Ch. 901..910

Chapter 901

Chapter 901

Zuko widened his big eyes, adorably lost.

"Daddy will bathe with you today. We'll skip the basin. We're showering standing up!"

"Huh?" Cordelia was surprised. "No way, this "

Before she could stop them, Zephyr took their son into the bathroom with a long stride and locked the door.

Cordelia could only be anxious outside.

A while later, the sound of water running could be heard from the inside. In the beginning, Zuko did not seem to be used to it and whined and cried a little. Zephyr coaxed him with the unique ways of a stern father.

"Kid, are you a man? You're scared of this little splashing?

"It's just washing your head. What are you crying about!?

"Zuko Hamerton, one more whine and no milk after your shower!"

Cordelia's heart clenched with anger, and she wished she could rush in and beat a certain someone up!

Soon enough, Zuko stopped crying, and she could hear giggles from inside the bathroom. Suddenly...

"Argh!" Zephyr shouted, startling Cordelia.

Unable to hold herself back any longer, she pounded on the door.

"Darling, what's wrong? Did our son fall?"

As soon as she finished speaking, the bathroom door rattled open, and Zephyr, wrapped in a bath towel, stormed out with a dark expression. "Honey?" Cordelia widened her eyes, seeing that something was not right with his expression. "What's going on?"

"It's nothing. This little fella, while I was washing his hair... he pulled me!"

"Huh?" Cordelia was getting more confused. "Where did he pull you?"

Zephyr pursed his lips, clenching the bath towel tightly around his waist with one hand. Where else could he have pulled him? Of course, it was...

Just then, IZuko ran out, all happy and excited, with bubbles still in his hair. "Papa! Papa! I still want to play!"

Zephyr turned around and glared at him before quickly walking away.

Cordelia finally realized what had happened and could not help but burst out laughing. She picked up their son and went into the bathroom. Why did they have to shower together when he could have just giver the boy a bath? See, their son got his sore spot now!

She then started to worry a little. Her son had such a strong grip, so what if he accidentally hurt his father?

The palace was still brightly lit late at night.

Joy lit some aromatherapy incense, a specially made peach fragrance.

Carmella did not like this scent but had kept the habit for decades because Martin liked it.

Joy covered the incense burner, and the fragrance drifted throughout the entire palace. Carmella took a deep breath and rubbed her slightly throbbing temple.

Joy stepped forward and said softly, "Your Majesty, it's time to rest."

Carmella turned around and looked at her. "Was everything smooth during your trip to Melorian?"

Joy's gaze flickered, and she nodded. "It was smooth. With the information provided by Your Majesty, we quickly found those two people. They're indeed Aurelia's adoptive parents." "Did you tell them what they need to do?"

"Yes."

"Mm." Carmella's gaze was cryptic. "I trust you to handle things properly."

"Your Majesty..." Joy hesitated for a moment, biting her lip before she finally spoke up. "I've worked for you for so many years and never made a mistake. Your Majesty... can you also help me?"

Chapter 902

Chapter 902

Carmella's face changed, and her eyebrows furrowed.

"What do you want to say?"

Joy gathered her courage. This was her last attempt to test Carmella. She had been with Carmella since she was 18 years old. It was difficult to sever the many years of bond.

Despite her loyalty to Carmella, the latter did not have the same deep feelings for her.

"Your Majesty..." Joy said in a low voice, "It's about my son's schooling."

Carmella's expression was a little impatient. "Didn't I already arrange it for you?"

"Your Majesty!" Joy looked up at her. "That school is not good! The students fight, and the teachers don't do their job. The whole school is a mess, and one can't learn anything there!"

"But that school is the only one that doesn't require a birth registration," Carmella emphasized. "Joy, your son's illegitimate. You can't even resolve his birth registration issue, so how can he attend a public school?"

Joy was stunned. She looked at Carmella's slightly disdainful expression and suddenly felt that her decades of loyalty seemed like a complete joke. Birth registration issue?

As a maid by the queen's side, who would believe it if she said that she could not even solve her child's birth registration issue?

This was something that Carmella could solve with just a few words. The process would not even take five minutes. Yet, Carmella just would not do it. Perhaps Joy's significance in Carmella's heart was not enough to make Carmella speak up for her.

Joy remembered when she was in Melorian and asked Cordelia the same question.

"My son's illegitimate and has no birth registration, so he can't attend a good public school. But the cost of a private school is too expensive, and I can't afford it." Cordelia's answer was: "Don't worry. I'll get it done for you."

Joy thought she was just saying it for the sake of it, but she received a call from the principal of the best public school in Southeast Aciatic three days later.

"Why are you in a daze?" Carmella's stern voice brought Joy back to reality.

She smiled and lowered her head to cover up her slightly red eyes.

"Joy, I know you're not very satisfied with my approach." Carmella looked at her with superiority. "But this is the best I can do.

"You're only a servant. How could I plead to a school principal for you? And your child's illegitimate. It's shameful, to begin with!"

