of course!" Gillian beamed brightly.