Melody of Strength novel

Rebecca paused momentarily.

Borrow?

Well, Rebecca herself had said that it was a loan, and they would repay Carissa once things eased up. Now that her daughter–in- had phrased it that way, the older woman had no way

to retort.

Still, Rebecca couldn’t help but inwardly criticize Carissa for her lack of understanding. The girl had no family left. What else would she spend her money on if not for the Warren family?

Barrett shook his head. “I’ll figure something out on my own. I won’t need to borrow from you.

With that said, he turned and left the room.

All eyes turned to Carissa, who curtsied politely and said, “If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my

leave.”

*Carissa, stay here!” Rebecca’s face darkened as her anger surged.

She was no longer coughing or weak, especially since she had taken the medicine that Sebastian had prescribed yesterday.

Carissa looked at her mother–in–law. “Is there something else you need?”

Rebecca spoke with great seriousness and concern, “I know you went to the palace and appealed to the king. That wasn’t a wise thing to do.

“After Aurora joins our household, it will reflect well on our family when she earns merits in the future. You’ll benefit from it too. When the merits accumulate, you may receive a title. Again, that will also be a blessing to you.”

“You’re right,” Carrissa conceded.

Seeing her being compliant again, Rebecca continued smugly, ‘Ten thousand silver coins. Isn’t much for you. And the jewelry will probably amount to two or three thousand silver coins. You won’t mind providing the money for this, right?”

Carissa nodded. “Alright.”

Finally, Rebecca relaxed. She realized Carissa’s annoying attitude earlier was just a trivial

tantrum.

The older woman smiled. “Carissa, you’re sensible. Rest assured, if anyone dares to bully you in the future, I’ll be the first to defend you.”

Charlotte was beside herself.

Chapter 14.

Why was Carissa so naive? How could she think it was right to use her dowry to help her husband take another wife?

This family was clearly going too far.

Carissa turned to Charlotte and asked, “So, the engagement gifts amount to about thirteen thousand silver coins. Then, how much will the wedding party cost?”

“The party and other expenses will add up to several thousand coins. Are you also going to cover that?” Charlotte replied impatiently.

If Carissa wanted to remain foolish, Charlotte wouldn’t care anymore.

“Sure. “When the time comes, I’ll have Barrett write me a promissory note. Once that’s done, I’ll deliver the money,” Carissa answered with a smile.

Everyone in the room, except those from Charlotte’s side of the family, scowled.

“That’s absurd! Since when does a husband need to write a promissory note to get money from his wife?!” Rebecca exclaimed, fuming.

Carissa was taken aback. “If we don’t have a promissory note, how can it be considered a loan? Mother, didn’t you just mention that the money would be a loan? Writing a promissory note for a loan is perfectly reasonable. Not writing one would be absurd, wouldn’t it?”

Carissa stood up calmly and confidently. “Speaking of which… There’s no reason for a husband to use his wife’s dowry to fund a concubine’s engagement gifts either.

“If such a thing were to spread, it would tarnish my husband’s reputation. It would also make our household a laughingstock. Don’t you agree, Mother?”

Rebecca’s face turned dark with anger. “I just praised you for being sensible…”

“Thinking of the family’s reputation is also sensible, right?”

Smiling, Carissa leaned down and patted the older woman gently on the back.

“Mother, don’t be angry. You just took your medicine yesterday. It only lasts for five days, and Sebastian won’t be coming to treat you anymore.

“What did you say?” Rebecca grabbed Carissa’s hand, turning to look at her. “How could you be so cruel? Why did you stop him from coming to treat me?!”

Serena angrily pushed her sister-in–law aside. “Carissa, you stopped the physician from coming to treat Mom? Are you trying to kill her?!

As Carissa casually flicked her sleeves, Serena felt an intense surge of force that made her stagger back a few steps. The shocked girl had to grab the back of the chair to steady herself.

How could Carissa be so strong?

213Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

Caris

spoke coolly, “Be careful with your words. Sebastian himself said yesterday that he wouldn’t come again. If you don’t believe me, you can ask him yourself whether it was his own choice or if I stopped him from coming.”

With that, Carissa turned and left.