Melody of Strength novel

Chapter 504

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When Helen returned from the palace, she walked straight through the sitting room. She held her head high, and completely ignored the women speaking inside.

One of the women called out, “Mother, you’re back?”

Helen didn’t acknowledge them and continued to walk with her head held high.

Another woman rushed out and took her arm. “Mom, look at what Carissa and I bought for you! Come and see!”

“Hmph!” Helen glanced at Kiera coldly. “Why would I care?”

Kiera’s face fell. “Huh? You don’t? Carissa spent a long time choosing these.”

“Hmph! Spent a long time choosing?”

Helen glared coldly at Carissa, who was standing at the door. In response to Carissa’s smile, Helen raised her chin. “Fine, let me take a look. But I’m very hard to please.”

Carissa smiled and said, “Mother, please come and see.”

Violet quickly called for someone to prepare some snacks. As she admired the jewelry, she filled Helen in on the excitement of the day.

Helen placed a delicate red coral hairpin with dangling pearls in her hair. As the pearls swayed slightly, the soft clinking sound was pleasantly soothing. She felt delighted, and had to admit that Carissa knew her preferences well.

She thought the commotion was amusing enough when she heard it from Violet. If Helen were actually there, she would be furious. She might have been unable to stop herself from snatching that ruby tiara.

The audacity of it all was just too much!

Just being involved with that family felt tainted. It was like they each carried their own problems around with them, making everything they touched feel dirty.

Viola was definitely out of her mind to spend almost 40,000 silver coins on a headpiece. Given their family’s shabby appearance, how could they have ever seen a genuine fine product?

The treasures at The Golden Tower were not cheap–they were the finest of their kind. It was for that reason Jessica had modeled The Gilded Tower after them.

Helen felt a flush of heat on her face. She was fortunate not to have gone today. Nathaniel had personally attended to them. Although she didn’t directly engage in the business, she felt quite guilty.

She realized Carissa must have anticipated this and hadn’t invited her. That was how thoughtful her daughter–in–law was.

Thinking of this, Helen felt happy again.

After dinner, the accountant brought the ledger for Carissa to review, and she called Ryan over to go through it with her.

Ryan wasn’t yet adept at accounting, but Carissa hoped he would be able to understand the ledger. He

+25 BONUS

Chapter 504

had previously had some instruction from a tutor, which gave him a basic foundation.

In a few days, Ryan would be starting at Silverbrook Academy. The enrollment notice had already arrived. Originally, Rafael had planned to accompany him on the first day, but now only Carissa could go with him.

“Aunt Carissa, our family’s accountant is amazing! The counting board clicks so loudly, and after he finishes, he tells us how much money we have earned. The counting board is truly incredible–just a few clicks and the money keeps coming in!”

Ryan propped his chin up, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

“How much money we make isn’t due to the counting board,” Carissa said with a smile, patting his head.” It’s because there are people working hard for our shop and estate. So, you should always be kind to those who genuinely help you.”

Ryan asked, “But how do I know if someone is genuinely helping me?”

Carissa’s voice was gentle.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“Understanding people is one of the hardest things in the world. A person with no knowledge or experience finds it especially difficult to see through others. However, when we read the teachings of the sages and learn from the experiences of those before us, we gain the ability to discern right from wrong and truth from falsehood. Once we understand these principles, seeing through people’s hearts becomes much easier. A person who is disloyal or untrustworthy, no matter how well they disguise themselves, will ultimately reveal their true nature. We will then be able to see through them.”

Ryan tilted his head. “You want me to study hard and understand these things, right, Aunt Carissa?” “You’re very clever,” Carissa said, smiling as she tapped his forehead. “In the future, the responsibilities of the Duke of Northwatch’s household will fall on your shoulders. Inheriting the title is no small matter–you must be capable.”

Ryan nodded seriously and said, “Yes, Aunt Carissa, don’t worry. I’ll work hard. Besides practicing martial arts, I’ll also aim to be a top scholar. I want to be a duke who excels in both literature and martial skills.” Carissa laughed softly. “Well then, you must work hard, future little duke. Otherwise, people will say you’re incapable and that you rely solely on the fortunes of your ancestors.”

Ryan nodded earnestly. “I understand, Aunt Carissa!”