When fate plays its hand (Miranda)

Chapter 961 Leila had heard that Zoey was investigating the servants in Valor Estate, but she had no idea what it was about. When she was brought in, she wore an expression of complete confusion.

It wasn't until Zoey questioned her about having coffee with a friend from her hometown the day before Rebecca's funeral that Leila realized what was happening.

She quickly dropped to her knees and confessed, "Madam Zoey, that day, the person I had coffee with was a close friend of mine. She's a maid at Lester Estate. She mentioned she'd be returning to our hometown and asked if I had any messages for my family. She also invitedto go shopping for sgifts together..." Having been questioning for a long time, Zoey grew a bit impatient. She interrupted and asked bluntly, "Did she ask you to pass on any messages to Aurora that day?" Leila thought for a moment, then replied, "Yes, she askedto tell Madam Aurora that Mrs. Lester would also be attending Madam Rebecca's funeral." "Did she give you anything to deliver to Aurora?" "Yes, she gavea package of herbal medicine." "What kind of herbal medicine?" "I remember it was Moonroot." "Was there any note or message hidden in the package?" Leila shook her head. "I don't know. After I relayed the message, Madam Aurora dismissedright away." After finishing, she suddenly exclaimed, "Oh! Wait, there might have been something. Later, when I returned to serve her, I noticed sashes on the ground, like burnt paper." Zoey asked if there was anything else, but after thinking for a long time, Leila confirmed there wasn't. Zoey then instructed someone to escort Leila out.

Viola had been coming to the side hall repeatedly, asking the servants questions. This time, she arrived just in tto hear Zoey ordering someone to take Leila out.

Viola frowned and asked, "Zoey, what exactly are you investigating? You haven't explained anything to me, yet you've turned the whole household upside down. The servants are all either hiding or slacking off. I can't even get someone to bringcoffee, let alone prepare dinner. It's already late and the kitchen staff hasn't even started cooking!" Zoey glanced at her and replied coolly, "I'm done questioning. You can handle the servants however you see fit." 1/3 +25 BONUS Chapter 961 With that, she instructed Jane to take Leila along and turned to leave.

"She's a maid from Valor Estate. What are you taking her for?" Viola called out from behind, but Zoey ignored her and hurried off.

Leila was nervous and confused. She had no idea what was going on, but with both Barrett and Aurora arrested, she was terrified.

In the carriage, Zoey said gently to her, "Don't be afraid. I'm taking you to see the Hell Monarch's princess consort. Lady Carissa will just ask you a few questions. Whatever you toldearlier, repeat it to her exactly as you said it." 1 Leila was relieved when she realized she was being taken to see Carissa.

When Carissa managed Valor Estate in the past, she had never made things difficult for the servants. In fact, she was always generous with rewards and treated them with kindness. She had always been the most gentle and considerate of mistresses.

Once they arrived at Hell Monarch Estate, Leila was introduced to Carissa and Violet. Zoey shared the findings of her investigation.

"I thought you might still have questions for Leila, so I brought her along," Zoey said.

Violet immediately turned to Leila and asked, "The woman you mentioned, Mrs. Lester. Is she Melanie Lester's sister-in-law?" "Yes, Ms. Spencer," Leila quickly replied. "That's her. My friend serves her as a maid." Noticing the sudden change in Violet's expression, Carissa asked, "What's wrong?" Violet's face grew serious as she explained, “I didn't mention this to you before because I didn't think it was important, but I learned that earlier this year, when Mrs. Lester and her husband went to the outskirts of the city to pray, their carriage lost control and fell down a hill. Four people died-Mrs. Lester, her husband, the coachman, and a maid." She glanced at Leila. "I'm not sure if one of them was your friend from the shometown." Leila's face paled. "My friend's nis Maeve. But... she said she was going back to our hometown." "I don't know the maid's name, but you can find out for yourself," Violet replied.

Her heart racing, Leila quickly excused herself to head to Lester Estate in search of her friend. Violet secretly sent someone to follow her.

Seeing that Carissa didn't ask Leila any further questions, Zoey realized ΠΙ that Carissa trusted her investigation and understood that she and Violet would need to discuss the matter privately. Chapter 961 +25 BONUS Smiling, Zoey said, "If there's nothing more you need from me, I'll return hand have dinner."

Hearing that Zoey hadn't eaten yet, Carissa quickly took her arm. "Please O stay and dine here. I have someone prepare something for you. I'm sorry you've been delayed and missed your meal." Zoey laughed, "You don't need to be so formal. You all continue with your business. I'll eat later when I get back."

Carissa was about to insist, but Zoey waved her hand dismissively No need to insist. There's no rush. Once everything's settled, we can have a meal together later." Carissa reluctantly nodded. "Alright. Then, letescort you out."