When fate plays its hand

Chapter 925

After Carissa sent someone to call Rafael over, Cindy said, “I’ve heard that Lady Helen is staying here. Please take me to her so I can greet her.”

Reminded of this, Carissa quickly agreed, “Alright, we’ll go now.”

Helen had already heard from Gillian when Cindy entered the estate. Knowing that Carissa and her aunt hadn’t seen each other in such a long time, Helen figured they would have plenty to talk about. She decided to stay in for the evening meal so they could have some time to catch up

Not long after, Carissa and Violet brought Cindy in to pay their respects. Helen was quite pleased; she could tell that Cindy was well–raised and followed proper etiquette. After Cindy performed the formalities, Helen motioned for her to sit down, eager to chat.

“It must have been a long journey. Were you exhausted?” she asked.

Cindy glanced at Carissa with affectionate eyes. “My heart was set on returning home, so it didn’t feel tiring at all.”

Seeing the loving expression on Cindy’s face, Helen sighed softly, understanding that Cindy cared deeply for

Carissa.

“It’s good that you’re back. Lady Heather is your sister–in–law. Since you’re her elder, you should have a word with her. She’s been acting so recklessly,” said Helen. Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

When Cindy looked confused, Gillian explained all the foolish things Heather had done. Cindy had already known about Leona, but she hadn’t realized how careless Harvey and Heather were. The fact that they had neglected their daughter was beyond her.

Violet was standing to the side and couldn’t help but vent her frustration, recounting all the things Heather had done to Carissa. Cindy’s anger flared–she was ready to march over to Hartstone Estate and confront Heather.

Carissa and Violet kept quiet about Harvey’s collusion with Yuvan, so Cindy still thought of the prince as timid and weak. Her fury made her curse Heather right there in front of Helen.

Harvey was a prince, so Cindy couldn’t curse him. However, Heather was from the Sullivan family. As a sister–in- law, Cindy had every right to reprimand Heather without anyone daring to say otherwise.

Helen, who found it satisfying to hear Cindy vent her anger, said, “It’s best to call her over while Prince Harvey is away from the capital. Give her a proper scolding. She doesn’t care for her own daughter, nor does she look out for her niece. What good is she as a princess consort if she can Leven manage her own family?”

Cindy’s frustration was clear, but she knew there was no rush to confront Heather. There was no sense In letting it spoil her mood for the evening.

Helen understood the situation and smiled knowingly. “You haven’t seen each other in a while, so I’ll skip dinner tonight. Carissa, why don’t you accompany your aunt downstairs? The two of you can catch up and enjoy some time together.”

Carissa nodded. “As you wish, Mother.”

Cindy stood to take her leave. “I’ll come again tomorrow to see you, Your Grace.”

Helen smiled and nodded. “Very well, go ahead.”

Helen then asked Violet to stay, saying she would dine with her to avoid interrupting the conversation. The bond between Carissa and Cindy was as close as mother and daughter, and there was surely a lot to catch up on.

Violet was appreciative of Helen’s rare moment of thoughtfulness and was happy to stay.

When Rafael heard Cindy had returned to the capital, he hurried back to the estate to greet her. Cindy greeted him. with a formal curtsy, which he returned with a bow before they both sat down.

Cindy had met Rafael before, but hadn’t paid much attention to him. Now, looking at him more carefully, she saw that he and Carissa made quite the pair. It was clear that he genuinely cared for Carissa, and Cindy’s heart warmed with affection for him.

The three of them shared a meal. After Rafael left to give them privacy, Cindy spent another hour chatting with her niece.

Finally, she said, “I’m a bit tired now.”

“I’ll escort you back to rest, Aunt Cindy,” Carissa quickly offered, standing to help.

Cindy didn’t refuse. She allowed Carissa to take her arm as they stood, smiling, “Alright!”

Lily had already prepared Frostspire Hall for Cindy’s stay. She had brought five people with her on this trip–four for her protection, and one long–time maid, Dina, who had already gone ahead to help organize the rooms, waiting for Cindy’s return.

After escorting Cindy back to the courtyard, Carissa watched as her aunt patted her hand and adjusted her headpiece.

“Go on back now, and see if you like the gifts,” said Cindy.

Carissa lowered her gaze. “I’ll like them no matter what. I’m sure of it.”

Seeing the way her niece avoided looking at the gifts, Cindy’s heart tugged with a quiet ache. She pulled Carissa into another embrace and sighed.

“It’s okay

you don’t want to look. Just leave them for now.”