"Your Majesty!" Joy's voice trembled. "What about illegitimate birth? Don't they... deserve to live in this world or have a good education?"

"Illegitimate children only bring disgust and become a stumbling block for others!" Once Carmella thought of Aurelia's existence, she could not help but lose control.

"Alright, this is the end of the matter! You better not do anything in my name. If I find out, you will suffer, and your son will taste the same medicine too!"

Joy felt her heart go cold and chills run down her hands and feet. She had done a lot of things for Carmella before. She thought it was loyalty, but in reality, it was an abomination... She sneered. Her last attempt at probing Carmella had failed, and it was time for her to make a choice that was worthy of her conscience.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Joy bowed respectfully. "I understand."

Carmella glanced at her and sneered. This maid of hers had been serving her for more than 20 years, cautious and submissive, always careful and meek. This was the reason her father had chosen Joy to serve her no matter how she bullied her, she would never resist!

"Alright, you may leave now." Carmella closed her eyes. "Pay attention to the whereabouts of those two people, and don't let any information leak!"

"Yes." Joy quietly left the room.

The moon was frosty as ever. She could not help but shiver even on this summer night.

"Joy, why did you take so long in there?"

Joy heard Suzanne's voice from behind her. She forced a smile, dejection lacing her gaze.

Suzanne had been with her for a long time and could tell from a single glance what was weighing on her mind.

"You're stressing over your son again?"

"No." Joy shook her head. "Things have been taken care of. He'll soon be transferred to the best public elementary school."

"The best public elementary school?" Suzanne exclaimed excitedly. "The best in Southeast Aciatic, huh? Heh, Her Majesty's finally come around and is willing to help you?"

"Not Her Majesty." Joy looked at her and hesitated for a long time before saying, "It's the Irwin heiress."

There was a spark in Suzanne's eyes. The two of them looked at each other and tacitly lowered their heads.

"So, we both made the same choice?" Suzanne smiled wryly. "Sigh, who would've thought that the person we've been serving loyally for so many years would be no match to an outsider...

"Joy, I know that the Irwin heiress is actually buying us off with her offer, but I'm willing to be bought off by her. At least my brother's illness can be cured! Besides, what Her Majesty and Princess Victoria are doing is... really horrible!"

"Shh, keep your voice down!" Joy reminded her urgently.

Some things were better left unsaid, and some things were best done quietly.

"I've decided to tell the truth at the trial." Suzanne looked into Joy's eyes. "What about you, Joy?"

"Do you think I'll let my son go back to that environment where all they do is fight?"

They smiled at each other and looked up at the night sky and the moonlight. The moon was bright, but there were still shadows that it could not reach. One could not live in the dark forever, could they?

When Alexander appeared in the west palace again, the guards at the door were curious about the tall and strong-looking maid beside him. It was mainly because the maid was too eye-catching. The prince was always low profile, and with someone like this around him now, it felt...

Neil only removed his pink wig when they went to the garden at the back and glared at Alexander. Before he could blow up, Alexander pulled Aurelia over as his shield.

"Uh, Aurelia, I have something to tell you coming here today!"

Aurelia's face was red from holding back her laugh. It took a long time before she could ask, "What is it?"

"It's about the court trial," Alexander said softly. "Mr. Irwin will be tried next month. You'll receive a court summon as a witness."

Chapter 903

Chapter 903

Aurelia nodded. She had been prepared a long time ago.

"I was the one who called everyone's attention to the matter." She chuckled. "So, Queen Carmella wants me to testify in court and accuse Mr. Irwin of being the culprit who harmed Princess Lene." "That's exactly right." Alexander nodded.

"But I won't let her get her wish."

"All that matters is that you know what to say in court." Alexander paused and said with a smile, "The trial process is complicated, so you should be mentally prepared. And on that day... there may be something unexpected happening."

"Unexpected?" Aurelia blinked her big eyes, not quite understanding the meaning of it.

Alexander did not explain further, but there was a hint of sympathy in his eyes when he looked at the girl before him. She should have grown up with him, and he felt she should have been an endearing and good... little sister.

Aurelia asked again, "Your Highness, will there be anything else happening?"

Alexander looked at Neil beside him, who had been unusually quiet today. Neither of them knew how to broach the subject with Aurelia.

Rowan had long suspected Aurelia's bloodline, and after confirming this suspicion, he hoped to reveal it publicly through some sort of opportunity so that neither Carmella nor Victoria could manipulate it. Now, the best opportunity was the trial...

"Oh, nothing." Alexander nudged Neil with his elbow. "Say something! You insisted on coming tonight."

Neil looked up. When he met Aurelia's eyes, he felt extremely complicated with flashes of their past moments in his mind-meeting in the slums of Melorian, the misunderstanding in the hospital, living together in the hotel, sitting in the same float on stage...

He had kept her in his arms like a lost, stray cat in the open sea and took her on his private jet.

It was just that she was not an ordinary stray cat. She was a pure-blooded aristocrat...

