I Don't Need the Prince! 25

Avina could not participate in the investigation, but it did not matter, she had her monitors. Under the geist of being hurt at the banquet, Avina stayed in her room and watched the live detective drama.

In the monitor, Avina witnessed George's crew of investigators and detectives tracing the accusation papers as well as the evidence from Hector. Of course, each lead was accurate and produced results. For each day an investigation was called was another day Amanda and Earl John's stack of treachery increased. It was frightening how much the two of them worked together for the last couple of years.

Soon, a trial was called upon them and Avina knew everything was coming to an end. For such an exciting event, how could she watch it on mere monitors, she obviously had to witness it personally! So the moment she found out there would be a trial, she rushed to Hector's office.

Knocking fast, Avina's eyes shined bright. Drama! Real-life drama! And a trial!! Definition of exciting!

The attendant inside heard the fast knocking and knew it was Lady Ariel. With no need to look at Hector, he moved towards the door and opened it. The moment the door was opened, Avina rushed in like a cannonball and went to Hector's side. Realizing her expression was too excited, she calmed down before asking, "Can I witness the trial?"

At the sight of his cute sister, Hector smiled widely, but not until he heard her request. At her request, his smile stiffened and his expression said, "What?"

Any normal brother would be shocked too. Their only sister who was hurt by the schemes of others would be seeing the perpetrators. What if she remembers the pain and cries? What if she can't stand the sight of them? It was her friend's father, another noble, and maybe her friend, too, who schemed at her. There were too many bets to be made and Hector did not feel it was safe for Ariel to go to the trial.

Avina knew Hector's concern but she wanted to go, she needed to! This was the end or at least part of the end. She needed to witness it with her own two eyes. "I just want to see those two criminals be punished!"

Against Ariel's puppy eyes and begging, Hector hesitated. When he finally decided to steel his heart and say no, Avina begged once more, "Please. Just this once. Please, Brother."

With that successful brother attack, Hector could only relent and allow Ariel to go. However, she had to stay by his side the entire time and not wander off. She always seemed to be involved in trouble no matter where she went to.

With her goal achieved, easily, Avina gave Hector one big hug before heading back to her room. It was interesting to see the struggles of Amanda's and Earl John's as they tried to recover what remaining credibility they had.

Avina switched her monitors on, and she and 5025 watched the live drama. In the monitor was the Mary Estate, but it was different from when she last visited. It was now in tatters and obviously left uncared for. The vibrant, confident red roses now hung drooping on its stems. It was totally different from the dignified estate from last time.

A cloaked figure stood outside the estate. At first, they hesitated to look at the estate but then ran in. A servant waiting outside saw them running and opened the door for them allowing the person in with no wait. The servant glanced left and right before closing the doors behind them.

The cloaked person slowly reached out their arms and lifted their hood off. A head of auburn hair was revealed, and Avina knew it was Amanda who had come to visit Earl John.

In his office, Earl John sat at one end of the table and Amanda on the other end. While Earl John looked visibly worried and fearful, Amanda held her annoyed and peeved expression. Forgetting about idle chatter or greetings, Earl John spoke first.

"What are we going to do! They are investigating us already!" Earl John lifted his cup trying to take a sip to calm down but his hands were not stable, and instead, the tea fell onto his hand. The hot sensation stung him, and he quickly placed the cup down grabbing his handkerchief wiping the tea away.

Amanda looked at her foolish partner and once more regretted partnering up. She needed an easily acquirable partner but never did she want a fool! "Did you fake the information correctly? We won't have to worry about getting caught if you faked it correctly."

But what was she supposed to do? They were on the same boat, and she was just a provider of gossip in high society. She did not have nearly as much power as Earl John. Latching onto Earl John, she at least had a chance - a chance to succeed.

Now Earl John was even more nervous. He did not dare to tell Amanda that he could not successfully fake the accusations. Although all the events happened to an extent, they were all things that could easily be proven to be untrue. All it needed was accounts from Jane, the guards, and the thugs. It wasn't that hard to unveil the hidden mechanics.

In order to avoid being subjected to Amanda's persistent nagging, Earl John did not dare tell her the truth. But what was going to happen now, they were going to get caught! And maybe even be placed into jail! The instant Amanda blackmailed him, he knew it would not be anything good. So for the last couple of years, he had supported Amanda in the dark giving her money and such. Never did he expect that she would smuggle, gamble, and traffick! Even he did not dare to think of doing such things! And now everything was tied together with him! It was all over. There was no way to salvage this.

A part of him hoped Amanda had a plan, but it was obvious she did not. All he could hope for was that in some miracle, their schemes would not be revealed, and he could keep his life.

Earl John never knew what Amanda's reason was for starting this mess, but it was too late to know. The two of them were stuck in a huge pile of manure and it seemed neverending. In the end, Earl John kept his mouth shut on the poorly crafted accusations. Amanda did not question his abilities and left as soon as she got an answer.

While Earl John was stricken with fear and Amanda was relaxed, the trial day finally arrived. It was about time to leave the world.