Are You Suspicious

Although that's what she thought, Sophie White said instead, "Oh, sister-in-law, don't overthink it. Alex would never suspect you. Stop imagining things!"

"No, that's not it!" Su Li was visibly panicked, clutching Sophie White's hand desperately, almost bursting into tears. "I really didn't do it! How could I possibly steal a child? Boo hoo!"

As Su Li spoke, she broke down in tears, covering her face. "Tonight is the Minister of War's son's birthday. The Minister's wife originally invited me to their banquet, but now... now she's sent someone to tell me not to come. Isn't she afraid I'm some kind of monster who might steal her son? That child is the Minister's only heir, born late in life and cherished beyond measure. I understand her worries, but I'm really not a monster!"

Sophie White blinked, recalling the Minister of War's family.

The Minister of War held great power in court, second only to Alexander Hayes among military officials, and controlled the army.

When the Minister of War was young, he had no children for a long time. It wasn't until he was thirty-five that he finally had a precious son, whom he spoiled outrageously. That's why the birthday celebration was so lively, with many officials invited as guests.

Sophie White immediately came up with an idea and said, "Sister-in-law, if they don't want you to go, you're just not going? If you don't go, it makes you look guilty, and everyone will think you're the culprit behind the child murders. So tonight, you must go!"

"Really?" Su Li looked at Sophie White with a dazed, tear-stained expression, as if she were her savior.

Sophie White nodded firmly. "Sister-in-law, you have nothing to hide. If you didn't do it, then you didn't do it. Especially now, you need to stand tall and be confident. If you shrink away, people really will suspect you. You must go to tonight's banquet!"

"Then... I'll go, I guess." Su Li seemed convinced by Sophie White, calming down a bit as she wiped her tears. "Oh dear, I've made a fool of myself. These past few days I've been so anxious, I can barely think straight."

"It's nothing, really," Sophie White said.

Su Li wiped her tears and said, "Sophie, when I was recovering after childbirth, I didn't see you, and we even had a fight and weren't on good terms. Looking back, it was all trivial. Oh, right, this hairpin is for you—consider it a gift for our reunion."

As Su Li spoke, she took the hairpin from her hair and handed it to Sophie White. "This was given to me by the Emperor himself at my wedding—it's an imperial gift. Giving it to you isn't shameful at all."

Sophie White's eyes lit up at the sight of the hairpin. She pretended to decline but soon accepted it, leaving happily.

Before leaving, she didn't forget to remind Su Li once again to attend the Minister of War's banquet.

Su Li was full of gratitude towards Sophie White, smiling as she personally saw her out. But as she closed the door and turned around, her smile suddenly froze.

Belle emerged from the side door of the gatehouse and looked at Su Li. "Princess Consort, do you suspect...?"

Su Li nodded and sighed, "She's the Prince's trusted aide. I truly hope it's not her. Otherwise, how disappointed would the Prince be?"

Belle frowned. "Princess Consort, I heard that Miss White was personally raised by the Prince. If it really is her, would the Prince truly have the heart to kill her?"

This question made Su Li's heart skip a beat. Suddenly anxious and confused, she looked at Belle, unsure how to respond...

If Sophie White really committed a grave mistake, would Alexander Hayes be able to punish her?