Charlotte sighed. “At first, I had no idea what was happening. I try to stay out of the main household’s affairs as much as possible. I’ve wanted <b>to </b>separate from them for a long time, but have always feared. that outsiders will think the Warren <b>family </b>is divided. So, I held <b>back </b>


    <b>“</b>Lately, things at <b>Valor </b>Estate have be chaotic. Since Vi became pregnant, she’s been nominally in charge, but Amelia is still the one managing things. The only thing she needs to clear with Vi is the money she withdraws. With Reba’s health fluctuating, Amelia has been by her side, tending to her. <b>You </b>know how Reba is–she has nothing but disdain for Amelia and opposes her in everything.”


    Carissa nodded. “I can guess Amelia’s predicament.”


    “This morning. Amelia disappeared. They searched every corner of Valor Estate and even came to my house looking for her, insisting I was hiding her. I told them I hadn’t seen her, but they didn’t believe me. I had to get angry before they epted it. Iter learned that Amelia had argued with Vi about household matters. N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    “Vi said Amelia could manage things, but Barrett would <b>only </b>contribute 30 percent of his sry to the family funds. They got into a huge fight, and Vi even shouted that Amelia was trying to drive her to her grave. She even brandished a pair of scissors at Amelia and asked Amelia to stab her in the stomach.


    Charlotte recounted everything she had learned to Carissa and Violet, including how Reba and Benjamin had pped Amelia and how they threatened to throw her out of the family.


    “After hearing all that, I felt uneasy. But they hadn’t sent anyone out to look for her. Reba thinks Amelia wouldn’t go far–just out for a walk. They think she just wants to scare a few people by disappearing for a bit, and figure they’ll deal with her when she returns. But I sense that something is wrong. Amelia would never act like that. That’s why I sent someone out to search for her,” Charlotte added.


    “That’s outrageous! Those people went too far!” Violet mmed her hand on the table in anger.


    Carissa furrowed her brow. “Is she really living such a life?”


    “Yes. It’s quite sad. I’ve advised her to pretend to be ill <b>and </b>not manage anything, but she couldn’t keep up the act anymore. Reba was in decent health when Amelia first married into the family, so she didn’t relinquish control to her. Later, you came in, and Amelia didn’t have to worry about anything.


    “Now, everything has fallen onto her shoulders. That scoundrel Benjamin thinks only of being dutiful to his parents. He sacrificed his wife’s wellbeing, all while believing he was doing the right thing. None of them respect Amelia, and her temperament is so weak.”


    “Just because she’s weak doesn’t mean people can bully her,” Violet said angrily. Her spirited nature couldn’t stand such injustice, and just thinking about it infuriated her. “Weakness isn’t a sin, but bullying is.


    Carissa ced aforting hand on hers. “Let’s focus on finding Amelia first. I’m worried something bad might happen.”


    Charlotte rose to her feet. “I’m counting on you, Your Grace. I won’t keep you any longer, I’ll take care of the bill for this meal.”


    Violet, who came from wealth, stood up as well. “There’s no need for anyone to pay since I’m here.”


    “How can I do that? You shouldn’t…<b>” </b>


    Carissa grasped Charlotte’s hand. “Don’t argue with her She has more money than she knows what to do with. If you’re not in a hurry to head back, why not enjoy some coffee and snacks here? The bill will be taken care of.”


    “Very well. It’s indeed a rare opportunity. Thank you,” Charlotte said.


    Although Charlotte was worried about Amelia, she understood that Carissa meant well and wanted her to enjoy herself. She was perceptive enough not to reject Carissa’s kindness.


    “Well then, we’ll be on our way. Try not to worry too much,” Carissa said, rising along with Violet as they headed downstairs to settle the bill.


    Violet tossed a hundred silver coins onto the table and said, “If there’s extra, give it to Madam Charlotte.”


    Back at the Capital Guard headquarters, Carissa asked Michael to gather some people to help search and to check at the city gates to see if Amelia had left the city earlier that morning.


    Just then, Jacob sent word that they still hadn’t located Amelia. Since she had visited Arcane Sanctum yesterday, Carissa and Violet decided to go there themselves to inquire with the shop assistant who had spoken to her.