Rafael first shared the results of Zoey''s investigation with Barrett, giving him a clear conclusion.


    "It''s pretty much confirmed that the people behind this used the Lester family to contact Aurora. They had a maid inform her and got her to show up at your mom''s funeral. Afterward, Mrs. Lester went to offer her condolences, which gave her the opportunity to speak with Aurora privately. Once she did, both she and her husband were silenced."


    Barrett was stunned beyond words. "Is that truly the case?"


    Rafael didn''t hesitate. "I''ll be straightforward with you. While investigating Eleanor''s treason case, the Supreme Court found links to the Lester family. However, we didn''t have enough evidence, so we never moved against them. Mrs. Lester''s involvement with Aurora indicates that the people behind her are the same as Eleanor''s conspirators-the true masterminds behind the treason."


    Rafael''s gaze grew heavier. "Aurora is involved in this case, and she will be taken to Westhaven. However, you''re her husband. Once the truth of the treason is uncovered, what will happen to you and your family? You know exactly what that means."


    Barrett''s lips trembled slightly. He had served in court before and knew full well how seriously Salvador took this treason case. It was why Salvador was so furious. It was a dagger that stabbed deep into the king''s heart. When the time came, anyone even remotely tied to it would never escape the reckoning.


    "Barrett, there''s no other choice for you. You''ll need to earn merit if you want to avoid punishment."


    Merit and punishment.


    It was those words again.


    The pressure of those words felt like a heavy hand clutching at Barrett''s heart, squeezing the breath from his lungs. One decision had shattered everything-his family''s peace and his own. He clenched his teeth, fighting the rising frustration. "Your Highness, just tell me what to do. I''ll do it."


    Rafael watched him for a long moment, then said, "Go to Aurora and ask her if Mrs. Lester mentioned anyone from Westhaven. As for how to ask, what techniques to use, whether you''ll get anything out of her-well, that depends on your ability." Barrett was silent for a long time before replying, "Understood."


    This was a matter of life and death for his entire family. There was no question of whether he would go. Whether he would get answers was another matter, but at least by asking, he could try to clear his name.


    Barrett wasn''t sure if this would clear his name, but at this point, he had no other options.


    He took his leave, and was led by Lonnie to Aurora''s prison cell.


    When Aurora saw him walk in again, a wave of caution washed over her. She understood the situation-after all, they were both prisoners. Even though Barrett was under special detention, a visit had to be authorized by the Minister of


    Justice.


    Yet, despite her wariness, Aurora knew Barrett well. He wasn''t one for scheming, and his lies were far from convincing. If there was something unusual, she''d be able to sense it immediately.


    Barrett sat on the foul-smelling


    straw bed. With spring in the air, the


    dampness was unbearable, and the stench in the cell had only grown worse since hisst visit. Aurora? herself carried the same foul odor, and her disheveled hair seemed to teem with fleas. Her face was swollen from flea bites, and some of


    them were broken open and


    bleeding from scratching.


    Seeing her in such a condition tugged at Barrett''s heart. No matter the circumstances, they had once been husband and wife. The sight of her suffering made him feel a pang of difort. The sympathy on his face made Aurora drop her guard just a little.


    "Did they send you to see me?" she asked.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    Barrett shook his head. "I begged toe. His Majesty showed mercy, and I''ll be released tomorrow."


    Aurora blinked in surprise. "The negotiations are over? Have you been reinstated?"


    The mention of his official post struck a sore spot in Barrett. His heart sank with a hollow, disappointed gaze, he said, "Not yet, but His Majesty has issued an edict that allows me to return home and reffect on my actions."


    Aurora studied his expression closely and felt that his words held no lies.


    "If you''re leaving, then you have to remember what I told you," she said, her voice softening considerably.