Chapter 593
+25 BONUS
On the day of Kiera’s grand wedding, the Quinton family’s residence was abuzz with activity.
The dowry had been delivered to Ivory Estate the day before, but the wedding ceremony and banquet were to take place at the Quinton family’s residence. The threshold of their estate was nearly worn down from the countless guests who streamed in to celebrate.
Before Eleanor arrived at the Quinton family’s residence for the feast, she allowed Carmen a brief visit to Harmony Palace.
Melanie Lester remained imprisoned in Harmony Palace’s dungeon, a place reeking of decay. Each day, the door would open for just an hour to air out the stench, a supposed act of kindness from Eleanor, who claimed it was out of compassion.
But it wasn’t just Melanie who was imprisoned there. Several other concubines and servants who had erred shared her fate. Once someone entered the dungeon, there was little hope of escape. The foul odor was tinged with the scent of blood.
As Carmen stepped into the dungeon, an overwhelming wave of revulsion hit her, causing her to feel nauseous. But she pushed past the discomfort and hurried straight to her mom’s cell.
The cells weren’t separated by iron bars but built with solid walls, ensuring no one could see one another. Each room had a door with a small window at the bottom, through which food was passed. Those confined within had no one to talk to.
Every cell contained a bed and a toilet, with the promise of a bath just once a month. The meaning behind Eleanor’s actions was that Henry would visit them during that time, so they had to stay clean when he did. If they went an entire month without any screams or noise, they would earn a half–day to go outside and stretch their legs.
Carmen had been here once before. It was just before her mission, when Eleanor had taken pity on her and allowed her a glimpse of the suffering her mom endured.
Greta called for the door to be opened, and Carmen rushed inside.
On the bed lay a thin and pitiful woman. She coughed weakly as she turned to the door. Upon recognizing her daughter, she struggled to sit up.
“Mom!” Carmen cried, wrapping her arms around the woman, tears spilling over in an instant. “Didn’t they say they would get you a physician? Why are you still coughing so badly?”
Melanie clutched her daughter tightly, her frail body–nothing but bones–seeming to channel an immense strength as she nearly squeezed the breath from Carmen.
“I thought would never see you again. How are you? Are you alright? And your sister?”
Carmen fought back her tears, her voice catching in her throat as she replied, “I’m doing well, Mom. The grand princess treats me very kindly.”
Melanie’s eyes filled with disbelief. She wept as she said, “You coming to see me means she needs you
how.”
Leaning closer, Melanie whispered in a trembling voice after a few sobs, “Don’t worry about me. Escape
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Chapter 593
while you can. Go as far away, as possible.”
Her heart aching, Carmen replied firmly, “Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll complete the task given to me by the grand princess and get you out of here.”
Melanie grasped her daughter’s clothing tightly. “Just run away!”
“You just have to trust me.” Carmen nodded vigorously, her eyes glinting with an unusual resolve. Leaning closer to her mother, she whispered, “If Dad comes to see you, persuade him to cooperate with my plan. We have no other options.”
Melanie released her grip, her tear–filled eyes watching Carmen with confusion.
“Trust me, Mom. I’ll save you…” Carmen took a deep breath and mouthed silently, “And the other concubines.”
Then, she spoke louder, “Don’t worry. I’ll definitely follow the grand princess‘ instructions. If I do everything right, we will be reunited.”
Melanie’s eyes widened. They were already gaunt and hollowed, and they now reflected a fresh wave of terror, making her appear even more pitiful.
Carmen nodded confidently. “Mom, remember what I said. I can do this.”
She lifted her gaze and locked eyes with Melanie. The determination in her daughter’s eyes was something Melanie had never seen before.
Fear clutched at Melanie’s heart. She reached out, wanting to say something to dissuade Carmen. She wanted to warn her daughter to not attempt the impossible–doing so might lead to destruction, and she might not even know why.
But looking at her daughter’s unwavering resolve, Melanie slowly withdrew her hand. Even if she couldn’t help, she wouldn’t hinder her daughter’s efforts. Melanie, Carmen, and Celeste, along with the Lester family, were bound to one another.
Melanie couldn’t afford to seek death. Otherwise, her two daughters would pay with their lives, and the Lester family would surely face a grim fate. She couldn’t die, but she couldn’t have a good life either.
In that case, it was time to fight back. After all, they had been pushed to the brink,