Neil's heart began to beat faster as he thought of all these. He now understood how self-conscious Aurelia must have felt in front of him before.

"Uncle?" Aurelia called out to him a few times. "What's wrong with you?"

Neil's throat tightened. He licked his lips and forced a smile.

Alexander shot him a disdainful look. "Speak fast! There are eyes and ears everywhere in the palace. I brought you in with the excuse of visiting my aunt. The guards are watching! It'll be suspicious if we take too long."

"I know!" Neil shot an equally disdainful look back at him.

He then looked toward Aurelia and hesitated momentarily before finally asking, stammering, "Well..."

Aurelia had been looking at him the whole time, and she was getting impatient. "What is it, uncle?"

"Uh, where's the ring you bought?" he asked.

"Huh?"

"Didn't you wear it on my finger when I got drunk last time?"

Aurelia was still puzzled, and even Alexander standing on the side looked perplexed. He looked at Aurelia, then Neil, and asked in surprise, "You two have rings?"

"That's none of your business!" Neil pushed him away.

Alexander pouted and walked to the other side of the garden, not wanting to be a third wheel.

Aurelia took a deep breath but heard Neil's urgent voice. "The ring, the ring!"

Aurelia was at a loss for words.

"Take it out!"

"What do you need the ring for?" Aurelia furrowed her brow.

"Just... give it to me," Neil replied.

Normally, he would have followed that up with 'brat', but he did not dare to today. According to the royal protocol, he should respectfully offer a formal bow to this little princess.

Chapter 904

Chapter 904

Neil swallowed his saliva. "Aurelia, when you put the ring on me when I was drunk last time, I found it to be just the right size. I've never worn a ring that fits so well before!" "Huh?" Aurelia felt increasingly strange.

"Then you took it back again, and my finger felt empty and uncomfortable!"

Aurelia was rendered speechless.

"Aurelia, can you bear to see me so uncomfortable?"

Although Aurelia did not understand what Neil was saying, she had never seen the award-winning actor as anxious since she had known him. Despite that, he was so patient with every word he spoke to her, speaking softly and gently, even in a humble tone.

It was not like him at all.

Suddenly, Aurelia remembered hearing that a type of of witchcraft in Southeast Aciatic could change people's personalities and control their thoughts. She was shocked and blurted, "Uncle, have you been cursed by someone?"

Alexander stood at one side of the garden. The west palace was already remote, and the garden was even quieter, as if one could hear the sound of plants stretching.

He closed his eyes slightly, enjoying a rare moment of peace, but he could vaguely hear noises from the other side.

It was Aurelia's and Neil's voices... and a mixture of their voices.

Alexander was surprised. Why were these two fighting while they were flirting?

He was about to go over when he looked up suddenly and saw Neil walking toward him with long strides, putting on the pink wig as he walked. He had something shiny between his fingers. Alexander was stunned. Did he finally get the ring?

"That little brat! How dare she not give it to me!?

"Hah! I'll show you how capable I am since you refuse to give it!

"Did you think this uncle's a Hello Kitty just because I don't show my power?"

Alexander listened to Neil mutter to himself. Before he could react, there was another commotion on the other end.

"The award-winning actor is a thief! I'll post it online and let your fans come and watch!

"What's so great about a crappy ring that you have to steal it?"

"Yeah, what's there to steal about it?" Alexander chuckled.

Neil strode ahead with his long legs, but his skirt limited his movements, and he could not walk too fast. He looked at the ring in his hand and moved the small object from his middle finger to his ring finger. "Hey!" Alexander laughed harder beside him. "You didn't answer my question just now!"

Neil glanced at him with a hint of a smirk on his lips. His smirk was playful, and his eyes were full of almost overflowing happiness.

"It's mine since I got my hands on it!"

Alexander was helpless. "It's yours even if you don't snatch it. It won't run away!"

'Not necessarily!' Neil shouted in his heart.

The royal family had so many rules and regulations, and marriages were never decided by themselves. What if Aurelia was betrothed to a prince of another country one day? What should he do? It was better to let her have an engagement early on with all other ways out blocked, leaving only one way to him!

Neil whispered, "Alexander,, according to the rules of the royal family, should my father come to propose or should the king make the decision?"

Alexander looked at him like he was looking at a fool.

Neil chuckled and said, "I think I should ask my dad to make the proposal instead! Let him bring the army over and intimidate the king. His Majesty wouldn't dare refuse then!"

Alexander shook him off and walked ahead.

"Hey, Alexander, wait for me! How many people do you think my dad should bring?

"3,000? 5,000?

"Alexander! Give me some advice!"

Alexander covered his face. "Do you have to turn a perfectly good proposal into a raid!?"

Chapter 905

Chapter 905

One month later, it was the day of the trial.

Since the royal family was involved, the trial attracted a lot of attention.

Although Rowan was sitting in the dock, he appeared calm and collected, as if he were in charge of the trial.

Martin and Carmella sat in the audience seats.

