Melody of Strength novel

Kylie was truly at her wit’s end.

As Dakota’s son, Kendrick, had married someone from the Quinton family, Helen was also keen on marrying Kiera to the same family.

Victoria had tacitly agreed. Salvador, being devoted to his mother, would certainly heed her advice.

However, among the Quinton family men, only Logan was uninterested in scholarly pursuits. He spent his days idly walking dogs and playing with cats, while the rest dedicated themselves to rigorous study, striving for a place in the court.

Particularly, Kylie’s fifth brother, Marcus, had devoted himself to intense study from a young age, aiming for top honors.

If he were to marry Kiera and become a mere idle nobleman like Henry, what would be the point of his efforts?

Kylie knew she couldn’t interfere directly in Kiera’s marriage arrangements, so she sought Carissa’s help. She had expected Carissa to be reluctant, but Carissa’s final words had shown her intentions clearly.

Kylie felt a deep sense of gratitude.

“If Kiera’s marriage with my sixth brother succeeds, I will certainly give you a grand gift and will owe you a favor,” she said.

Carissa smiled, saying nothing.

She had no need for grand gifts or favors from the queen, but adhering to the principle that having more friends than enemies was better, she knew how to proceed. She understood Logan and knew Kiera’s feelings, but her opposition came from her scheming mother–in–law, Helen.

Carissa was willing to assist in making a good match because she saw Kiera as her own sister.

Once the conversation was concluded, they left the palace.

Rafael returned to the estate first, while Carissa and Helen shared a carriage to Eleanor’s palace. Helen found it stifling to be alone with Carissa, so she had Gillian join them in the carriage.

For some reason, just seeing Carissa’s face made Helen feel that Carissa might lecture her, which was something she particularly disliked, especially from someone younger.

Despite this, the journey was relatively calm.

As they approached Harmony Palace, Carissa finally asked, “Mother, have you considered that Grand Princess Eleanor might not return those Mystic Pearls to you? And she might not give you the three thousand silver coins, either?”

Helen shot Carissa a sideways glance. “What are you insinuating? How can you doubt Grand Princess Eleanor like that? She’s made a bet–if she loses, she must acknowledge it. She values her reputation

highly. She wouldn’t deceive me.”Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Carissa found Helen naive.

What kind of person would encourage a mother in law to steal her daughter in law’s dowry and give it to them?

She glanced at Gillian, and noticed the latter’s uneasy expression,

“Gillian, what do you think?” Carissa asked.

Gillian forced a smile. “Your Highness, I it shouldn’t be possible for her not to return them. Lady Helen’s reasoning is sound. Besides, why would Grand Princess Eleanor covet your Mystic Pearls?”

Gillian’s last few words were barely audible.

The older woman understood everything but chose not to disclose it to Helen, perhaps having tried in the past with no effect. Now, she preferred to turn a blind eye and avoid trouble.

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Carissa nearly laughed, struggling to suppress her disdain.

Looking at Helen’s smug face, Carissa couldn’t help but retort, “She won’t return them, so I’m going to take them by force. Mother, keep silent, don’t speak up for them, and definitely don’t make excuses. Most importantly, don’t use my dowry to smooth things over

Helen was incensed. “What nonsense are you speaking? Does Grand Princess Eleanor really covet a few of your Mystic Pearls? Though valuable, they are not scarce in Grand Princess Eleanor’s household. Besides, what does she lack? Everyone in the capital knows that!”

Carissa responded with a scoff. “Alright, we’ll see about that!”

Helen seized the opportunity to reprimand Carissa. “You show such disrespect and suspicion toward Grand Princess Eleanor. Once we return to the estate, I’ll have to punish you properly!”

Carissa rolled her eyes dismissively, uninterested in Helen’s threats. She thought to herself that soon enough, they would see who would be proven wrong and look foolish.