Chapter 23

Aurora pondered for a moment, weighing the pros and cons. Barrett divorcing Carissa had more downsides than benefits. It wasn't that Aurora didn't value the status of being Barrett's legal wife; it was that divorcing Carissa could hinder their future prospects. Aurora's own future was equally important.

But then again, Carissa was the person in question. Aurora couldn't shake the discomfort she felt from their first meeting. Carissa's smile seemed to enchant everyone, making Aurora fear that Barrett might fall for his current wife's charms again someday.

If Barrett divorced Carissa, Aurora would become the only rightful wife. Her father hadn't initially favored this marriage because Barrett already had a wife. Though Aurora would be legally equal, she was still essentially a concubine.

However, becoming Barrett's official, legal wife would give her father no reason to object. Besides, who wouldn't want to be a legitimate wife?

Initially, Aurora had only reluctantly agreed to the prior arrangement because her relationship with Barrett had begun after his marriage. Luckily, he and Carissa had not consummated their union.

Besides, Carissa was just a delicate, pampered lady of a noble family. Could she really handle herself? So what if she was the mistress of the household? Wasn't she just tasked with tirelessly managing the family's affairs?

That was Aurora's previous thinking. However, dealing with Carissa's stubborn nature proved difficult. Aurora found herself agreeing with Barrett's decision to divorce her.

She nodded. "Carissa's actions are despicable. I can't tolerate it. Let's proceed as you suggested. As for her dowry"

She paused, considering her words carefully before continuing, "According to our laws, a divorced woman cannot take her dowry. If you allow her to take it, it shows your kindness. If not, there are legal precedents. But I won't comment further on that."

"I don't want her dowry," Barrett reaffirmed.

Aurora gazed at him with admiration. "I know you have high moral standards. You wouldn't stoop so low as to take her dowry. Besides, with how vast Valor Estate is, do we really need her meager dowry?"

Hearing this from his lover filled Barrett with joy.

"Not only will I refuse her dowry, I'll also refund what she contributed to my family over the past year," he said.

+25 BONUS

Aurora froze. "She provided financial support? She used her dowry to support your family and Valor Estate?"

"My mother has been taking expensive medicine from Sebastian for a long time, and the total income from my family and the estate hasn't been making ends meet. So, after Carissa married me, she's been using her dowry to help the family," Barrett explained, looking embarrassed.

"Your family still needs her financial support? How could the estate be struggling? My father mentioned that when your grandfather was granted the estate, he also received many shops and fertile lands," Aurora asked in surprise.

"That's true, but we weren't good at managing them, so we sold them."

Aurora stared at Barrett in shock. She felt like a bucket of cold water had been dumped on her.

"So Valor Estate is now just an empty shell?"

"Yes, but it's okay. We're making progress now. Our salary and rewards won't be lacking in the future."

Barrett was focused on building a future with Aurora, believing they could overcome these temporary difficulties together. He was confident she would be willing to join him.

However, Aurora's mind was suddenly racing with complex thoughts. The late king had granted Valor Estate to Barrett's grandfather, and the Warren family was considered prominent back then. She never imagined they could have declined to such a state.

Upon reflection, it wasn't hard to understand. Barrett's father and uncles didn't hold important positions, and his elder brother was also unremarkable. The Warren family's glory was all thanks to Barrett's grandfather's military achievements.

Barrett and Carissa's wedding had been a grand affair known throughout the city. The bridal procession was a spectacle that had even amazed Aurora at the time, leading her to assume that the two families were equally well-off.

Now, she realized that the grandeur of the wedding must have been due to the Sinclair family. If that was the case, Carissa's dowry must have been substantial.

As she considered these factors, Aurora's feelings underwent a slight change.

After hesitating for a moment, she said, "If you were to return her dowry in full, wouldn't people think you're being unfair?"

Barrett was surprised. "What do you mean?"

Aurora turned away, her voice slightly muffled. "I just feel that returning part of the dowry would already demonstrate your righteousness."