Chapter 280

As Charlotte was about to leave, Carissa asked Lily to bring her a jar of royal jelly. Charlotte had a persistent cough that flared up in cold weather. In the past, Carissa had frequently sent her jars of royal jelly.

Charlotte initially declined, but Carissa countered, using Charlotte’s own words: “If you refuse, it’s as if you’re rejecting my goodwill. In that case, I can’t accept your gifts either.” Saying this, she signaled Lily to return the gold bracelets.

“Oh, fine,” Charlotte quickly took the royal jelly. “I keep taking your things—I’ve lost all sense of shame.”

“You stood by me during my hardest times, and I remember that in my heart,” Carissa said, taking Charlotte’s arm and walking her to the door. When the Duke of Northwatch’s family was annihilated, the first branch of the Warren family offered condolences, but only in words. Only Charlotte truly stayed by Carissa’s side.

Charlotte knew Carissa had trouble eating and sleeping, so she made some calming tea for her. Most of the calming remedies Sebastian prescribed were ones Charlotte prepared herself.

Hearing this, Charlotte almost shed tears. She quickly wiped her nose and turned her head, saying, “I treated you as my own daughter. As long as you don’t mind this old, impoverished woman, you can call me ‘Aunt’ from now on.”

After all, calling her “aunt” seemed inappropriate after Carissa’s divorce and removal from the Warren family.

“How fortunate,” Carissa replied with a smile. “I just happen to need an aunt. How does ‘Aunt Charlotte’ sound?”

“Sounds perfect,” Charlotte said with a smile, though it was tinged with sadness.

After Charlotte had left, Carissa returned to help Lily move the items back to the dowry storage room. The clothes were folded and placed in trunks, which would later be moved. Ryan’s clothing was carefully set aside for later delivery.

Bonus:

Carissa gently touched the stitching on the garments, noticing the meticulous care Charlotte had taken. The stitches were fine, and the embroidery exquisite, without any flaws.

“Lily,” Carissa said wistfully, “sometimes when you give your heart sincerely, you do receive sincerity in return.”

“Of course,” Lily replied. “In this world, there are so many people. It’s unlikely that all of them are ungrateful. In fact, ungrateful people are quite rare.”

Lily frowned, recalling Charlotte’s words. “If Aurora dares to come, we should have someone throw her out. How dare she have the audacity to come and find you? I’ve never seen someone so shameless.”

Carissa said, “Please don’t mention this to His Highness.”

“Understood. This matter definitely cannot be spoken of. His Highness has a strong aversion to the Warren family,” Lily said.

Carissa clutched the clothing. “Let’s not worry about them. We need to see Ryan and have him try on the new clothes.”

“There’s no way the young lord can wear all of these new clothes. There are too many, and the Klein family has sent over quite a few as well.”

“Let him wear a new outfit every day to make up for those two years he missed out on. Everyone’s trying to make up for the tragic period in his life.”

Ryan was delighted to hear about the new clothes. Children always loved new garments. Once dressed, the clothes fit him perfectly. The bamboo green brocade was lined with a thin layer of cotton, making it suitable for spring and autumn. However, with winter approaching, he would need something warmer, like fur or thick cotton clothing.

He stood on tiptoe and twirled around, then glanced at himself in the bronze mirror, nodding vigorously in approval.

“It looks really good, doesn’t it? Do you like it?” Carissa praised him, noting how well the color suited his skin. After being cared for over these months, his complexion had improved, and his skin had become much fairer.

Ryan nodded and twirled again on his tiptoes. He then uttered two words, his voice raspy but clear: “Like…it!”

Carissa froze, then immediately embraced Ryan. “Ryan, you spoke!”

Ryan was stunned. Had he really spoken? He had just said something! His mouth fell open in shock. “Ah…ah…” His face was instantly filled with joy. He hugged Carissa tightly, burying his face in her embrace as he tried to control his racing heart. He spoke again: “Au…Aunt!”

Tears welled up in Carissa’s eyes. Finally, she heard him call her “Aunt” again.