Chapter 1165

After Jacob's thorough investigation, the prime suspect in the treason plot was narrowed down to a few individuals, whose movements were closely monitored. However, suspicion remained unsubstantiated by concrete evidence.

Since returning to Valken, Wayne had only seen Harvey, making no other visits or contacts, and remaining meticulously concealed.

Recent reports placed the private army in Stonebridge County, but they had departed swiftly, leaving many possessions behind. Their current location remained unknown.

Valken, once chaotic, stabilized after Wayne's return. Local officials frequented Horizon Estate, enjoying lavish hospitality and a life of ease.

Rafael gave Salvador a list of names. However, the group lacked a clear leader; neither Harvey nor Wayne appeared to be in command.

After a brief discussion with Rafael, Salvador deemed Yuvan's return to Valken crucial. Yuvan's presence was vital to maintain order and prevent the true mastermind from consolidating power prematurely.

Yuvan's absence would leave resources and connections vulnerable to seizure. His return, however, secured his established influence, making any attempt to displace him considerably more difficult.

Salvador issued an edict to Yuvan, declaring his injuries sufficiently healed and ordering his return to Valken.

Eager to return, Yuvan had anxiously followed Valken's situation during his recovery, strategizing to reconcile with the Spencer family. Upon receiving Salvador's edict, he departed immediately for Valken with his family, foregoing even a farewell to Ruth.

Though physically impaired and some abilities lost, his period of despair had only fueled his ambition. While always ambitious, he had previously prioritized maintaining his reputation, aiming for legitimate ascension to power. Now, however, he yearned for immediate action.

He understood the risk; rash action would lead to his downfall and a brutal execution. For now, he prioritized rebuilding his power base.

Chapter 1165

Meanwhile, Oscar contacted Gillian, pleading for her to deliver items to Eleanor, hoping to honor the remaining bond between Ruth and Eleanor.

Initially refusing, Gillian relented after repeated pleas. Having secured Helen's permission, she agreed. Carissa, however, insisted Mabel accompany Gillian. Oscar also accompanied them; Ruth, unable to go herself, had sent him to assess Eleanor's condition and report back.

Argent, a Heritage Bureau official, informed Oscar that Eleanor's maid, Florence, had died two months prior, leaving Eleanor alone in her confinement. She received two meals daily, with a physician summoned in case of illness; medication was forcibly administered if refused.

Eleanor's severed tendons prevented suicide, leaving her to endure a miserable existence. Her teeth had been extracted, silencing her curses; she had long ceased attempting them. Since Florence's death, she had become virtually silent, living in a state of animalistic existence.

Horrified, Oscar witnessed the tragic decline of the once-cherished princess who had chosen rebellion.

The prison cell emitted a foul stench upon opening. Oscar and Gillian shielded their noses, proceeding cautiously inside.

A few steps revealed a huddled form in the corner, barely resembling a human, more like a discarded pile of straw. It was Eleanor.

Her clothes were filth-stained, her hair a matted mess; her face was blank, her eyes devoid of light. A nauseating odor emanated from both her and the cell itself. Her severed tendons prevented self-care; she relieved herself where she sat, the waste remaining on her person. While someone had cleaned her and changed her prison garb during summer, this had ceased after autumn. Though weak, she could still dress herself in the occasionally provided clothing, but chose not to, remaining immersed in filth.