When fate plays its hand (Miranda)

Chapter 1003 The next day, Kevin brought his parents, wife, and children to visit Violet. He also brought along a generous selection of gifts.

Violet had already heard about Kevin's promotion the night before-Carissa had been the one to tell her. At first, it didn't make much of an impression. After all, it was just a promotion.

When she saw Kevin arrive with his whole family in tow to express their thanks, however, her mood changed. Everyone's faces were beaming with joy, as if they had stumbled upon a chest of gold. It was clear they were thrilled.

Violet felt the joy of his promotion firsthand. When she learned more about it, she understood how rare it was. In the king's service, promotions didn't ceasily. Unless someone accomplished a great feat, like saving the king, it could take years-one long year after another-to climb the ranks.

However, faced with Kevin's family's deep gratitude, Violet felt undeserving. She hadn't contributed to his rise. This was all due to Kevin's hard work and determination.

Later, Kevin asked his family to return hfirst, leaving him alone at Hell Monarch Estate. There were a few things he felt needed to be said in advance to avoid any misunderstandings or awkwardness down the line.

After explaining, he said, "This is just my guess, of course. We can't know for certain what His Majesty is thinking. Regardless, I'll focus only on doing my duty with sincerity. If there's any shortcut that goes against my conscience, I won't take it. I won't worry you or my martial aunt in any way, Sage Violet." Carissa raised an eyebrow, about to say something. When she saw the look of approval in Violet's eyes, though, she decided against it.

It looked like she was now the martial aunt of Violet's apprentices.

The king's sudden promotion of Kevin was a clear sign that he was giving up on Barrett, who had truly disappointed him. Tand tagain, Salvador had protected Barrett, but the latter's sudden move to resign was like pulling the rug out from under him. Salvador was probably furious.

After Kevin left, Violet couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. "I didn't choose the wrong after all. That kid truly has potential." one, Carissa laughed. “Kid? He's actually older than you." Violet leaned back in her chair, smiling as she crossed her arms. She adopted a relaxed, nostalgic expression.. "Age doesn't matter. Seniority does. In the Spencer family, I'm already an old aunt. I have 1/3 +25 BONUS Chapter 1003 grandnieces and nephews who are older thannow-seven married. Also, I've got a whole bunch of nephews. Every tI go back to my family, I'm surrounded by a dozen kids, all calling'Aunt Violet'. It's noisy as hell." Carissa lifted her gaze toward the hazy lights outside. Her mind wandered to a similar memory. After returning from Meadow Ridge, her younger, more naive nieces and nephews would excitedly gather around her. As they grew older, they stayed close to her quietly and offered her their company in silence.

As Carissa turned around, she saw Violet squatting on the ground, her hands resting on her knees. The emotions in her eyes hadn't yet settled, and Carissa could see the guilt in them and a hint of tears. Violet's expression was one of innocence and sorrow, like a dog that had done something wrong and was now pitifully seeking forgiveness.

Unable to help herself, Carissa burst out laughing.

"What are you doing down there? Sage Violet, you'll lose all your dignity if you squat like that." "I deserve that," Violet said, before slapping herself lightly on the cheek. "I've been speaking out of turn lately." Carissa gently cupped Violet's face, then flicked her nose playfully. "Am I really that fragile? Do you have to worry about my feelings every tyou say something? I'm not that sensitive." Violet immediately wrapped her arms around Carissa. "No, you're strong. It'swho's sensitive and fragile. I can't handle things well." Just then, Travis walked in from outside and noticed the two of them sticking together as usual. He snorted and was about to turn away, but then his eyes landed on the table, which was covered with a stack of gifts. He stopped and stepped closer.

"Who cwith all these gifts?" Carissa smiled, resting her chin on Violet's head. "Travis, always fishing for presents."

"You two won't appreciate them anyway," Travis said with a shrug. "Rather than letting them gather dust in the storeroom, it's better if I take them off your hands. And Carissa, if you don't want those gifts your aunt brought, you can always give them to me." Violet grabbed a cup from the coffee table and threw it at him. "Dream on! Where's Prince Rafael?" Travis caught the cup with one hand. "Don't waste things. His Highness won't be back until late, probably not until midnight. He's tied up with a few urgent cases.

"That busy, huh?" Violet then asked, "Did you get any news about the case I asked you to check with Ryan's uncle? Is it true the embroiderer who was abandoned committed +25 BONUS Chapter 1003 suicide?" Violet still couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story. Why choose death when there might still be another way?

"I've asked. It was definitely suicide," e Travis replied as he started unwrapping one of the gifts inside, there was Evergreen Root, royal jelly, and a few pieces of jewelry. "I wish everyone would just send gold and silver. That would be much better." Chapter 1004