When they heard the charges the prosecution listed, a barely noticeable smile flickered across Carmella's face. On the other hand, Martin remained expressionless, but there was anger in his deep eyes as he tightly clasped his hands together.

"Your Majesty..." Carmella gently took hold of his hands.

Martin's fingertips jolted slightly, but he did not push her away. Carmella was surprised as Martin had avoided any physical contact with her, even reducing their intimate moments, for years because of Helene's incident. Whenever he touched her, it was like he was touching something filthy. They had even started sleeping separately in the past two years.

Martin's action just now brought joy to Carmella's heart. It was an unintentional gesture, but it felt like a milestone with extraordinary significance to her. She was momentarily stunned before smiling and trying to lean her head on Martin's shoulder.

Martin still did not avoid her touch. Carmella's eyes turned red, and she was more determined in her intention to get rid of Rowan. Once Rowan was out of the way, no one would bring Helene back to sanity. As long as Helene remained insane, no one would ever know Aurelia's real identity.

She had to remove all these obstacles, and then Martin would always be hers alone.

The prosecutor asked sternly, "Rowan Irwin, do you admit to all of these charges?"

Rowan smirked. "Evidence needs to be presented in cases like this. Are you asking me to admit guilt without evidence? Are you trying to confuse the facts? Do you think that the laws in Southeast Aciatic can be manipulated at will?"

The lawyer glanced at him and requested to summon a witness before the judge. Soon, Aurelia sat in the witness seat.

"You saw with your own eyes that Rowan Irwin treated Princess Helene, didn't you?"

Aurelia nodded slightly.

The lawyer continued to ask, "Since drinking the medicine containing cinnabar, the princess' condition has worsened. And Rowan Irwin prescribed the medicine, is that right?"

Aurelia took a deep breath, licked her lips, and answered clearly, "No."

The courtroom was in an uproar due to her response.

Aurelia smiled calmly. "I'm here to testify for Mr. Irwin today. I don't want to see anyone slandering his reputation with baseless accusations!"

The lawyer narrowed his eyes. "Ms. Chilton, you reported it to the queen when Princess Helene's condition got worse."

"Of course, I have to tell the queen the truth that Princess Helene's seriously ill. But that doesn't mean that I'll frame Mr. Irwin!"

"Very well!" The lawyer smiled. This was as Carmella had guessed. He calmly presented another piece of evidence.

"Ms. Aurelia Chilton lived in Melorian before coming to Southeast Aciatic. Her parents are illegal immigrants with no fixed income. However, their lives have improved significantly recently. Upon investigating their accounts, there's a large sum of inexplicable funds in there."

The lawyer sneered. "Ms. Chilton, this is the benefit that Rowan Irwin promised you, isn't it?"

Aurelia frowned, and a hint of anger flashed in her eyes. "You're talking nonsense!"

"I'm not talking nonsense. This financial transaction is the most solid piece of evidence!"

"I haven't seen my parents since I was ten years old!" Aurelia raised her voice. "I haven't had any contact with them, so how could Mr. Irwin contact them?"

The lawyer glanced at the audience seat. He made eye contact with Carmella, who was sitting in the center, and she nodded slightly.

The lawyer bowed. "Your Honor, please allow me to summon another set of witnesses to testify!"

A moment later, a man and a woman walked into the courtroom. The courtroom was instantly silent as everyone stared quietly at these two people.

The man was thin and pale, with the blood vessels on his face seemingly visible, while the woman had a lewd air with her every move. Although she was not young, her skimpy dress and heavy makeup seemed to tell people what profession she used to be in.

Both of them sat in the witness box, looking around nervously. When they saw Joy, who was beside Carmella, they hesitated and lowered their heads at the same time.

Carmella's brow furrowed with a sudden sense of unease. Who were these two people? They were not the ones she had asked Joy to find!

Aurelia also looked puzzled as she stared at the two people. Although she had no impression of her parents, it had only been eight or nine years since she was abandoned. Could a person's features, appearance, and even hair color change so completely in such a short time?

Carmella looked at the lawyer, biting her lip nervously. The clueless lawyer thought she was giving him a signal and smiled, saying, "Ms. Chilton, your parents are here to testify too!"

He then looked at the man and woman and said, "I have a few questions to ask you both. You must answer truthfully in front of the judge.

"The money in your bank accounts came from this person, right?" The lawyer pointed at Rowan.

The two people trailed their eyes after his finger and then glanced at Joy...

When this woman found them, she told them not to say anything in court and promised they would receive some money afterward. Could she still keep her promise judging from the current situation? "Please answer truthfully!" The lawyer cleared his throat and emphasized his words.

"These are not my parents!" Aurelia interrupted. "You guys are ridiculous! You can't just find two people, make them pretend they're my parents, and then frame Mr. Irwin!"

"That's right." Cordelia's voice came from the other side of the gallery, calm and tinged with sarcasm. "If witnesses can be found so easily, the trial is too casual, isn't it?"

