Her Graceful War Song

The contents of the carriage were unloaded and arranged outside the main hall of Hartstone Estate. Heather didn't even glance at the items, her expression dark and thunderous.

"If you don't want to look at it now, you can take your time and look at it later. If anything is missing, feel free to send someone to let me know. As for the items my mom gifted you, they should be returned as well. I remember there were quite a few medicines from Arcane Sanctum among them," said Carissa. Heather turned on her heel and walked away as she coldly remarked, "Those have long since been used up. How do you expect me to return them to you? Aren't you afraid that your mom's feelings would be hurt with this stunt?"

"My mom always cared for Leona. If she knew how you treated your daughter, I'm sure she would sever ties with you too," Carissa replied.

Tears brimmed in Heather's eyes. "Carissa, how did you become like this? You refuse to acknowledge me as your aunt and push your cousin to get a divorce. What have I ever done to you? Was it because I didn't help you when you divorced Barrett?" "Let's not dwell on the past. I hope you can be decisive about this, Lady Heather."

Heather looked at her niece, heartbreak evident on her face. "Can't we just have a civil conversation? There's no need to escalate things like this. What would others think? Do you know how sad your grandparents would be if they were here?" Carissa remained unmoved. She said nothing as she waited for her aunt to send someone for the items. Heather studied Carissa for a long moment before finally realizing she was getting nowhere with her pleas.

Gritting her teeth, she finally ordered, "Get the cloud-patterned satin shoes with pearls my sister gifted me. As for the rest, it's mostly medicine. I've used it all up over the years since I haven't been well, so I can't return those to you." After a while, a servant returned. She held out a pair of pale pink satin shoes embroidered with green threads. They looked brand new and meticulously maintained-free from any dust and with pristine soles. "Only this pair of shoes are left. You can take it or leave it," Heather said coldly.

"I remember there were quite a few valuable pieces of jewelry as well," Carissa replied.

"They've all gone missing!" Heather exclaimed in frustration. "Are you really determined to settle things so clearly with your own aunt? Carissa, you were in the wrong first! Do you even understand the rules? You meddled in Leona's household matters! My husband and are still alive! It's not your place to interfere! You did such a major thing, but you don't care!"

"What does it matter whose place it is? Lives are what truly matter. Also, don't twist the truth! When you had your falling out with Prince Harvey didn't you turn to my mom for help? Why didn't you think to go to your parents instead of troubling my mom?" Carissa retorted.

Heather was left speechless. All that was from years ago, and her marriage was now in a much better place.

Caring for relatives and discussing matters among themselves was common in large families. It was through this kind of mutual support that they maintained their ties and built powerful alliances. However, Carissa had overstepped by meddling in Leona's affairs against Harvey and Heather's wishes. That rubbed Heather the wrong way.

"Since you only have this pair of shoes left, I'll take it then," Carissa said, not wishing to linger any longer.

Even if Heather had the medicines, she wouldn't return them. But they were likely gone, or she would have brought them for Leona without question.

"Carissa, is Leona okay?" Heather hastily asked.

"No, she's not, but Ivy will take care of her. If she wishes to see you after she recovers, she'll probably send someone to inform you," Carissa said, turning to leave.

"Let me see her now! You can't keep us apart! She's my daughter!" Heather called out desperately in a raised voice as she chased after her niece.

A crowd had already gathered

outside earlier, The residences

nearby were all occupied by noble

families. The masters andNôvelDrama.Org exclusive content.

mistresses of these residences wouldn't come out to watch, but their servants and attendants were curious enough to do so, and would report back.

That was why Heather raised her voice, and even let tears slip down her cheeks once she finished shouting.