Chapter 3

Lulu brought over the dowry list and explained, "This year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins to support the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest."

Carissa glanced at the list. "Alright."

Just looking at the list put her in a melancholy mood. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she would suffer hardships in her husband's home.

"My lady, where can we go? Are we returning to Northwatch Estate? Or should we go back to Meadow Ridge?" Lulu asked, looking distressed.

Images of the bloodstained estate and the tragic deaths of her family members flashed through Carissa’s mind, causing a sudden pang of pain in her heart.

"Anywhere is better than staying here."

"If you leave, you’ll be giving them exactly what they want."

"So be it. If I stay, I’ll spend my whole life suffering as I watch those two be affectionate. Lulu, I must live well to give my parents and brothers peace in the afterlife," Carissa replied calmly.

"My lady!" Lulu wept bitterly.

She had been born and raised in Northwatch Estate. The massacre had claimed the lives of everyone, including her own family. The images still haunted her, and returning there seemed unthinkable.

"Is there no other way?" Lulu asked desperately.

Carissa’s eyes grew cold. "There is. I could confront the king and use my family’s achievements to force him to reverse his edict. If he refuses, I’ll kill myself in protest."

Lulu was terrified and immediately protested, "My lady, you can't!"

Carissa’s expression softened, and a sly smile appeared on her face. "Do you think I’m that foolish? If I manage to reach the king, I’ll only request an edict for an amicable divorce."

Barrett was able to marry Aurora because of a royal edict. So, Carissa should also be issued an official edict to leave. She shouldn't have to sneak away like she was being cast out.

The wealth from Northwatch Estate was more than enough for her to live comfortably for the rest of her life. She wouldn't degrade herself unnecessarily.

Just then, someone called from outside, "Madam Carissa, the matriarch has requested your presence!"

"It’s Jade, Madam Rebecca's maid. It seems like Madam Rebecca wants to try and persuade you," Lulu whispered.

Carissa straightened up, her expression serious. "Then, let’s go."

The evening sun glowed like blood, and the autumn wind was chilly. The late king had bestowed the Warren family's current residence, Valor Estate, upon Barrett's grandfather. Though once prestigious, it had fallen into decline.

Most of the Warren family's men were warriors who fought on battlefields. Only a few were civil servants who worked in the palace. Barrett’s father, Jonathan, didn’t fare well in his official career. His second uncle, Gregory, only held a minor post in the Royal Citadel.

Barrett and his eldest brother, Benjamin, were somewhat successful in the military. But before their recent victory, they were only fourth-ranked majors.

Both families still lived together in Valor Estate. Splitting the family would only hasten their decline.

Accompanied by Lulu, Carissa arrived at Rebecca’s room. Rebecca's complexion looked a bit better, and she was sitting up in bed. She smiled warmly when she saw Carissa.

"You’re here."

Benjamin and his wife, Amelia Morgan, were also in the room. Barrett's sister, Serena, and the other children of the concubines were present as well. Barrett's second aunt, Charlotte Lewis, was also seated nearby. However, her expression was cold and somewhat disdainful.

"Hello, Mother. Aunt Charlotte, Benjamin, Amelia," Carissa greeted them politely.

"Carissa, come here." Rebecca gestured for her daughter-in-law to sit by her bedside.

The older woman held Carissa's hand affectionately and happily said, "Now that Barrett is back, you have someone to rely on. This year has been so hard on you, especially with what happened to your family. You’re the only one left of the marquis' family. Fortunately, all of that is behind you now."

Rebecca was shrewd. She made it clear that Carissa would need to depend on the Warren family in the future, since her family was gone.

Carissa pulled her hand away and calmly said, "Mother, I heard you met General Yates today."

Rebecca hadn’t expected Carissa to be so straightforward. Her smile froze for a moment before she replied, "Yes, I did. She’s rather rough around the edges and doesn’t compare to you in terms of looks."

Carissa gazed at her mother-in-law steadily. "So, are you saying you don't like her?"