Chapter 520: 25 Bonus

The carriage stopped at the northern corner of Silverbrook Academy, followed by the Marquis of Elderglen's family carriage to avoid congestion. The rain intensified, and the crowd grew larger. Kayla's injured foot made it difficult for her to return to her carriage immediately; she had to wait for the other carriages to disperse.

"Are you here to see your son off to school, Lady Kayla?" Carissa asked, aware of Kayla's adopted son but unsure of his age.

"Yes, it's his first day," Kayla replied, a genuine smile brightening her face. "I came to see him off."

"How old is he? What's his name?"

"He's seven, and his name is Alexander," Kayla answered.

Violet chuckled. "That name suggests a family of generals."

Kayla's smile faltered, a fleeting bitterness in her eyes before she composed herself. "My late husband chose names for our future children," she explained softly. "If we had a son, he wanted a name that symbolized protection and leadership."

"I see," Violet said gently, sensing the sensitive topic. Noticing Kayla's reddened eyes, she changed the subject. "Your maid's hand is injured. Let me tidy your hair."

"Oh, no, that's not necessary," Kayla protested, but Violet had already begun.

"Don't be fooled by my rough appearance," Violet said, "I'm quite skilled at hairstyling."

Unable to stop Violet, Kayla could only apologize repeatedly.

To ease the tension, Carissa began a casual conversation. "I'm also here to see my nephew off today. It's his first day, too."

Silverbrook Academy had limited yearly slots, so new students were usually grouped together.

"It's Ryan, isn't it?" Kayla asked, already knowing. Her smile widened slightly. "That's wonderful."

Carissa understood this wasn't merely politeness; it reflected the Sinclair family's hopes. Observing Kayla's youthful yet melancholy expression, she said softly, "Everything will be alright. What's past is past. Those who remain must live well."

Kayla nodded, her sadness evident.

The rain intensified, and the commotion at the academy entrance escalated into shouts. The intersection was blocked, even Kayla's carriage was immobile.

As Violet styled Kayla's hair, she noticed a missing earring. "You've lost an earring. It must have come off when you fell."

Kayla gasped, her face paling. She touched her earlobes and confirmed the left earring was missing. "I need to find it," she said, hastily lifting the carriage curtain.

"Madam Kayla, don't go out. Let me search for it," her maid said.

Violet peered outside. "It's too crowded and chaotic. The spot where you fell has been trampled. Your earring is large, with a pearl; someone might have taken it." Many carriages weren't driven by family members, but by servants or hired coachmen who might have seen the earring.

Kayla covered her face and wept. "No, I have to find it. It's a token of my husband's love. I can't lose it." Wiping her tears, she insisted, "I have to go! Someone might pick it up!"

She tried to leave the carriage, but her maid restrained her. "Madam Kayla, don't rush."

Carissa and Violet helped her out, holding umbrellas and joining the search. At the spot where Kayla had fallen, they searched inch by inch. However, the crowd and rain made it nearly impossible. Carriages were maneuvering, shouts filled the air.

Finding the pearl earring in the heavy rain and dense crowd seemed hopeless. Carissa looked up, about to suggest waiting, when she saw Kayla kneeling, dragging her injured foot, frantically searching. The rain drenched her, her hair a tangled mess, making her look distraught.

Carissa's heart ached. She rushed to help Kayla to her feet. "Get back in the carriage. We'll continue searching."

"No!" Kayla cried, her hands trembling. She struggled to control her emotions. "I must find it. It's very important to me—it truly is!"