Jayden's POV
I narrowed my eyes, considering Bridget’s words.
“My cook took permission?” I repeated slowly.
“Yes,” Bridget confirmed. “The butler said she requested to leave right after your meal was served.”
Something about that didn’t sit right with me. If she had truly left for a sick relative, why hadn’t she returned? Why hadn’t I heard anything about her since then? The palace was a tightly controlled space—people didn’t just leave without a trace.
“Have you tried contacting her?” I asked.
Bridget hesitated. That told me everything.
“I assumed she was taking care of her uncle…”
I leaned back, rubbing my chin thoughtfully. “Find her,” I ordered. “I don’t care how long it takes. If she’s innocent, I want to hear it from her mouth. If she isn’t…” I trailed off?
Bridget gave a s