"But..." Cordelia looked at Carmella. "Your Majesty may have another purpose for doing this. I wonder if I'm right?"

Carmella scowled instantly. She turned around abruptly and glared at Joy behind her.

"Where are the people I asked you to find?" She gritted her teeth. "How could it turn out like this?"

Joy raised her eyes, and her calm gaze showed no sense of loyalty to her master. It was full of estrangement.

"Your Majesty, what's the purpose of you asking me to find those people?" she asked. "Why don't you tell the judge about it?"

"I'm asking you where those two people are!" Carmella flew into a rage and stood up to hit her.

However, Martin grabbed her by the wrist before the slap could land. He looked at her with a hint of distrust, frowning. "Who did you ask Joy to find?"

Chapter 906

Chapter 906

Carmella's lips trembled slightly. She could not say anything to meet Martin's gaze, feeling guilty.

"It's... nothing." Carmella forced a chortle. "Your Majesty, the trial's been going on for too long. You must be tired. Let me help you get back to rest first..."

"I want to hear the truth!" Martin roared, "Who were you looking for?"

Carmella froze and turned her gaze to Joy.

"What's going on here?" She gritted each word. "Joy, what are you trying to do?"

Joy replied indifferently, "Your Majesty, I could only find these two people based on the clues you gave me."

"You..."

A strange smile crossed Joy's lips. "Your Majesty, you told me that one of them is a drug addict and the other's involved in prostitution. The ones I found fit the description you gave me perfectly!" "You're talking nonsense!" Carmella glared at her furiously. "I gave you other information too!"

"You personally handed the little princess to people like these back then, didn't you?"

"Joy!" Carmella's heart raced, and it felt like all the blood in her body had frozen.

"Joy, what are you saying?" Martin was shocked, his body stiffening as if thunder struck him. He looked incredulously at Carmella for a long time, and his heart was filled with pain.

"Is everything Joy says true?" His breathing was unstable as he stared at her for a long time before he suddenly grabbed her wrist.

"You first lied to me and said you gave the child to a lawyer's family, that the child would have a good life! Later, you said the child was adopted by a nomadic couple even though she was in a slum! Carmella... you lied to me again and again!

"How did the child end up in the hands of such people!?" Martin's voice was low and angry.

"Carmella, say something!" Martin pushed her violently, and she almost fell out of the audience seat.

Carmella's mind went blank, and Martin's angry gaze felt like a sharp knife stabbing deep into her heart. "Martin, listen-"

"Your Majesty, I don't understand why you insist on finding these two people?" Cordelia stood up, her eyes cold and indifferent, with a hint of a sneer playing on her lips. "Do these two people have significant meaning to you?

"Or..." Cordelia's gaze sharpened. "Do you need these two people to provide false testimony against my father?"

"You're talking nonsense!" Carmella fought like a trapped animal, making her final stand. "This is a courtroom! Do you know what the charge for slandering the queen is?"

"You know the best if my wife is slandering you!" Zephyr gently embraced Cordelia. "Everyone sees the significant contributions my father-in-law has made to the pharmaceutical industry of Southeast Aciatic. Besides, he has no grudges against Princess Helene. Why would he have conspired with two people he doesn't even know to harm her?

"The logic here is simple enough for anyone with a brain to understand!"

Carmella's face turned ashen, and she bit her lip, not saying a word.

Aurelia looked bewildered, not understanding what they were talking about.

Why did they suddenly bring in two strangers and claim them to be her parents? Where were her irresponsible parents?

Carmella was actually secretly searching for her parents... What was she up to?

Aurelia's mind was in chaos.

There were whispers in the courtroom as well. The judge was about to strike the gavel when Joy stood up and took out a recording from her phone.

"Your Honor, esteemed lawyers and jury..." Joy's voice was shaky. "You may all be wondering why Her Majesty is looking for Ms. Chilton's parents. Well, here is the answer!"

Joy pressed the play button, and Carmella's voice was heard...

Chapter 907

Chapter 907

"Go look for these two people with Suzanne and bring them back to Southeast Aciatic... Then make them memorize this testimonial.

"When the time comes, Rowan Irwin will be charged with conspiring with Aurelia's parents to murder a member of the royal family, and they'll all be sentenced to prison!" "Your Majesty, can we really use these two people?"

"Hmph! The man's an addict, give him some Fentanyl... As for the woman, give her some money first. As long as she sees the money, she'll do whatever we say!"

There was a commotion in the courtroom.

Carmella's eyes went wide open, and her face was completely drained of color as if she had seen a ghost.

"Fentanyl?" Some foreign journalists began to inquire in a low voice, "What's that?"

"That's a kind of drug!" Every word Rowan uttered was forceful. "Fentanyl is a synthetic drug that's similar to the opium poppy but much, much more potent. This drug is highly toxic and can be addictive. An overdose can happen easily within a short time!"

"Your Majesty." Rowan looked at her with a smile that barely looked like one. "Fentanyl is strictly prohibited from being bought or sold in Southeast Aciatic. Once discovered, heavy punishment will be inflicted! You surely must know this, right?"

