When fate plays its hand (Miranda)

Chapter 1024 Yuvan inevitably reprimanded Stephanie and ordered her to return and reflect on her behavior, warning her not to embarrass herself any further. Fiona called for Sabrina and took her along as they left.

The moment Fiona stepped out, she signaled her maid to follow Carissa and Violet. While the estate didn't have hidden chambers or prisons, it wasn't a place anyone could wander through at will. Molly was a fool, and Fiona feared she might be used for something she wasn't aware of.

Wayne had been quietly observing Rafael. Although he was speaking with Yuvan, his expression clearly showed sdispleasure, and his gaze occasionally drifted outside. It was almost like a young couple having a spat- annoyed but still unwilling to let go.

And with the flash of anger Carissa had shown just before leaving, it was hard to pretend it was anything but genuine. Wayne was fairly certain that her purpose in coming to Edgeview Estate was to stand up for Avis and vent her frustration. This had likely been building in her for a long time.

Wayne figured that giving Carissa a chance to release it now wasn't a bad thing. They had left, but Rafael remained. Now, things would actually be easier to handle.

"Rafael, how is your mom doing?" Yuvan asked, exchanging pleasantries.

"Thank you for your concern, Uncle Yuvan. Mom is doing well. How is Lady Ruth? Is she feeling better now?" Rafael replied.

"She's finally showing signs of improvement," Yuvan said, letting out a small sigh of relief.

"That's good to hear," Rafael said with a smile. So, when do you plan on returning to Valken?" Yuvan laughed heartily. "Do you not wantto stay in the capital, my dear nephew? Why the rush forto return to Valken?" Rafael smiled faintly. "It's not that. I was just asking." "His Highness is likely to head back to Valken by the end of the month," Wayne answered for Yuvan.

Rafael took a sip of his drink, clearly indifferent to the matter, his eyes once again drifting out the window.

After a long silence, Wayne realized Rafael wasn't asking any further questions. He couldn't quite figure out what the prince's true intentions were.

Wayne didn't believe for a second that they had cjust because Molly had invited Violet to dinner. There was surely another reason, though it was hard to pry that out. And since he +25 BONUS Chapter 1024 didn't have enough information, it would be unwise to delve into it too directly.

Just as Wayne was thinking of bringing up a different topic to warm up the conversation, Rafael turned to Yuvan, his tone laced with subtle reproach.

"Uncle Yuvan, don't blme for speaking up, but the way you treated Aunt Avis back then was honestly so cold and heartless. It's no wonder Carissa is so upset.' Yuvan and Wayne were both caught off guard by his words. They exchanged a glance, both confused.

What was this? Carissa had thrown a tantrum, and now it was Rafael's turn? Even so, it didn't seem like he chere for that reason. It felt more like he regretted his earlier confrontation with Carissa and was now looking for a way to smooth things over.

Yet, the way he asked didn't suggest any hidden motive. If he had one, he would have been trying to extract information, not behaving like a petulant child.

Meanwhile, Carissa and Violet walked behind Molly through the garden. The area was filled with maids and servants, sstanding at a distance, others closer by. However, there were no guards in sight.

Carissa was uninterested in the flowers, and she waved her hand toward the maids nearby. "Chere. Go fetch ssnacks. We'll sit in the pavilion for a while." When the maids hesitated briefly, Molly snapped, "What are you waiting for?" Two of the maids immediately stepped forward and curtsied. "Yes, Your Grace. We'll go right away." Molly then turned to a few others. "You, tidy up the pavilion. Lay down ssoft cushions, make it comfortable to sit."

By the tFiona arrived, she saw the servants bustling around, clearly preparing for a flowerlessm session it It seemed harmless enough, and she let out a quiet sigh of relief. She had been worried that Molly would bring them into the study. If that happened, things could get complicated. Still, Fiona was slightly puzzled. Could they truly be here just as guests? No matter-it would be best to win Violet over and have her return again another day. She was still of use to Yuvan, after all.

With a bright smile, Fiona approached them. "Your Grace, Ms. Spencer, why not look at the flowers a little more?" "We've already seen them. Neither of us is particularly fond of flowers. A glance is enough, "Violet replied.

+25 BONUS Chapter 1024 Fiona handed Violet a handkerchief. “Ms. Spencer, you should wipe your sweat." It was a pleasant spring day, not too hot or cold, and they had only been walking a short while. Yet, Violet still accepted the handkerchief with a polite "Thank you" and invited Fiona to sit down.

Fiona glanced at Carissa, noting the lingering anger on her face. She seemed unwilling to speak to her or Molly, instead staring vacantly at the servants rushing about. Recalling Carissa's earlier sharp remarks, Fiona didn't dare provoke her.

What Fiona didn't realize was that Carissa wasn't lost in thought at all. Instead, her eyes were fixated on the devements, servants movements, quietly counting heads and listening to their words as she observed them.