Her Graceful War Song

At Valor Estate, nearly everyone from the main household gathered in Rebecca’s room. The only exception was Charlotte’s side of the family and Aurora.

Rebecca trembled with fury.

“She jumped into the river? And Carissa saved her? If she wanted to die, why couldn’t she just go quietly? Why did she have to make such a fuss? Clearly, she knew someone would save her! What is she resentful about? When has our family ever mistreated her?

“She has no skills, no ability to manage a household, and no family to rely on. All I asked was for her to care for me while I was ill, and she acts like she’s suffered some great injustice! She even went out seeking death as if that would solve anything!

“If this gets out, people will think I’m a cruel mother–in–law! This isn’t a request for death–it’s a desire to see me dead! Does someone truly wanting to die need to disturb so many people? If she were serious, she would’ve jumped long ago!”

Benjamin still hadn’t come to terms with what had happened. He was genuinely terrified. The moment he saw Amelia jump, it was nothing like Rebecca described. It wasn’t an act. The river was dark downstream, and he couldn’t see how Amelia had been rescued. He doubted he could bring her back even if he jumped

in to save her.

Rebecca continued to curse Amelia.

“Now, we owe Carissa a favor! Amelia’s turned against us, and she’ll hardly be missed if she were dead. Barrett is already lower in rank than Carissa, and now we owe that woman a life! It’s like Amelia’s intentionally trying to harm her brother–in–law! I must’ve been blind to choose her as my eldest daughter–in

-law!” Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

“Mom, please don’t say that,” Barrett interjected, frowning. “To be honest, Amelia has been under a lot of pressure lately. I heard everything–there’s no money in the accounts, and Benjamin slapped her. Then, she was dragged here like a criminal to plead for forgiveness. Plus, Viola told her to buy Evergreen Pills and said she would only get 30 percent of my salary moving forward…”

Heavily pregnant, Viola stood up and interrupted, “Are you implying that I pushed her into jumping to her death? Didn’t I speak the truth? I asked her to buy eight Evergreen Pills, but she only brought back two! She whined and said she had no money, putting on a pitiful act. How is it possible that a prestigious family can’t even afford a few pills?

“Besides, she’s not the only one caring for Mother. There are so many people around her, she doesn’t need to lift a finger! Isn’t she just staying by Mother’s side to earn a reputation for being a devoted daughter–in–law? What more does she want? Her problems have nothing to do with me! Don’t think you can drag me into this mess.”

Seeing the fierce look on his wife’s face, Barrett couldn’t hide his irritation.

“For all that’s happened since your pregnancy, Amelia has taken care of you countless times. How can you say such things? She isn’t playing the victim or acting poor. As the one managing the accounts, you should know whether there’s money in the house. I’ve said it before–30 percent of my salary isn’t enough to cover expenses. Didn’t you notice Amelia has been pawning her jewelry?”

Viola shot back angrily, “That’s because you men are useless! What’s that got to do with me? Who would’ve thought your prestigious family would be so poor? Your family was once so prominent, and now you’ve ended up in this state. Don’t you bear some responsibility? I heard you had shops once, but your sold them just to marry another wife. Who took your money? Go get it back from them! I didn’t even spend that much of your money since I married into your family!”

Her words left Barrett momentarily speechless.

Rebecca couldn’t stand Viola’s insults toward her son.

“How can you speak like that about your husband? Isn’t he working hard enough? He’s still the Crown Guard’s commander! What have you done to help him other than stir up trouble and throw tantrums to run back to your parents? What right do you have to criticize him?

“You claim you didn’t spend our family’s money, but those royal jelly supplements didn’t appear out of thin air. Did you buy all those beautiful clothes and jewelry with your own money? In that regard, you don’t hold a candle to Carissa! I may resent her, but she’s the only one who has ever managed things properly around here. As for you? You’re nothing!”

Viola’s face darkened with anger at the comparison. “If you miss Carissa so much, why don’t you get her back? But good luck with that! She’s on to bigger and better things now–do you think she’ll even bother with you?”