The rain was coming down in torrents.

After visiting a few shops, they came upon The Golden Tower, the city's most renowned jeweler. Seeing it still open, Chaya expressed a desire to buy some jewelry.

Hayden waved a hand dismissively. "Buy what you like."

Inside The Golden Tower, Nathaniel spotted Hayden and quickly ushered them to a private room on the third floor. The Shadow Guard, of course, followed close behind.

Hayden had been here with Chaya on several occasions. As a regular customer, he was treated well. Aside from Nathaniel, William and two attendants stood by to serve them.

Delicate cakes were brought out, and Hayden invited the Shadow Guard to join them for a drink while Chaya selected her pieces.

The Shadow Guard naturally didn't dare to sit down. He was there to keep an eye on Hayden, so he stood beside him. He watched Hayden chat warmly with Nathaniel, ensuring no suspicious dealings took place. Occasionally, he glanced at Chaya. Her large frame blocked the jewelry displayed on the counter, so he went over to take a quick look. Seeing her trying on bracelets, he quickly stepped back to watch Hayden again.

Their conversation was simple, mostly about the heavy rain recently. They were relieved the river channels had been cleared and dredged, or else there might have been flooding. They also expressed concern that with this much rain, many areas would likely suffer from floods, and crops would be damaged.

Crops ruined meant the people would starve, and Hayden sighed deeply, lamenting the situation. He even joked with Nathaniel, "I know your family is in the grain business as well. Make sure you don't hike up the prices when the time comes.

Nathaniel waved his hands frantically. "Of course not, Your Highness. We at The Golden Tower would never stoop to such unethical practices."

"Well, that's good to hear. A person must have a conscience," Hayden said, extending a finger toward Nathaniel's chest. "When it comes to people and actions, it's not just about what's on the outside. You have to look at their heart-whether it's good or bad-and what's really inside, do you understand?" Nathaniel winced at the poke to his chest, forcing a smile. "Yes, Your Highness, you're right. I'll keep that in mind."

On the other side of the room, Chaya had finished her selection. She chose two bracelets and a necklace featuring a gold pig charm. She draped it around her neck, the brilliant gold catching the light and drawing attention.

She walked over to Hayden and asked with a smile, "Do you think it looks good?"

Hayden nodded, smiling fondly. "If you like it, that's all that matters. Are you done picking? Just these three items?"

"Yes, I'm done." Chaya nodded. "That's enough."

Hayden rose to his feet and turned to Nathaniel. "Have someone fetch the money from Willowbrook Estate."

"It can wait until another day," Nathaniel replied.

"I'd prefer not to delay. I don't like owing money," Hayden insisted, his voice firm. "Send someone now."

Nathaniel reluctantly gave orders for an assistant to go with them, then personally saw them off as they got into the carriage.

Just as he turned back to head into

the shop, he was startled by the sight of William hurrying toward him, holding something wrapped in a cloth. The cloth was white with a hint of red seeping through

Upon closer inspection, Nathaniel realized William's hand was wounded.noveldrama

"Mr. Judd, please come quickly," William said, his expression grave.

Nathaniel saw the blood on William's hand and quickly followed him into the accounting room at the back of the shop.

Ignoring the wound on his hand, William unwrapped the cloth. Inside was a handkerchief with a piece of paper, and inside the paper was a sharp shard of broken porcelain.

"At first, I thought Ms. Kingsley had left this behind by accident. When I reached for it, I was cut, so I opened it and found a letter. The first line asked us to pass it to the Hell Monarch's princess consort, and I

didn't dare read any further. "Content

Nathaniel took the letter, glanced at it, and saw the first line asking for delivery to Carissa. He also saw mentions of the Sinclair family's massacre.

His face immediately turned serious.

"The person who came with Prince

Hayden today seemed suspicious. His Highness may be under surveillance. No wonder His

Highness asked us to send

someone to collect the money

Normally, we do that at the end of

the month. It seems he's trying to distract them, making them focus on our shop's assistant while we can safely deliver the letter."

Nathaniel immediately stood up.

"Prepare the carriage! I'm going personally."

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