The judge frowned and glanced at the jurors on either side.

An issue had not yet been settled when another issue arose. Before they could even figure out what was going on with the two witnesses, there was now a case of the queen's private possession of Fentanyl! If this were confirmed, the charges would be even more serious.

"Joy..." Carmella breathed heavily, her forehead covered in sweat. Each word she uttered was with great difficulty. "Y-You actually betrayed me..."

"Your Majesty, this isn't considered a betrayal." Joy looked at her calmly. "As you know, my memory is not very good. Whenever you give me a task, I'm afraid of missing any details, so I always record the audio and check it carefully bit by bit when I go back.

"Do you still want to hear what Her Majesty's asked me to do?" Joy faced the crowd and raised her phone.

Carmella screamed and rushed forward like a mad woman to slap Joy hard in the face! Joy's face swelled up high on one side, and the corners of her mouth filled with the taste of blood. She laughed.

She spoke every word exceptionally clearly. "Your Majesty, I never knew that it felt so good to spill everything! I no longer have to carry the mental burden of a guilty conscience."

"You b*tch!" Carmella's eyes were red, and she cursed loudly, "I sent you to Melorian to find them, but you lied to me... How dare you b*tch lie to me!?"

"Your Majesty, I did look for them together with Suzanne." Joy smiled. "But it's just unfortunate that someone found them before we did!"

Carmella was stunned for a long time before she slowly turned her head to look at Cordelia beside her.

"It was you?"

"To be precise, it was my husband." Cordelia's lips curled slightly. "It was Zephyr who had someone stop Joy, Suzanne, and those two people. Then we separated them and gave them a few instructions." When Cordelia and Zephyr saw these people on the streets of the slums in Melorian, Zephyr had his bodyguards take them back to the villa.

He released Aurelia's adoptive parents and had someone bring in another couple while he quickly investigated the background of Joy and Suzanne.

That was how Cordelia had more leverage to negotiate with Joy and Suzanne. Joy's son could attend the best public elementary school in Southeast Aciatic, while Suzanne's younger brother could receive the best care and assistance from Irwin Pharmaceuticals. All of these conditions were based on what they said and did in court today.

Cordelia's smile faded as she approached Carmella, her steps measured and cautious. She had once regarded this queen with the utmost admiration.

She still remembered the first time she saw her in the palace. Carmella was dignified and elegant, with a graceful demeanor, which made Cordelia admire her. Cordelia just never expected that beneath the glamorous appearance was a despicable heart.

Chapter 908

Chapter 908

Carmella had a thin layer of sweat on the tip of her nose. She leaned on the railing of the gallery, feeling weak and struggling to keep herself from collapsing. She lifted her hand and tried to adjust the crooked crown on her head but accidentally caught her hair and knocked her crown off. A large gemstone fell out with a clatter.

"Carmella..." Martin looked at her coldly. "Why did you do this?"

"Your Majesty, I..."

"Why did you do it?!" Martin lost his patience and grabbed her throat!

Carmella widened her eyes. The fear of death made her stiff, and even her breathing stopped.

Alexander stopped Martin and advised him in a low voice, "Uncle, this is a court. You must not act impulsively!"

Martin slowly let go, but his teeth kept chattering, and his face was contorted with anger.

Rowan said calmly, "Your Majesty, there may only be one reason why the queen did this..."

As he spoke, he took out a DNA test report. "Your Majesty, are you afraid of this?"

Carmella looked up, her expression full of incredulity.

The '99%' printed on the DNA report was shocking as if a tsunami that left everyone present speechless.

As for Aurelia, it felt like she was in a dream.

99%? She was related to Helene by blood? How was that possible!?

There was a loud ring in her ears as if something had exploded. Her blank mind suddenly churned up memories of the 18 years she had spent living in the slums.

She was the daughter of illegal immigrants.

She was a street rat that everyone despised.

She had spent her supposedly wonderful childhood in a damp and cold basement.

She would follow the nomads to sing and dance in the square for tips, wondering about how to feed herself and avoid the police every day...

Now, that DNA test report told her that she was Helene's daughter?

Aurelia fell to the ground with a thud, her big eyes full of fear and confusion.

"As far as I know, Your Majesty also had doubts about Aurelia's identity and secretly did a DNA test for her and Princess Helene!" Rowan raised his voice. "It seems that our test results are the same. Heh, Aurelia is the daughter of Princess Helene, the little princess you personally abandoned in the slums of Melorian all those years ago!"

"No!" Carmella shouted, her hands tightly gripping the railing as she was unable to stand steady.

"If I'm not mistaken, Your Majesty harbors murderous thoughts toward Princess Helene, Aurelia, and me upon learning the DNA test results!"

"Rowan Irwin, you're accusing me!"

"Your Majesty, do you still refuse to admit it at this point?"

Carmella was gasping for breath. The world before her eyes seemed to have become a prison.

