[I was delighted to receive your invitation, Your Highness. However, I haven’t made my debut yet, so I worry it might lead to unnecessary gossip about you. Therefore, I wish to visit with my sister as a guardian. She has always wanted to see Prince Carl.

Indeed, what woman wouldn’t look forward to meeting with Your Highness?

I hope you understand my feelings.]

Writing the reply felt like a waste of time to Whitney. After sending the letter to the court, she got up, tired, and went to the garden for a breath of fresh air.

Fortunately, Carl responded positively. Whitney immediately prepared to go to the Orleans manor. Melisa joyfully sent a letter inviting her to the manor right away.

Whitney planned to seize this opportunity to gather necessary documents at the manor. The butler had sent letters, but she needed more concrete evidence.

‘I’ve asked the informant, but since he’s also connected to Prince Cheston, I must solve this on my own.’

Whitney entered the manor with a fancy handkerchief.

“You’re just in time. I would’ve gone alone if you were late.”

“I wouldn’t mind if you went alone, sister. But Prince Carl would probably call me again, and I didn’t want to trouble you.”

“……Really? Wait a bit longer. I need to get ready.”

“Take your time. I’ll be reading in the study.”

Melisa disappeared into her room without listening to Whitney. Whitney asked the maid to deliver the handkerchief to her sister.

Laurel, still employed and evidently pleasing both the mother and Melisa, approached Whitney cautiously.

“Do you need to tell me something?”

“You’ll soon be an adult.”

“So?”

“If you promise not to dismiss me, I can provide you with necessary information.”

“You’re proposing a deal?”

Laurel trembled slightly but nodded. Whitney’s lips curled up slightly at Laurel’s nervous eyes.

“Bring me information worth considering. Then I’ll think about it. Your silence will be well compensated.”

At Whitney’s words, Laurel’s eyebrows twitched. Pretending to head to the study, she sneaked off towards the mother’s office instead.
Busy with Melisa’s dressing, her mother wouldn’t be in the office. Whitney cautiously entered the office. The butler was guarding the door, so she didn’t have to worry about being caught.

Inside, Whitney found financial documents in a drawer and noticed a locked compartment.

‘Something’s hidden here.’

Startled by a knock, she quickly closed the drawer and left the office. Talking with the butler, she moved towards the library, where her mother appeared from the opposite side.

“What are you doing here?”

“Just thought of reading a book as I was bored. Has sister finished dressing up?”

“Yes, she just finished. Let’s go down now.”

The butler bowed and quickly disappeared. Cecilia eyed Whitney suspiciously. Turning around as if she remembered something, Whitney said,

“By the way, mother. After my debut, I might have to change my room when I return to the manor.”

“Your room, as always, suits the attic. Don’t harbor unnecessary thoughts.”

Cecilia approached and whispered, pressing on Whitney’s shoulder.

“Whitney, I’ve started to think you’re finally becoming useful. Don’t disappoint me. I raised you from childhood; you owe me. Isn’t that right? I raised and cared for you, not even my own child, so act as you always have.”

“Yes, I will.”

“That’s what worries me about you. I kept you from leaving the estate to prevent such delusions. At least you know your place.”

Cecilia then turned Whitney around and pushed her towards the stairs.

“Go on now. Do what you need to.”

Whitney, with her back to her mother, headed downstairs, relieved that her expression was unseen. How fortunate that her mother couldn’t see her face.