Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Carissa continued to count the money. When the banknotes fell short, gold bars were brought out to make up the difference.

It seemed Eleanor had substantial reserves-producing over two hundred thousand silver coins was not difficult for her.

Carissa had underestimated Eleanor:

Over the years, Eleanor had supported the household soldiers, maintained hundreds of servants, frequently hosted guests, and adorned herself in luxurious clothing and fine jewelry. Every piece of her attire was of the highest quality.

Yet, seeing Eleanor's pained expression as she handed over the money, Carissa knew this sum was hitting Eleanor where it hurt.

This time, they had completely ripped off the mask of civility between them.

At least, Carissa had recovered what was rightfully theirs and what had been deceitfully taken. There was no loss on her part. As for the rift, it was nothing new. There was no need to maintain the facade of hypocritical harmony.

With that, Carissa made her way out.

Eleanor and Jessica watched as Carissa walked away. There was none of the politeness from when she first arrived. Her straightened back radiated an air of arrogance and defiance.

"Carissal" Eleanor ground her teeth in frustration; but at this moment, she was powerless to do anything.

to waste, all because of that vile

was furious with Carissa, she warned her daughter sharply, "Don't provoke her! You're no match for her. The problems with The Gilded Tower are due to your negligence. How could you let them easily find the account books? And you kept all the account

them back to fronridge Estate, my mother-in-law would discover

another location? You don't only have one residence to use. If nothing else, why not destroy them after every year's accounts are settled? After all, it's not a

was Eric who said we couldn't destroy them. Among all our shops, only The Gilded Tower has paid its taxes in full. We kept the account books

expected Helen to really move out of the palace, and no one anticipated that Rafael would marry someone like Carissa, a once-divorced woman. With her family gone. and having been discarded by Barrett, she's clearly got nothing left to lose. It's not worth clashing with someone like that. Just make sure your other dealings are clean, so she doesn't get anything

have nothing to do with

hear

frustration, her heart acking at the sight of parting with so much money.

Understood?"

"Got it."

resentment towards Carissa and was determined to find a way to get back

Harmony Palace, they saw Rafael and Dylan waiting on horseback at the end

rode up and asked

a cloud of breath into the cold air. The weather was extremely chilly, and the

care of. Why are you here? You didn't need to come." Carissa hurried towards him, placing her hand on his to stop