Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Standing to the side, Jessica smiled as she said, "Mom, that won't do. If Carissa questions us later and blames Aunt Helen, wouldn't it be... Oh, never mind, Aunt Helen wouldn't dare." The mother and daughter duo were clearly manipulating Helen, whose "innocence" bordered on frightening, making her particularly susceptible to provocations.

Helen immediately responded, "It's just a few Mystic Pearls. Do you think she'll really get angry at me?"

Earlier, she had worried about Carissa's powerful backing and how she might struggle as a mother-in-law. But now, after a few words, she felt emboldened. Her concern seemed to have evaporated. Helen rose from her seat, chin held high. Gillian accompanied her as she made her way to the side hall.

Outside, the guests were still enjoying the banquet and making toasts. There were only a few guards watching over the wedding gifts. After all, the guests in the residence were of high status, none of whom would dare to commit petty theft.

It was Jacob who had ordered the guards assigned to watch the gifts. When they saw Helen arrive, they had no suspicions. They simply nodded respectfully and allowed her to enter. Helen walked through the room filled with gifts, marveling at the sheer volume. The room was nearly packed, leaving only a narrow passage for people to walk through.

The four jars of Mystic Pearls were on display, each pearl round and gleaming. The unique luster of these special pearls was incomparable to that of ordinary pearls.

"Four jars there must be over two hundred and twenty pounds of Mystic Pearls! Goodness, I've never seen so many," Helen exclaimed, once again stunned.

Sensing Eleanor's ill intentions, Gillian quietly advised, "My lady, with your status, it's improper to do such a thing. If you were to take your daughter-in-law's dowry, it wouldn't reflect well on you."

looked at her attendant as if she were foolish. "Of course not. How could

in relief, having been worried that

before she could fully relax, Helen said, "I certainly won't take any. Otherwise,

unable to believe

are you afraid of? Do you think I can't protect you if something goes wrong?" Helen glanced outside and whispered, "Hurry, just take three pearls. No one will notice. There are so many of them. Even if ten or so

ears. Was this really the woman she had raised? To think she would ask Gillian to commit such

too long of

was the young lady she had raised with so much care-this

as she was stealing something for the first time. Although Helen was blocking the view of the people outside, the older

taken, quickly stuffed them into her pocket, and turned around as if nothing

room and said, "Well,

forehead. Despite the chilly weather, she was drenched in

attend to the guests," Helen said as she headed

of thievery tormenting her. She prayed for forgiveness from the heavens. She had no choice but to do as