Chapter 794 +25 BONUS

Lionel ordered everyone outside. The house immediately erupted in chaos as people rushed out, some nervously identifying themselves.

A woman knelt before him, a lilac cloak draped over her crimson dress, accentuating her delicate features and lending her an alluring charm. She knew something was wrong when her daughter was taken earlier that day; perhaps she had even foreseen her fate. Eleanor's downfall meant their discovery was inevitable.

"What's your name?" Lionel asked, his voice tight with barely controlled anger.

"Casey Kingsley," she replied, her voice husky but undeniably enticing.

Lionel fixed his gaze on her. "When did you last see my father?"

"Yesterday afternoon," she answered. "He was here for about two hours."

Lionel stared in disbelief, feeling a sharp shock. Yesterday? His father had been here yesterday? He was the Civil Minister; he likely spent his lunch break in the ministry's rear courtyard.

"He came at noon?"

"Yes."

"How often does he come?" Lionel asked through gritted teeth.

With calm eyes, Casey responded, "Every other day."

"That's impossible!" Lionel roared.

She looked up, unflinching. "If you don't believe me, ask anyone here. He visits his daughter."

Lionel swept his gaze across the assembled people—all kneeling before him. They had just introduced themselves: eight maids, three young servants, two wet nurses, two guards, two coachmen, a head gardener, and four cooks. All served this woman and her daughter.

Lionel exchanged glances with the two elderly maids he'd brought. They nodded, understanding his silent command, and began escorting Casey inside. Remarkably, she offered no resistance, moving with unsettling calm.

Lionel wandered through the estate, admiring the exquisite floral decorations and fine furnishings. Even the low tables were intricately carved. While not palatial, the attention to detail was undeniable.

In the back garden, an elegantly crafted swing set, adorned with vines and flowers, stood amongst children's toys. He saw a little girl's clothes hanging to dry; he estimated the child to be about a year old.

Chapter 794 +25 BONUS

He explored every room except the master bedroom, his heart sinking with each inch he covered.

As the two elderly maids emerged, Lionel firmly instructed the estate's servants to keep a close watch on Casey, preventing her from leaving the house.

Once in the carriage, one maid said candidly, "She's not pure, Lord Lionel. But when we return, I know how to handle it."

Lionel felt a tightening in his chest, his eyes stinging. "Thank you for your hard work, both of you."

"It's only human to err, my lord," one maid said. "Countless men do."

Lionel placed his hands on his knees and stared at the ground. Yes, anyone could make mistakes, but he'd always believed his father wouldn't. Now, his father's majestic image crumbled in his mind. He knew he would never forget this day.

Marjorie was almost unconscious from crying. Her marriage, once a source of pride and envy, had become a bitter joke. She'd believed her husband deeply loved her, only to discover it was a facade. She'd gone to the study seeking an explanation, but he'd locked himself inside, refusing to see anyone. By the time Lionel returned, her eyes were swollen.

"Why are you crying, Mother?" he asked, forcing a smile. "It's a misunderstanding. I took the maids to see that woman, and she is untouched. Father knew someone was deliberately getting close to him, so he had her placed under surveillance to uncover the culprit."

"Really?" Marjorie looked up, her gaze darting between her son and the maids. "Is that true? Did you verify it?"

"Madam Marjorie, we did," one maid confirmed. "The woman is pure, and many people were in her house, keeping watch."

Marjorie trusted her son and the maids; their words eased her burden.

"But why has your father locked himself in the study? Why won't he explain anything?" she pressed, worry etched on her brow.

Lionel suppressed his sorrow and smiled. "Father is probably frustrated. He'd been investigating for so long without discovering her identity, while a mere woman like Carissa managed it. You know he dislikes her, Mother; I'm sure he resents her discovering it first."