Martin was heartbroken and powerless, sitting in his seat with indescribably complex emotions in his heart.

"In addition, Her Majesty has been injecting Princess Helene with a drug." Rowan produced another report. "This drug contains a large amount of Diazepam!"

The courtroom was once again in an uproar.

Rowan requested the judge to summon Carter.

Carter walked in and explained his lab test results to everyone.

"Diazepam is mainly used for treating anxiety, sedation, and hypnosis. A small amount of it is beneficial, but in the syringe intended for Princess Helene, the content of diazepam has exceeded 25%. A high dosage of this drug can cause the patient to feel drowsy, dizzy, mentally ill, and even have hallucinations!

"Long-term continuous use of the drug will lead to drug dependence. This can also explain why my father when he first treated Princess Helene, saw that Her Highness' condition was very unstable." "So, Helene's illness... was originally treatable?" Martin asked, his voice trembling.

Carter nodded solemnly. "That's right. But Princess Helene's been taking this drug for nearly 20 years. Drug dependency has already formed for a long time, and the drug has also damaged her central nervous system, so it's unlikely for her to get better again."

Martin let out a low growl and caught a glimpse of Carmella trembling beside him out of the corner of his eye. He suddenly could not hold back his anger and gave her two slaps in the face. "How are you so vicious!?

"Carmella, she's my sister!" He grabbed her shoulder and shook her hard. "That's my sister, my baby sister I've loved most since we were children!

"But you've made her like this! And you even took her child away... You're not even human!"

"Yes, I'm not human!" Carmella was hysterical, tears in her eyes. "Martin, why didn't you ask me why I did this? Everything I've done is for you!

"If Helene wakes up, you'll lose your throne! And if her daughter is around us, she'll be discovered sooner or later, and you'll have to give up your throne to her!

"Martin, I can't..." Carmella cried out, her voice hoarse, "I can't let you have nothing!"

Martin's expression was indifferent. Carmella's tears could not stir up any pity in him. He did not even feel sympathy for her.

For him?

"Heh!" Martin suddenly sneered. "So, you can abandon all sense of right and wrong because it's for me? You can hurt my family recklessly because it's for me!? "Carmella, you're too vicious... You keep hurting me under the guise of doing it for my sake! You know I don't care about the throne!"

"Martin-"

"You're the only one who cares about this throne!" Martin thundered. "It's you who wants to be the queen, to be the noblest woman in all of Southeast Aciatic, to satisfy your vanity! "You don't understand me... I'd rather not have the throne and have my sister live well..."

Martin's voice grew lower as he crouched on the floor, holding his head and crying. The authority and pride of a sovereign he had were all gone.

In the eyes of others, he was just an ordinary man-a man with a guilty conscience.

It was perhaps good for him to cry it out. The tears could gradually wash away 18 years of guilt, debt, and self-blame.

Alexander stepped forward and helped his uncle up, comforting him softly.

The judge announced an adjournment. Twenty minutes later, Rowan was acquitted and released on the spot.

The Irwins' reputation was restored, and their stocks even rose to the highest point, with the trend continuing upward.

However, there was no peace in the palace as earth-shattering changes were taking place.

Chapter 909

Chapter 909

The moonlight was like frost as it enveloped the majestic imperial palace in a layer of frigidity. The dew that fell on the steps gave off a touch of chill. Carmella stood in the center of the hall with her eyes cast down. Her expressionless face was stiff with a determined indifference.

It was all over, and talking about it was futile.

The only thing she cared about was Martin. If Martin did not trust her, was repulsed by her, and loathed her, then her world would lose all its radiance.

Carmella spoke softly after a long silence. "Your Majesty, are you hungry?

"I remember you used to like the raspberry cake I make. Shall I make some for you now?"

"You don't have to bother." Martin's voice was hoarse as he slowly turned around. "You probably don't know that I don't like that kind of overly sweet stuff... It's you who always thought you knew best!" Carmella's eyes dimmed, and she clenched her hands tightly.

Martin looked at her, his commanding expression jolting her.

"You always arrange everything for me according to your own preferences, and you even do it under the guise of loving me!"

"Martin-"

"I admit that I was blinded when it came to the throne back then!" Martin was regretful. "Helene made a mistake, and as her older brother, I should have helped her. Instead, I selfishly harmed her!" Martin approached her step by step, his imposing aura fierce and chilling. "Carmella, I thought that... you'd treat that child kindly! I thought you'd really hand her over to a lawyer couple for adoption!

"I never expected that you not only harmed that child but you also harmed Helene!"

Carmella's knees weakened, and she fell to the ground with a thud, looking dazed.

In a trance, she seemed to have returned to the day when she first met Martin. She was 14 years old, dressed festively to the palace to participate in the National Day ceremony. She saw the prince standing in the center of the crowd, shining like the sun, right away.

With just that one glance, she was fixated for life.

"Your Majesty..." Carmella let out a bitter smile, murmuring softly, "Since the day I married you, I've sworn to clear all obstacles for you. I want to make you a true king...

