Her Graceful War Song

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.

Jessica was equally distraught. "All the hard work over the years has gone to waste, all because of that vile woman! I won't let her get away with this!"

Though Eleanor 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 books at The Gilded Tower. How did you manage things?"

Jessica was both angry and aggrieved. "I was afraid that if I took them back to fronridge Estate, my mother-in-law would discover that I was managing The Gilded Tower."

"Then, why didn't you send them to 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 long-term business."

"It 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 just in case."

Eleanor frowned. 'Forget it. No one 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 on you."

"Those other businesses have nothing to do with her of Helen."

"Didn't you hear her? She's

determined to target us," Eleanor said with a hint of frustration, her heart acking at the sight of parting with so much money. "Anyway follow my instructions. Be extra Careful and don't provoke her.

Understood?" NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

"Got it."

Though Jessica responded, she harbored deep resentment towards Carissa and was determined to find a way to get back at her.

As Carissa and Helen exited Harmony Palace, they saw Rafael and Dylan waiting on horseback at the end of the alley.

Upon seeing them, Rafael rode up and asked Carissa, "Is everything taken care of?"

He exhaled a cloud of breath into the cold air. The weather was extremely chilly, and the biting wind was harsh. He didn't know how long he and Dylan had been waiting there.

"It's all taken care of. Why are you here? You didn't need to come." Carissa hurried towards him, placing her hand on his to stop him from dismounting. His hands were as cold as ice, so she quickly urged, "Let's hurry back. We can talk about if Pater."

Helen stood nearby. She raised her hand and grinned widely, her smile stretching from ear to ear. Even as the cold wind whipped around her, she didn't seem to notice the

chill her heart was warmed by the moment.

"Yes, let's talk about it after we get back."

Rafael's gaze briefly swept over his mother. It was rare to see her smiling so broadly.

"Alright. Get in the carriage quickly. Don't catch a cold, Rafael said.

"Okay, I'll get in now," Helen said, genuinely pleased that her son was finally showing concern for her.

The dim lighting made it hard for her to see exactly whom Rafael was looking at, or to whom he was speaking.

But as long as the person speaking and the one listening understood, that was enough.