Four hours passed—no more, no less. Outside, night had long fallen. The cold was even harsher.The accountant with the long beard came in to make a report. "Grand Princess Eleanor, the accounts have been thoroughly reviewed. There are no discrepancies with the numbers compared to the ones Lady Carissa has shown us.""That's outrageous!" Eleanor smashed another cup, which crashed loudly. The sound startled Helen awake. she looked at Eleanor with sleep-laden eyes, bewildered by the fury radiating from the latter.Eleanor's voice was filled with rage as she declared, "How dare that vile servant falsify accounts and embezzle Helen and Jessica's money? I will make sure he is severely punished!"Carissa released Helen and said, "It's enough that we've settled the accounts. Since Eric is the one at fault, there's no need for you to get involved, Aunt Eleanor. I'll have him sent to the Supreme Court to recover all the embezzled funds.""Carissa!" Eleanor's tone softened considerably a
Under the bright lights, Carissa carefully counted the banknotes. It was indeed the full amount of The Gilded Tower's profits over the years, with not a single cent missing. She received the banknotes, along with some loose change.Watching Carissa's meticulous counting, Jessica felt a gnawing rage. But at least the matter was settled for now, and she let out a small sigh of relief.Unexpectedly, Carissa said, "Tomorrow, we'll proceed with selling the shop. I'll have someone spread the word that Aunt Eleanor and Jessica managed the shop. With your reputations attached, many interested buyers are likely to come forward. We'll set a minimum price of 250,000 silver coins. How does that sound?"Jessica's face turned ashen. "What? You want to say that my mother and I are managing the shop? Absolutely not!"The Gilded Tower had a bad reputation, notorious for its poor quality and frequent cost-cutting. Spreading such news would tarnish both Jessica and Eleanor's reputations. Jessica wa
Carissa leaned back in her chair, her long legs and tall frame giving her an imposing presence. A faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and her eyes gleamed with satisfaction. She was pleased Helen hadn’t fallen for Eleanor's trap, even though her response had seemed rather forced.When Eleanor's attempt to provoke failed, she simply smiled. "Yes, those with capability should be in charge. But I seem to recall you once complained about this being Carissa's second marriage and how she was unworthy of Rafael. And now, in just a few days, she's got you wrapped around her finger. Quite the skillful move. Helen, I'm worried that if you stay in this estate, she'll have you dancing to her tune in no time."Carissa's smile faded, and she said coldly, "That's enough. We'll proceed as I've said. I'm done here. Goodbye.""Hold it!" Eleanor's voice was sharp and commanding. "Carissa, don't think you can just walk away!"At her shout, Helen flinched instinctively.However, Carissa
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.Elean
Rafael and Dylan led the way on horseback, while the carriage followed slowly behind.Helen grasped Carissa's hand, her excitement almost impossible to contain. "I truly didn't expect you to successfully get all the money back. Others may not be aware, but I know Grand Princess Eleanor very well. She may appear amiable to everyone, but in reality, she's quite domineering."Carissa gently pulled her hand away. "Now that you know what kind of person she is, it's best to keep interactions with her to a minimum in the future."Helen nodded, but her expression grew worried. "I'm just concerned that if we fall out with her, she might speak ill of us in front of other ladies and tarnish our reputation.""What's there to worry about?" Carissa said dismissively."Of course, you're not concerned. Your reputation is already in tatters, but I've just left the palace and can't afford to gain a bad name."Carissa gave her mother-in-law a sidelong glance. Helen was really harsh with words, espe
With so many thoughts swirling through her head, coupled with the chill she had endured, Helen's mind became muddled and her body ached slightly.When they returned to Hell Monarch Estate, Carissa helped her out of the carriage and immediately instructed the servants, "Prepare a pot of chicken soup. Everyone has been out in the cold for a while. They need something to ward off the lingering chill."Helen felt even more ashamed after hearing that.Carissa was truly considerate, remembering that her mother-in-law had suffered at Harmony Palace. Who could match such devotion and attentiveness?Little did she know, Carissa's concern was not for her but for Rafael, who had been outside in the cold and wind.The kitchen chefs soon brought up the chicken soup, and each person was served a bowl. Carissa watched Rafael drink two bowls before she was satisfied.Turning around, she noticed her mother-in-law sipping her soup slowly and said, "Mother, drink a full bowl first, and have some ho
Embarrassed or not, the two of them did end up bathing together in the end. After soaking in the bath, they continued their passionate night under the white canopy of their bed.Fortunately, both were trained in martial arts. So, even with only getting an hour or two of sleep, they were still able to go about their day without feeling tired.As they got up the next morning, two unfamiliar attendants entered to serve Rafael. Luke had arranged this. These two elderly women, Sydney and Qiana, had originally worked in the embroidery room. But now that Rafael had no one to serve him, it wouldn't be appropriate to have a young servant help him with dressing and personal needs.As for the maids serving Carissa, Joy and Winter had gone to attend to Ryan. Meanwhile, Lulu, Snow, and Pearl remained by Carissa's side to serve her personally.Lily was in charge of managing the entire Orchid Hall, so naturally, it wouldn't be appropriate to ask her to take on these duties. And if younger servant
Jacob chuckled and said, "With Lady Carissa here, you won't be short-changed. Just make sure to do the job well. Once the household army is established, you'll be in charge of their management and training. Given the hard work involved, there will definitely be an additional reward."Not interested in vague promises, Travis asked directly, "So, how much are we talking about?"Jacob held up one finger. "This much."At that moment, Travis wished he had an actual rod in his hand to smack Jacob over the head. Couldn't Jacob just say the amount instead of making him guess?"Just tell us whether you'll do it or not," Rafael said."I'll do it!" Travis immediately agreed, planning to ask Carissa later to find out exactly how much the pay was.Either way, he had already decided to take the job. He would be in for a beating if he didn't bring some money back to the guild."Alright, you won't need to worry about the recruitment process. Just focus on being the drill instructor and teaching