Chapter 231

Margaret looked into Carissa's clear, sincere eyes, realizing her words came from the heart. She didn't blame the Marquis of Ironridge's family for this matter. This understanding relieved Margaret.

Setting aside other concerns, the Marquis of Ironridge's family had no desire to make enemies without cause. Margaret was especially reluctant to be at odds with Rafael or the Duke of Norwatch's family. At the very least, based on their military achievements, they were worthy of respect. The Marquis of Ironridge's family should befriend such individuals, rather than harbor animosity.

Margaret sighed. "You're wise and understanding, Lady Sinclair, but I still feel deeply guilty. If it hadn't been for the minister of the Astrology Department clarifying things, you might have borne the label of neglecting your parents for the rest of your life. For anyone, that would be a devastating blow."

However, Carissa shook her head slightly. "Madam Winchester, it wouldn't have been much of a blow to me. It's nothing more than idle words."

"Nothing more?"

Margaret looked at Carissa in astonishment, thinking she was dismissing the matter nonchalantly. But seeing Carissa's calm expression, it was clear she truly didn't care.

After a moment's reflection, Margaret understood why Carissa said it was nothing. What Carissa had endured over the past few years made these idle rumors trivial in comparison. Her father and brothers perished in battle; her entire family met a tragic end. Even though Margaret had no blood relation to Carissa, thinking of these events and looking at the strong, radiant girl before her, she felt a pang of sorrow. Those days must have been unimaginably difficult for Carissa. And yet, despite it all, she didn't fall into despair or bitterness. Instead, she chose to carry on her father and brothers' legacy, taking up the Rose Spear to fight on the battlefield.

The spirit of the Duke of Norwatch's family stood strong and unyielding. Margaret suddenly regretted not having more contact with Carissa in the past. The younger generation of the Marquis of Ironridge's family could certainly learn from her.

Today, Margaret had brought a gift—a golden bracelet adorned with interlocking pearl patterns. She instructed her attendant to open the box and present it to Carissa. Margaret even stood up, intending to help Carissa put it on.

The bracelet, inlaid with six glittering rubies and sapphires, was clearly valuable—far from something easily purchased elsewhere—and the craftsmanship was on par with the best from the palace.

Carissa quickly stood up and politely refused. "I can't accept this. It's far too precious. I really can't."

"Lady Sinclair!" Margaret grasped Carissa's hand, her expression solemn. "You must accept it. This bracelet was never meant to belong to me. It rightfully belongs to your family."

Carissa was taken aback. "It belongs to my family? What do you mean, Madam Winchester?"

Margaret sighed softly. "It happened over three years ago. That was the only time I ever interacted with your mother."

Hearing it involved her mother, Carissa urged Margaret to sit down and explain slowly. Margaret settled back into her seat and began recounting the events at The Golden Tower.

"At the time, I had ordered this bracelet from The Golden Tower. After paying the deposit, I was to pick it up in three months. But when I went to retrieve it, I found your mother there, holding the bracelet. The shopkeeper informed me your mother had already paid the full amount.

"Naturally, I was furious—though my anger was directed solely at The Golden Tower. After all, I had reserved the bracelet, so they should never have sold it to someone else. Moreover, I wasn't even late. I arrived exactly when we had agreed."

Hearing this, Carissa found it odd. The Golden Tower was the largest jewelry store in the capital—how could they have done something like that? Especially to the matriarch of the Marquis of Ironridge's household, a person of considerable status. How could they sell something she had ordered to another customer?

"So, this bracelet was originally yours? The Golden Tower"