Chapter: 87. The Girl Who Came Back QuietElowen’s POVI learned about Evander’s request for my Blackstone records from a servant who had been sent to deliver a message to Caelan.She mentioned it while placing a tray on the table.“Prince Evander has requested the records from your time at Blackstone, my lady. The household administrator received confirmation this morning.”My hand paused over the cup I was holding.“All of them?”“That’s what I heard. The prison file, medical records, disciplinary reports, everything they still have.”I nodded.The servant waited, perhaps expecting me to ask more, but I didn’t.When she left, I sat with my untouched tea.I knew the investigation had expanded beyond the night I was convicted. Evander had been examining the missing statements, the altered records, and the people who had handled the original case. It made sense that he would eventually look into my imprisonment.Still, the thought of strangers reading those reports made something inside me tighten.For two years, Blackstone ha
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด: 2026-10-27
Chapter: 86. The Name On The ListEvander’s POVI had barely finished reviewing Edmund Varren’s name when another detail caught my attention.The official’s transfer had been approved less than a month after Elowen’s conviction. His supplementary statement was missing, his name had been removed from the later index, and nobody had recorded an interview with him during the subsequent review.I still didn’t know why.Until I found Varren, I would have to work with the records that remained.I pulled the administrative register toward me and checked his assignment history again.Before his transfer, Varren had worked in the investigative department. His responsibilities included reviewing case files, verifying witness statements, and ensuring that supporting documents were properly recorded before cases proceeded to judgment.He hadn’t been a minor clerk who happened to handle Elowen’s paperwork.He had been involved in the investigation itself.I turned to the transfer authorization.The document listed the department t
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด: 2026-10-27
Chapter: 85. The First CrackSeraphine’s POVI knew something had changed when the household administrator refused to answer my question.“Has Prince Evander requested any more records from the estate?” I asked.The administrator adjusted the documents in his hands. “I’m not authorized to discuss every request made during his investigation, Lady Seraphine.”I stared at him.“Every request? I’m asking whether he’s been here.”“His Highness has made inquiries concerning the original case records. You’ll have to speak to him if you require further details.”“He’s investigating a matter that concerns this family. Surely you can tell me what he’s looking for.”“I’m afraid I can’t.”The administrator bowed and walked away, leaving me standing in the corridor with my fingers tightening around the edge of my sleeve.Two weeks ago, I could have asked the same question and received an answer. The staff would have been eager to reassure me, explain what they knew, and help me understand what was happening.Now, even a simpl
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด: 2026-10-26
Chapter: 84. The Name That Was RemovedEvander’s POVThe two archive copies differed by one line.I had spent most of the morning comparing them, checking each reference number against the corresponding entry in the later index. Most of the changes were ordinary corrections: a date written incorrectly, a page number adjusted, an entry moved to match the revised filing order.But one reference had been corrected by hand.I placed the older copy beside the newer one and leaned closer.The original entry pointed to a supplementary witness statement filed during the investigation into Elowen Veyra’s conviction. The later index carried the same reference number, but the description had changed. The statement was no longer listed as a witness account. It had been marked as an administrative attachment, with no name beside it.I checked the page number again.It led to a section that no longer existed in the surviving file.“Bring me the register for supplementary submissions,” I told the clerk sitting across the table.He stood
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด: 2026-10-24
Chapter: 83. The Accusation that Went Too FarKaelith’s POVI knew the meeting would accomplish little when Seraphine began by asking everyone to consider how much damage the investigation was causing.She sat beside Isolde in the main sitting room, her hands folded neatly in her lap. Caelan occupied the chair opposite them, while Draven stood near the fireplace, looking as though he would rather be anywhere else.Elowen sat at the far end of the room.She hadn’t spoken since I arrived.“The situation is becoming difficult for everyone,” Seraphine said. “Another witness has been questioned, old records are disappearing, and now people are beginning to speculate about what happened two years ago.”Draven folded his arms.“Questioning witnesses is part of an investigation.”“I’m aware of that,” Seraphine replied. “But there has to be a point where we consider whether reopening everything is helping anyone.”“That depends on what the investigation finds.”“And what if it finds nothing?” Seraphine asked. “What if all we’re doing is d
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด: 2026-10-24
Chapter: 82. The Family That Needed A ScapegoatElowen’s POVCaelan found me in the west sitting room that afternoon.I had been trying to finish a letter to the estate’s accounts office, but I stopped writing when he appeared in the doorway. He had been avoiding me less often lately, though I wasn’t sure whether that was because he wanted to speak to me or because he had finally run out of excuses.“Elowen, can we talk?”I put down my pen. “About what?”“Evander’s investigation.”“Then you should speak to Evander.”“I already have.”“Good.”I returned to my letter.Caelan remained where he was.“I need to ask you something.”I looked up again. “You can ask.”“Do you remember what happened before you were sent to Blackstone?”My fingers tightened around the edge of the paper.For a moment, I could hear another conversation. Caelan’s voice, low and urgent. Seraphine crying. The sound of someone moving around the room while I stood there, waiting for my brother to explain what was happening.Please, Elowen. Take responsibility.I pu
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด: 2026-10-23
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