Chapter 875

Violet felt no sympathy for Barrett. "I heard from Claire that Serena didn't return for the funeral, but Aurora left Blessed Haven to wear mourning attire for that old hag," she said.

Ever since the assassination attempt, Aurora had rarely left Blessed Haven. She wouldn't even appear when Rebecca was nearing death, so it was strange that she would come out now to mourn. If someone wanted to kill her again, infiltrating the household during the funeral wouldn't be difficult. But Aurora was probably smart enough. The treason case had just occurred and wasn't yet resolved. Who would dare act recklessly at this time?

"Who's helping with the funeral arrangements?" Carissa asked.

Viola had been in poor health since giving birth and couldn't manage it. Aurora likely wouldn't be taking charge either.

"Madam Charlotte," Violet replied. "After all, they're sisters-in-law. They don't have many grievances against each other. Plus, the family hasn't truly split, so she'll handle it."

"Aunt Charlotte is quite loyal and principled," Carissa remarked. "That's rare."

Everyone nodded in agreement. They genuinely respected someone like Charlotte, who could clearly distinguish between love and hate. While they admired her, they couldn't help but silently curse Rebecca. Only Rafael refrained from cursing her. He certainly resented Rebecca, but her cruel and ungrateful nature had led him to marry Carissa. His anger stemmed solely from her mistreatment of Carissa.

Rafael's injuries had mostly healed, though he still walked awkwardly. The bump on his forehead had faded to a light bruise, but at first glance, it still looked ominous.

Jacob said Rafael's forehead didn't look auspicious and insisted that Dylan hold him down while he applied powder to cover it. Now, Rafael mostly stayed indoors unless necessary.

Fortunately, Helen had gone to the palace to keep Victoria company. Otherwise, she would have nagged him endlessly about his forehead.

The weather was cold, and Victoria had moved to the warmer quarters of the palace. The concubines would pay their respects on the first and fifteenth days of the month, while Salvador visited every other day. No matter how diligent he was, he never forgot to check on her. Even while investigating the treason case, he would take time to visit. Helen had been living in the palace for a few days and had seen Salvador several times.

Victoria was aware of Rebecca's death. She remarked, "Well, she died at just the right time. This year will be peaceful."

Helen raised an eyebrow. "Who told you that? I've seen you holed up here all day. Did someone in the palace tell you? Are they prying into Warren family matters?"

"What's wrong with knowing a little about what's happening outside?" Victoria didn't directly answer, but tapped Helen's forehead. "Don't be so closed-minded. You should keep yourself informed. Now that you're out of the palace and staying with Rafael, you ought to help a bit. Don't just focus on enjoying yourself."

"If my son is doing well and my daughter-in-law is dutiful, shouldn't I be enjoying life?" Helen shot back. "After all the hard work raising my son, it's only natural to want to enjoy the fruits of my labor. Am I supposed to keep toiling away for them? I'm not that foolish."

In front of her sister, Helen always spoke her mind and was unrestrained. If she said something wrong, it was only a few rebukes from her sister. What did she have to fear? Victoria chuckled. "You're quite lazy, you know. You have no ambition at all."

"What do you mean? Since entering the palace, how many concubines have turned against me? I've fought through so much to get to where I am today. I wouldn't have such a peaceful life if I hadn't done all that," Helen retorted.

Victoria looked at her sister and sighed. If Helen thought she got through it all on her own and wanted to be proud of it, let her be.

Helen carefully arranged the sugar cubes on a plate. "Why say the year will be peaceful since that old woman is dead? Did she make you suffer? Do you have a grudge against her?"

Victoria gave her a disdainful look. "Are you so heartless? She treated your daughter-in-law poorly. Don't you hate her for that?"

Helen's eyes widened. "Why are you still holding grudges against an old woman? Does she even deserve to be in your thoughts?"

In Helen's memories, Victoria had always seemed indifferent, maintaining a carefree expression. Whatever happened, her face was always the same, except when she was angry with Helen. Why would that old woman merit such attention?

Victoria shot her an irritated glance. "Who exactly is Melanie Sullivan to me?"

"A friend, of course."

"That old woman picked on Carissa, and now she's dead. Death took her before the New Year, so isn't it like giving Melanie a big gift? Why wouldn't I feel at ease because of that?"

Helen waved her hand dismissively. "Come on, she's going to hell! How could she possibly meet Melanie? If they were in the same place even after death, it wouldn't be a good thing."

Victoria regarded Helen for a moment, as if considering her words. Perhaps she had a point.

Chapter 825 is missing from the provided text. There's a jump from Chapter 875 to a mention of Chapter 825 at the end.