Chapter 166
Frederickโs flattering words charmed the crowd. Everyone enjoyed the sweet talk; his compliments ignited their sense of justice, leading them to vocally denounce the Warren family.
Moral coercion, however, seemed ineffective against Carissa. She didn't even address the matter, and Rebecca realized her efforts were futile. She left in disgrace.
Rebecca had initially planned to have Carissa return to the Warren family, but Barrett adamantly refused. Given the overwhelming gossip about Aurora, Rebecca then attempted to create a diversion to redirect public anger. She hoped that by stirring up trouble, she could shift criticism away from the Warren family, giving them a reprieve from public scorn.
She hoped her antics would at least drag Carissa into a web of accusations. Rebecca reasoned that if they confronted and intimidated people, the Duke of Northwatch's family would be defenseless.
To her surprise, Frederick and his team countered her claims with clear evidence and promised to call witnesses. Those matters could not withstand close scrutiny.
Left with no options, Rebecca departed.
Carissa sat in the main hall, sipping tea, and overheard the commotion outside. She was unsurprised by the Warrens' antics; she had long seen through their true nature. She understood their motive: to deflect attention from Aurora's faults and shift public opinion to protect both Aurora and the Warren family. They sought to garner public sympathy to counteract the criticism of Aurora's greed and recklessness on the battlefield.
In the face of such deceit and manipulation, taking offense at every slight would make life unbearable.
Outside, in the sweltering heat, Lulu had prepared cold drinks to cool everyone down and ease any lingering anger.
After a few days' rest, Carissa's complexion had noticeably improved; her skin looked fairer and more refined. She smiled. "Prepare a cup for Frederick, Lily, and Holly. They need it more than anyone."
"Already done," Lulu said. "We stored plenty of ice in the cellar last year, so we have more than enough."
When Frederick and the two senior maids returned, their expressions were somber. But upon entering the room and seeing Carissa, their faces immediately brightened.
Frederick said, "My lady, don't let those shameless people get to you. They aren't worth the trouble."
Carissa invited them to sit. "I'm not upset. Consider it a lively spectacle."
"I've already sent someone to the physician's office to have their attending physician clarify the situation," Frederick said. "The matter of cutting off someone's livelihood is serious and requires a clear understanding from everyone. We can't dismiss those idle rumors; we need to set the record straight."
Carissa nodded. "Frederick, you handle things with thoroughness. I trust you."
Lily was fuming. "Ever since the divorce, I've been holding onto a grudge. It's fitting they've come to our door seeking rebuke, just as I wanted. It's a shame we couldn't vent our frustrations more thoroughly. It's truly regrettable!"
Regardless, Carissa's reputation had to be protected. Otherwise, Lily would have blasted the old, sickly woman without restraint. She would make sure Rebecca was thoroughly discredited.
Within a few days, news of why Sebastian refused to treat Rebecca spread throughout the capital. It wasn't from the attending physician but from Sebastian himself, who mentioned it during a consultation with an official. He simply said, "One who is ungrateful and harsh is beneath my consideration." He refused to accept the fee and medication costs, clearly intending for the official and his family to spread his words.
Barrett only learned later that his mother and elder brother had caused a scene at Northwatch Estate. Furious, he spent two days away from home, staying at an inn. Even there, he couldn't find peace; news of his family's troubles had spread throughout the capital, including the inn.
Meanwhile, Aurora was shunned at Valor Estate and avoided by everyone. She eventually decided to return to her parents' home for a few days, hoping to escape the situation. Upon arriving, she discovered that her parents had sold their house and left the capital.
She asked her neighbor who, upon seeing Aurora's veiled face, responded curtly: "Who wouldn't leave under such circumstances? Every day, people point fingers and insult them. If your parents didn't die from how furious they were with you, count yourself lucky!"
Aurora had never imagined her parents would act so swiftly. They had likely sold the house at a low price. It also made sense. With the gifts and money the Warrens had given them for her and Barrett's marriage, her parents were set for life. They no longer needed to endure the scorn of the people in the capital.
Yet, Aurora felt a pang of sadness. She understood her parents' decision, but being abandoned by them was a painful blow.
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