Chapter 1347

Cynthia suggested testing the waters, but Violet immediately shook her head. "Don't try it. Pretend you know nothing. We leave at dawn, and then we'll tell Cari and Jacob."

However, a thought suddenly struck Bun. "But can we really leave?"

Cynthia blinked, surprised. "You mean he won't let us go? He's going to keep us here? But Prince Hayden said we could leave."

"Why did Prince Hayden call for Vivi, then? Have you thought about that?" Bun asked.

Violet paced, feeling uneasy. She had discussed this with Carissa. It clearly wasn't about asking for help. Could it be a hostage situation?

It didn't seem like that, either. Instead, it felt more like someone was deliberately revealing a flaw for them to notice.

"Is it possible that Prince Hayden and Gordon aren't on the same side?" Violet murmured, recalling the strange dynamics at Willowbrook Estate. Gordon had been everywhere, yet never quite present; always in the background, always unnoticed.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a persistent idea she dared not voice: Could Gordon be using a disguise? Could he actually be Nicholas?

"Let's not talk about it anymore. We'll sleep on it," Violet decided. Speaking her suspicions aloud felt wrong—if Gordon's martial arts were truly that advanced, they had no idea if the three of them could stand a chance.

"We'll all squeeze in together tonight," Cynthia said, linking her arm with Bun's and pulling Violet in. "Just in case."

The three returned to their room. Bun set up his bedding on the floor, while the women took the bed.

"I'll keep watch," Bun volunteered, sitting up.

Cynthia turned to him. "If we're in danger, why not leave tonight?"

"Curfew," Bun replied simply.

"To avoid alarming them," Violet added.

Cynthia nodded. "Both reasons make sense."

That night, Hayden did something unusual—he didn't retire early. Instead, he stayed in his study, sitting in silence. He had Chaya fetch him a tobacco pipe. Lighting it, he took a slow draw, the faint curls of smoke rising in the still air.

As he puffed, the room filled with smoke. Chaya hesitated before asking, "Would you like another?"

Hayden glanced at her, amusement in his eyes. "You never used to let me smoke so much."

Chaya smiled. "We don't have many days left to live anyway. Might as well do whatever we want now."

Hayden responded, "I've told you to leave, but you refuse. Staying here will only lead to your death."

Chapter 1348

Chaya lowered her gaze, tidied the tobacco pipe, and lit a lavender-scented candle.

"Where would I go if I left? No one has ever cared for me. You treat me like a granddaughter, and that's more kindness than I've ever known, Your Highness. Even if I end up in the underworld, at least there's someone there to look after me."

Hayden looked at her with pity, his gaze soft. "I could leave you with Lady Carissa. She'll take care of you. If that doesn't work, you could always go to the workshop."

"I won't go anywhere," Chaya replied, sitting down with a grunt. She clasped her hands around her waist. "I'll enjoy whatever little comfort I can while I'm here. Tomorrow's troubles can wait, or maybe they won't be worth thinking about at all."

Hayden sighed, glancing at the shadows outside the door. The figure had been standing there for a while but hadn't knocked.

He motioned to Chaya, indicating she was dismissed.

Chaya nodded and rose, heading to the door. She saw the person standing outside and curtsied deeply. "Your Highness."

"You should go and rest." The voice was warm, soothing, almost pleasant.

"Yes, Your Highness." Chaya slowly turned and walked off, her steps heavy.

The figure entered the study, closing the door.

The study still held the lingering scent of smoke, mingling with lavender. It created a strangely refreshing, almost unearthly, but undeniably unique atmosphere.

"Dad," Nicholas said, his tone gentle yet firm. "You've been coughing a lot lately. You should quit the pipe. It's not good for your health."

Hayden narrowed his eyes, studying him. "You're quite the talker, always spouting sanctimonious words. I have to admit, I'm impressed. How do you manage to say all this without feeling disgusted by your own hypocrisy?"

Nicholas remained unmoved, standing straight, his expression calm.

"Why are you angry, Dad? I've let you do whatever you want these days. You invited Violet here to stay, deliberately making noise late at night, and even took them to see the riverworks. You're..."