If that happened, they could finally wash away the shame of their past and return to Eldermere in triumph, bringing glory to their ancestors.

"You have a point," Dowager Vance said, looking at Rosemary with a complex expression. For years, she had dreamed of nothing more than erasing their disgrace and making a glorious return to Eldermere. "But if even the royal family can't find this person, what makes you think it will be easy for us?"

If the search were that simple, the royal family wouldn't have needed to issue a public announcement.

Rosemary argued, "I heard that this important person is young and from Eldermere. There aren't that many people from Eldermere in Valerium! And it's always easier for fellow countrymen to find each other. Mom, don't be so pessimistic. I think this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our family."

"If we really help find this person, we'll be able to do whatever we want in Valerium."

As she spoke, Rosemary's imagination ran wild.

She locked eyes with her mother. "The reason the royal family can't find this person is probably because she's run into some trouble and can't contact them. If we find her first and help her, we would become her saviors, right?"

Rosemary couldn't even fathom the honor of being the benefactor to a royal dignitary. At that point, even Celia Palmer would have to bow to her.

An excited gleam filled Rosemary's eyes as she pictured Celia humbling herself before her. What was so special about being a noble's daughter? Soon, she would be the daughter of a Duke.

Dowager Vance was also thrilled. "Rosemary, you're absolutely right," she said, her eyes glinting. "It seems our most important task now is to find this person as quickly as possible!"

Once they found her, the Vance family would become an unstoppable force, both in Valerium and Eldermere.

Rosemary added, "I'll start making arrangements right away."

"Yes," Dowager Vance nodded. "Go quickly."

In an instant, the Vance estate shifted into a state of high alert, focusing all its resources on the search.

Caitlin had arranged to go shopping with Celia that afternoon. At two o'clock, Celia arrived at the hotel as planned.

She looked lovely, dressed in a pink and white dress with her hair in two braids, a pretty hat on her head, and a string of pearls around her neck. She looked youthful and vibrant.

Celeste opened the door.

"Celeste, I'm here! Where's Freya? We should get going!"

Celeste's expression was grim. She glanced towards the inner room and lowered her voice. "Celia, I was just about to call you. Catie said she had a house call this morning and would be back in two or three hours. She left at eight, and it's already two in the afternoon, but she's still not back."

"What's even stranger is that her phone is off."

Celeste was extremely worried, but she didn't want Carey to find out. She had been about to contact Celia when she arrived.

Hearing this, Celia grew anxious as well. "How could this happen? Did Freya say where she was going?"

Celeste shook her head. "She only said she had a house call, nothing specific." Celia frowned. "Celeste, try not to panic. I'll have someone look into it."

"Okay." Celeste glanced back towards the room. "Let's not let Carey know about this yet."

Carey's mental state was already fragile. The news would surely make her condition worse.

Celia nodded. "Right, I understand."

After their brief exchange, Celia entered the room. Carey was drinking the herbal medicine Caitlin had prescribed which Celeste had prepared in the kitchen.

Seeing Celia, Carey immediately set down her bowl. "Miss Celia, you're here.

Where's Freya? Did she come back with you?"

Celia forced a smile. "Freya just sent

me a message. She said she has

some

5. Whet

else to attend to and

wont be back for a little while."

"Oh," Carey nodded, then asked, "Did she say what it was?" For some reason,

her heart was pounding in her chest.

Celia shook her head. "I'm not sure about the details."

She sat down beside Carey. "Don't worry. Freya will be back as soon as she's done."

"I'm not worried."

Buzz buzz buzz-

The sound of a vibrating phone filled the air. Celia glanced at the caller ID. "Carey, excuse me, I need to take this on the balcony."

"Of course," Carey nodded. "Go ahead."

Once on the balcony, Celia answered the call, her voice urgent. "Hello? Did you find Freya?"

Whatever was said on the other end made her face fall instantly. A few minutes later, she hung up and sent a text message to Celeste.

Upon reading the message, Celeste immediately joined her on the balcony. "Celia, are you sure? How could Catie have been arrested?"

Celia's brow was deeply furrowed. "It's the Vances' doing. Celeste, you stay here with Garey. I'm going back to my family's estate. Don't worry, I'll find a way to get Freya out