"Because I can never forget the way you shone among the crowds when I saw you at the age of 14.

"I swore to guard and protect you for life. I wanted to help you extend this glory forever—"

"Shut up!" Martin roared, veins bulging on his forehead. "You're a monster!"

"A monster?" Carmella sneered. "Which monster would treat you so well? Which monster would plan things out so thoroughly for you?"

"You..."

"Your Majesty, you can't do without me, can you?" Carmella's gaze changed. There was a hint of madness. She suddenly stood up from the ground, grabbing Martin's collar. "I'm your wife, the queen of Southeast Aciatic! You said... You once said in front of many foreign diplomats that I'm your virtuous wife!"

"Get out!" Martin could not take it anymore.

He wanted to shake Carmella off, but she was surprisingly strong. The two of them were tangled together, and Carmella was grabbing him almost in a frenzy, her facial features twisted like a demon. "You won't leave me! You won't!" she screamed hoarsely. "Martin, you love me, and I love you too... We're supposed to be together forever!"

"You lunatic! You're crazy!" Martin grabbed her wrist and flung her away with force.

Carmella let out a scream as she hit the floor vase standing in the corner of the wall heavily, her head bleeding instantly.

The guards rushed in. However, no one dared to speak, seeing Martin in a rage, and they held their breath as they looked at him.

"Your Majesty..."

"Head out first. Leave it to me!" Another authoritative voice sounded. There was also the heavy sound of military boots treading on the floor.

Martin looked up and saw Noah standing in the hall in his military uniform with a sharp and cold gaze.

Noah was accompanied by four to five people, all elite soldiers who had followed him for many years. He saluted Martin, and his sharp eyes fell on the woman slumped on the floor.

"Your Majesty," Noah said in a deep voice. "Her Majesty has private possession of drugs and plotted against Princess Helene. Numerous charges have been confirmed. She can now be officially handed over to the judicial authorities."

Chapter 910

Chapter 910

Martin's eyes flickered, but he did not respond after a long time.

The moment Carmella fell to the floor, his heart was momentarily gripped. It felt like a ripple, though, spreading out in circles and leaving no trace afterward.

In spite of it, they were husband and wife. He was not a heartless beast without feelings.

Carmella's pitiful state brought back flashes of the good times she had had with him in his mind.

"Get a doctor to treat the queen's wound first."

Noah was surprised but complied with a nod nonetheless.

Carmella was soon treated, and the bleeding from her head stopped. She was then taken back to her palace for rest, but it was heavily guarded, and she could not move around freely anymore.

Noah looked at Martin. The old king looked tired. His eyes lacked luster and brimmed with endless self-blame and despair instead.

Noah bowed slightly. "Your Majesty, once Her Majesty's health improves, officials from the judiciary department will come to take her away. There are still many details to be examined regarding this case, so..." "How many years will she be sentenced to?"

Noah was slightly taken aback but answered truthfully, "The best outcome would be 30 years."

Martin closed his eyes and breathed out. "And the worst?"

"For life."

Martin nodded. After a moment of silence, he said softly, "These punishments aren't enough for her."

"What?" Noah was astonished.

Martin's voice was quivering. "She harmed my younger sister and my niece and kept me in the dark for almost 20 years! She's ruined Helene for life!

"I admit that I had a moment of weakness just now. After all, we've been married for years. It'd be a lie to say that I feel nothing...

"But if I cave in and plead her case for her because of it, I'll be sorry to my parents, every member of the Charles, and my younger sister and niece who have suffered so much out there all these years!" "Your Majesty, you mean..."

"Everything she has done is for me and for my throne, right?" Martin chuckled wryly. "Then I'll show her how I destroy everything!"

Noah looked at the king in shock.

Martin stood by the window. The chilly moonlight shone on him, coating him with silver. He lifted his hands to remove the crown he wore the movement was solemn and formal, as if it was a ceremony. "I step down as king."

Noah was stunned speechless, but Martin smiled. It was a smile of relief and the easiest one he had over these 20 years.

Whatever he did would not be able to recompense Helene. Only by destroying himself the man Carmella had built, by ruining the throne she cared about the most-could these turn into a sharp knife that stabbed right into her heart!

"But Your Majesty..." The tip of Noah's nose was dotted with sweat. "Won't you have to pen a declaration to tell the world and announce your successor?"

The rules of the royal family were complex and tedious. The succession of the throne, especially, had to be done cautiously.

Martin had abdicated, so could the next-in-line be...

Noah blinked and could not help sighing inwardly at his son's shrewd judgment.

"I'll write the decree," Martin replied in a low tone. "As for my successor, I've considered it."

He stroked the gemstone on the crown. "I'll pass the throne to the one I trust the most. The future ruler of Southeast Aciatic will certainly make this country better." "Your Majesty... who is it?"

"Alexander."

Noah paused again. Although Alexander being the next-in-line was not detrimental to him, it was just a little far in relationship compared to his daughter-in-law.