Chapter 678

The pressing issue was how Thomas intended to delay the engagement. The Marquis of Grovehill's family would undoubtedly pressure for a resolution, and success depended on Thomas's ability to prolong the process. They speculated that if Thomas refused, Jaina would become a pawn for Eleanor: either married as a concubine to Henry, or to an elderly man as a secondary wife or concubine.

Asking Thomas to agree first was futile; he showed no interest. Alice might have initially liked the idea, but she wouldn't agree once she realized it was a setup. Even if both families genuinely wanted to arrange a marriage, Jaina's representative should be Jacob, not someone from the Marquis of Grovehill's family. Jacob would never allow his sister to be mistreated.

After his emotional turmoil, Jacob spoke. "I don't care what happens to me. I would gladly give my life for her, but she cannot be treated that way. She's innocent and shouldn't be compromised by a scheme that would tarnish her reputation." Having found his sister, he wouldn't allow her to suffer injustice.

Carissa replied, "We never intended that, Jacob. For now, we wait to see how Thomas delays things. We should send someone to Stonebridge County to investigate Eleanor's so-called rescue. If it was fabricated, Jaina can leave Harmony Palace. We at Hell Monarch Estate will protect her."

The Emberfest Festival loomed. Afterward, Eleanor's influence in the capital would wane. But if the matter remained unresolved, Jaina would continue to view Eleanor as her savior. A swift inquiry was crucial. If Eleanor fell from grace and asked Jaina for a risky favor in gratitude, Jaina would comply. Although Violet suspected the rescue was deceptive, there was no concrete evidence for Jaina. Given her loyalty and affection, she would feel compelled to repay the supposed favor, even with doubts.

"I need to decide who to contact," Carissa said.

Kyle, waking from a nap, leaned against the study door. "Call Winona. She's the quickest and most thorough for this kind of investigation."

Violet added, "I'll contact Claire and have her send a letter to Skywing Spire. Using Winona's network there will be fastest."

By evening, Rafael returned to find everything arranged. Learning Jacob had found his sister, Rafael brought wine to celebrate.

Bonus:

Chapter 678 -

Jacob wept openly before Rafael, as he had before Carissa. After several glasses of wine, he grasped Rafael's hand, sobbing, "It's been so hard these years, Your Highness! I've imagined what I'd do to those traffickers if I ever caught them. I'd skin them alive, tear their flesh from their bones, and chop them into pieces!"

Rafael patted his shoulder. "I know, Jacob. I know. Those hard days are over. Things will get better."

Jacob cried, tears and snot streaming down his face. "Eighteen years! I didn't know if she was dead or alive, what suffering she endured, or how she was mistreated! It's all been left to my imagination, and the more I think about it, the more horrific it becomes! Every time I think of her, it feels like a thousand needles stabbing my heart."

Rafael understood this pain. He knew that grief, while intense, eventually lessens. "Come, have another glass. Then we'll sleep," Rafael said, pouring another glass. "I'll drink with you."

Jacob waved his hand, weeping. Although the wine relaxed him, he knew his responsibilities remained. "I can't drink anymore! Shopkeepers will arrive tomorrow, and I must arrange everything. Autumn is approaching, and there's so much to do. Lady Carissa needs to plan, and I can't delay important matters."