"We already monitored the flow of servants exiting and entering the estate. Thus, tracing the origin of any rumors will be simple. And those who dared to expose this matter will become an example for all," Elaine continued. Though she did not elaborate further, the implications were clear to the listeners.

"I hope you would reconsider, Mother." She turned to the Duchess and curtsied.

"Why do you insist on keeping this child alive?" Liviane quizzed. She still preferred her previous method—erasing the girl's existence would forever bury this affair.

"Because watching a person struggle through their last moment is entertaining," Elaine chuckled. "Since you have no more use for the girl, why not let me have her? She can become my new toy." She glanced up, smiling like an innocent child asking for a treat. Yet the content of her request chilled those around her.

It had been almost a year since Lady Estella's previous commotion. However, everyone now recalled her infamous reputation. Estella's intense loathing for her half-siblings was well-established within the estate. She enjoyed inflicting torture and wreaking havoc on them, utilizing every chance at her disposal. Since the Duke and Duchess ignored their daughter's abusive behavior, the mistresses and their children tried to avoid obstructing her way. Even the Duke's most favored mistress, Leila, dared not to allow her son to appear in her sight. Gazes overflow with sympathy descended on Azalea—everyone concurred that falling into Lady Estella's hand was a fate worse than death.

The Duchess' hand held her forehead and sighed. She should have guessed the intention behind her daughter's unexpected involvement. Estella's troublemaking habit never changed. Liviane's gaze veered to Laeticia's daughter, contemplating. Her daughter's reasoning was correct. Whether the young girl was dead or alive no longer affected her—though she doubted the girl would live long under Estella's control. "Fine," she finally agreed. "We shall follow your suggestion."

"Thank you, Mother."

"This matter ends here. You all may leave," Estella's mother declared, rising from her seat.

"Thank you, milady." The mistresses also rose and bowed, drifting outside in succession. Isabella's maid hurried to her side and helped the mistress from the floor. The maid restrained her master from looking back at Azalea before they left.

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"Why are you still here?" Liviane's icy gaze again fell upon Laeticia's former maid. The plump woman remained stationed, showing no indication of leaving.

"Could…could you please tell me, Your Grace? Wh, what will happen to the Young Miss?" Her voice was no higher than a whisper.

"That information is none of your concern. You have completed your duty. Now leave and accept your reward." The Duchess' tone darkened. "Do not make me repeat myself."

"But I, I…." Agnes' hands tightened and loosened several times. In the end, she did not continue her question. "Please forgive my insolence, milady." She slowly climbed to her feet and bowed before turning to leave.

Elaine watched Agnes' hunching figure and trembling shoulders as she traversed the chamber's threshold. That woman is hiding something.

After the double door closed behind the plump maid, Liviane addressed Elaine, "That child is now yours. Do as you wish with her." She grasped Armes' hand and strode toward the door with her servants shadowing behind.

"Wait, Mother," Elaine called before the Duchess reached the chamber's center. "Please grant me another small request." She inclined her head.

"What is it?" Liviane halted, slightly turned to face Elaine.

"I want Tasha to become my maid." Elaine lifted her head, eyes meeting Estella's mother.

The Duchess raised a brow, staring inquisitively at her daughter. "Why do you want her?"

"I believe she would be of assistance to me," she replied.

"Assisting you with what?"

"We both understand my current situation, Mother. Many are vying for my position," Elaine began.

"No one can replace you," Liviane interrupted her.

"Neither you nor I can predict the future. We do not know what forces are conspiring against us," Elaine continued. "I need more support."

"You have enough protection. Who would dare to hurt the Duke of Geris' daughter?" the Duchess refuted.

"Enough protection?" Elaine scoffed. "That statement might be true within the estate. However, it does not apply to the dangers lurking outside." It seems I cannot easily persuade Liviane to hand over Tasha. I need another reason to convince her. Elaine's eyes hovered over to the silver-eyed little boy clutching Estella's mother's hand and again parted her lips. "Besides, instead of remaining passive, I must clear all obstacles ahead." She rested a hand on Armes' head, stroking his hair. "For my brother's sake."

The boy appeared displeased, avoiding her touch after a few strokes. Elaine withdrew her hand and chuckled, not minding Estella's little brother's rejection. The original Estella and Armes had never been close since the beginning. Yet, they somehow both inherited their parents' haughty personality.

"Our adorable Armes is the heir to the Geris Dukedom. However, do you think his position and path to inherit our father's title can remain stable without me?" Elaine pressed, inching closer to the Duchess. "You need me, Mother. And I need more support," she whispered.

"Are you threatening me?" Liviane glowered, her chest palpitating with burning fury. She never expected her daughter to rebel against her. Without her noticing, the girl standing before her had evolved from a child seeking attention to a young woman with eyes blazing in ambition.

Elaine stepped back, exhibiting a thin smile. "I would not dare. I am merely suggesting a mutually beneficial proposition, allowing us both to attain our desired results." Her gaze returned to Estella's little brother. "And destroy all oppositions threatening your precious son's succession."

"Would you not rather Armes become the brother of the future queen?" Elaine ambled toward a nearby chair and plopped down. "Of course, the final decision still rests with you, dear mother."