Chapter 336 (+25 Bonus)

Jessica smiled from the side. “Mom, that won’t do. If Carissa questions us later and blames Aunt Helen, wouldn’t it be… Oh, never mind, Aunt Helen wouldn’t dare.”

The mother and daughter were clearly manipulating Helen, whose innocence bordered on frightening, making her particularly susceptible.

Helen immediately replied, “It’s just a few Mystic Pearls. Do you think she’ll really get angry at me?”

Earlier, she had worried about Carissa’s powerful backing and her potential struggles as a mother-in-law. But now, after a few words, she felt emboldened; her concerns seemed to have vanished.

Helen rose, chin held high. Gillian accompanied her to the side hall.

Outside, guests enjoyed the banquet and made toasts. Only a few guards watched the wedding gifts. After all, the guests were high-status; none would dare commit petty theft.

Jacob had ordered the guards. Seeing Helen, they nodded respectfully and allowed her entry. Helen walked through the room filled with gifts, marveling at their sheer volume. The room was nearly packed, leaving only a narrow passage.

Four jars of Mystic Pearls were on display, each pearl round and gleaming. Their unique luster was incomparable to that of ordinary pearls.

“Four jars—there must be over two hundred and twenty pounds of Mystic Pearls! Goodness, I’ve never seen so many!” Helen exclaimed, stunned.

Sensing Eleanor’s ill intentions, Gillian quietly advised, “My lady, with your status, it’s improper to do such a thing. Taking your daughter-in-law’s dowry wouldn’t reflect well on you.”

Helen looked at her attendant as if she were foolish. “Of course not. How could I do something like that?”

Gillian sighed in relief, having worried Helen might fall for the scheme.

But before she could relax, Helen said, “I certainly won’t take any. Otherwise, why would I have brought you? You take them.”

Gillian stared in shock. “What?”

“What are you afraid of? Do you think I can’t protect you if something goes wrong?” Helen glanced outside and whispered, “Hurry, just take three pearls. No one will notice. There are so many. Even if ten or so are missing, no one will notice.”

Gillian could hardly believe her ears. Was this really the woman she had raised? To think she would ask Gillian to commit theft!

Ancient wisdom proved true—living too long could be problematic!

But what could Gillian do? This was the young lady she had raised with such care—karma indeed.

Gillian was extremely nervous, stealing for the first time. Although Helen blocked the view of those outside, the older woman’s hand trembled slightly as she reached out. Her heart pounded.

She grabbed a handful of pearls, unsure how many, quickly stuffed them into her pocket, and turned as if nothing had happened. Fortunately, the people outside didn’t look in. Given that it was Helen who had entered, who would suspect her of theft?

With Gillian nervously in tow, Helen made a show of inspecting the room. “Well, these dowry items are indeed impressive. There are many rare treasures.”

Gillian wiped the sweat from her forehead. Despite the chilly weather, she was drenched in cold sweat.

“Alright, let’s go. We need to attend to the guests,” Helen said, heading for the door.

Gillian quickly followed, the guilt of thievery tormenting her. She prayed for forgiveness. She had no choice but to obey her mistress.

As Helen and Gillian left, the guards exchanged glances. One hurried off to find Jacob.

“Seriously?” Jacob asked, frowning.

“I wouldn’t dare accuse Lady Helen falsely, nor obstruct her. I feared causing her disgrace,” the guard replied.

“Very well. Return and keep watch. No one is to speak of this,” Jacob instructed.

After the guard left, Jacob poured himself a drink and strolled around the banquet, casually observing from behind a partition screen. From his vantage point, he clearly saw the area where the women were gathered. Helen was speaking with Eleanor, then handed something to her.

Jacob had a clear view of the exchange—Mystic Pearls, at least five or six.