Chapter 25

Knowing Theodore had a fiery temper, Jonathan didn't dare offend him.

"Don't worry, sir," Jonathan said, trying to calm the old man. "We've invited you today to sort out the situation between the two children. Please, be patient."

Solomon, standing next to Theodore, added, "When Cari comes out, let's ask her what happened. We can't let the Warren family dictate everything."

Theodore snapped, fuming, "No matter the issue, Cari stayed loyal to Barrett for a whole year while he was away at war. She served his parents, treated his relatives well, and managed the household. He shouldn't be treating her like this. It's too much!"

"Please calm down, sir," Barrett said calmly. "We'll talk once everyone is here."

Barrett hadn't dared invite the neighbors, since Valor Estate was surrounded by the residences of other officials. Inviting them to witness the divorce could damage his future prospects. He had considered inviting an official from the Household Registry Department to stamp the divorce papers, but ultimately decided to deliver the papers himself to avoid too many witnesses.

The Warren family elders were also invited. Barrett's grandmother had passed away, but Beatrice, his grandfather's second wife, was still alive. Her branch of the family hadn't produced any capable individuals in recent years. One member had entered the civil service but only obtained a minor position, similar to Jonathan and Benjamin. The two families had long lived their lives separately within Valor Estate, meeting only during festivals or significant events.

Beatrice was surprised to learn that Barrett intended to divorce Carissa. Doing so at this crucial time seemed like a career-ending move, but she quickly understood his reasoning. Carissa's family was in decline. Despite the Marquis of Northwatch's past glory, the current household lacked a successor. The marquis's family was now history, while Aurora, the kingdom's first female general, was favored by the queen dowager and the king—a wise and respectable ruler. Even without further military achievements, she was bound to rise further; the queen dowager would want her to set an example for other women. With Aurora's support, Barrett's career would surely advance. Compared to this, Carissa's position offered no future benefits; after all, the marquis's family could no longer support Barrett's ambitions.

However, this still didn't explain the need to divorce Carissa unless Aurora refused to share the position of Barrett's wife with her. In such a case, a choice had to be made.

Beatrice had heard of Carissa's jealousy and lack of respect before arriving. On these grounds, divorce was indeed possible. However, everyone had seen how well Carissa treated Rebecca over the past year; she was truly devoted. As for being jealous, which woman in her position wouldn't be? If every jealous woman was divorced, wouldn't the streets be full of abandoned wives? Carissa's recent temper tantrums were likely attempts to assert herself and gain respect in front of Aurora. If Barrett had understood her intentions, a bit of pacifying would have sufficed; they wouldn't have needed to resort to divorce.

Beatrice was certain Aurora couldn't tolerate Carissa and likely wanted her out before entering the household herself to become Barrett's legal wife. After all, a woman of Aurora's caliber wouldn't settle for sharing a man.

So, Beatrice chose to remain silent; it was better to avoid trouble with both sides.

"Why isn't she here yet? Send someone to hurry her up!" Rebecca, growing impatient, ordered a servant to fetch Carissa.

The servant hurried off but soon returned with a letter for Barrett, claiming it was from Aurora. Barrett thought Aurora might be pleading with him not to divorce Carissa. He sighed. Aurora always tried to protect other women, but Carissa didn't appreciate her efforts.

He stepped out into the corridor, opened the letter, and read it. Stunned by its contents, he reread it carefully, noting that it was indeed written in Aurora's handwriting. The letter was truly from his beloved. But hadn't they agreed not to take Carissa's dowry? Why was Aurora insisting on withholding half of it, citing legal reasons and claiming it would look bad for the Warren family otherwise? The letter explained that keeping half the dowry was the kind thing to do, since other families wouldn't even return a penny.

But Barrett was a man of honor. How could he keep his ex-wife's dowry? If word of this got out, it would ruin his reputation.

As he stood there, lost in thought, he suddenly noticed Carissa standing before him. He hadn't heard her approach and was startled, dropping the letter. Carissa glanced at it, but Barrett shouted, "Don't look!" He quickly bent down, picked up the letter, and hurriedly hid it in his sleeve.