Chapter 232 +25 BONUS
“You would be right, if that’s how it really happened,” Margaret said. “Your mother was reluctant to let go of the bracelet that day, but she eventually gave it to me after I insisted. The Golden Tower refunded her money, and that should have been the end of it, as it was handled appropriately.”
Hearing this, Carissa knew there must be more to the story, so she remained silent, waiting for the older woman to continue.
Margaret’s expression turned slightly embarrassed. “After returning to the estate with the bracelet, I realized that the one I had ordered was supposed to have five gemstones, but this one had six. Clearly, it wasn’t the bracelet I had commissioned. When I sent someone to inquire at The Golden Tower, they explained that the jeweler responsible for making my bracelet had run into trouble and fled, taking my bracelet with him.
“As for this one, it was indeed a bracelet your mother had ordered, intended as part of your dowry. The Golden Tower hadn’t explained the situation at the time because other customers were present; it wasn’t appropriate to mention that a jeweler had run off with their goods. They had planned to visit me the next day to clarify the situation, but I discovered the mistake first and sent someone to ask about it, which is how I learned the truth.”
Carissa was momentarily stunned. Her mother had intended this bracelet to be part of her dowry?
Margaret continued, “I immediately returned the bracelet to The Golden Tower, asking them to send it back to your mother. However, they informed me that your mother had already purchased another one. Then, your mother sent someone to say that since I liked the bracelet, she willingly parted with it. I thought perhaps she felt it was unsuitable as part of your dowry since I had already worn it, which might be why she didn’t take it back.”
Margaret still looked a bit guilty. “Although this may seem like a small matter, I’ve always felt uneasy about it. And later on, after everything that happened to your family… In any case, I hope you won’t mind that I wore it, and I ask you to accept this bracelet. Your mother had it made for you; it was meant to be part of your dowry.”
Suddenly remembering something, Margaret quickly added, “After I learned the whole story, I never wore the bracelet again. It’s been kept in my private vault all this time. You can ask the people around me if you don’t believe me.”
Margaret’s attendant, standing nearby, curtsied and said, “My lady, what Madam Margaret says is true. The bracelet has never been worn since that incident and is still as new as the day it was made.”
Carissa held the bracelet in her hand, her fingers tracing the interlocking pearl patterns and the six embedded gemstones. Suddenly, she remembered that Melanie had once told her she had ordered a very special bracelet as part of her dowry. Carissa had smiled and asked her mother just how special the bracelet was. Melanie had rubbed her tired eyes, grown dim over the years, and whispered with tears in her eyes, “It holds a special meaning. Your six brothers will be with you when you get married. They will surely protect you, ensuring you live a peaceful life, have many children, and enjoy long-lasting happiness.”
Later, when Carissa was organizing her dowry items, she found many bracelets but never identified one that seemed particularly special. However, she didn’t dare ask Melanie about it, fearing it would make her weep over the memory of her lost sons.
Margaret spoke up again, “I’ve heard that you’re marrying Prince Rafael. This bracelet was part of the dowry your mother prepared for you. Although it comes to you late…” Margaret looked at Carissa with a meaningful gaze. “Perhaps it’s not too late, but rather, just in time.”
Carissa stood and performed a deep curtsy, her eyes reddening with emotion. “Thank you, Madam Winchester, for your generosity. Whether you wore it or not, this gift holds immense significance for me. I’m deeply grateful. Please, allow me to repay you for the bracelet’s full value.”
Seeing the redness in Carissa’s eyes, Margaret understood her feelings. A dowry item from Carissa’s late mother, which had made its way back to her just as she was about to marry—it was indeed a timely and poignant reunion. With a sigh, Margaret felt a weight lift from her heart—a long-held matter finally resolved. She spoke softly, “Just give me one silver coin and buy the bracelet back.”
Chapter 232 +25 BONUS
Margaret couldn’t gift the bracelet; it had to be purchased. But as for the price, that was for her to decide.
Carissa quickly protested, “That won’t do. The bracelet is worth more than that.”
“One silver coin is enough,” Margaret replied with deep meaning. “When your mother handed this bracelet to me that day, she did so with great reluctance. She could have argued with me—after all, she had ordered and paid for it. But out of respect for my seniority, she chose not to. She respected me, and I respected her. By accepting just one silver coin, I honor the grace and magnanimity your mother showed in letting it go.”
Chapter 233