Chapter 351

Kylie was at her wit's end. Because Dakota's son, Kendrick, had married into the Quinton family, Helen was eager to marry Kiera into the same family. Victoria tacitly agreed, and Salvador, devoted to his mother, would undoubtedly heed her advice.

However, among the Quinton men, only Logan showed no interest in scholarly pursuits. He spent his days walking dogs and playing with cats, while the others dedicated themselves to rigorous study, vying for positions at court. Kylie's fifth brother, Marcus, in particular, had devoted himself to intense study from a young age, aiming for top honors. If he were to marry Kiera and become a mere idle nobleman like Henry, what would be the point of his efforts?

Kylie knew she couldn't directly interfere in Kiera's marriage arrangements, so she sought Carissa's help. She had expected Carissa to be reluctant, but Carissa's final words revealed her intentions clearly. Kylie felt a deep sense of gratitude.

"If Kiera's marriage to my sixth brother succeeds," she said, "I will give you a grand gift and owe you a favor."

Carissa smiled, saying nothing. She didn't need grand gifts or favors from the queen, but adhering to the principle of having more friends than enemies, she knew how to proceed. She understood Logan and Kiera's feelings, but her opposition stemmed from her scheming mother-in-law, Helen. Carissa was willing to help make a good match because she considered Kiera a sister.

Once the conversation ended, they left the palace. Rafael returned to the estate first, while Carissa and Helen shared a carriage to Eleanor's palace. Helen found being alone with Carissa stifling, so she had Gillian join them. For some reason, Carissa's very presence made Helen feel she might be lectured, something she particularly disliked, especially from someone younger.

Despite this, the journey was relatively calm. As they approached Harmony Palace, Carissa finally asked, "Mother, have you considered that Grand Princess Eleanor might not return those Mystic Pearls? And she might not give you the three thousand silver coins, either?"

Helen shot Carissa a sideways glance. "What are you insinuating? How can you doubt Grand Princess Eleanor like that? She's made a bet—if she loses, she must acknowledge it. She values her reputation highly. She wouldn't deceive me."

Carissa found Helen naive. What kind of person would encourage a mother-in-law to steal her daughter-in-law's dowry?

She glanced at Gillian, noticing the latter's uneasy expression. "Gillian, what do you think?" Carissa asked.

Gillian forced a smile. "Your Highness, it shouldn't be possible for her not to return them. Lady Helen's reasoning is sound. Besides, why would Grand Princess Eleanor covet your Mystic Pearls?"

Gillian's last few words were barely audible. The older woman understood everything but chose not to disclose it to Helen, perhaps having tried in the past with no effect. Now, she preferred to turn a blind eye and avoid trouble.

Carissa nearly laughed, struggling to suppress her disdain. Looking at Helen's smug face, Carissa couldn't help but retort, "She won't return them, so I'm going to take them by force. Mother, keep silent, don't speak up for them, and definitely don't make excuses. Most importantly, don't use my dowry to smooth things over."

Helen was incensed. "What nonsense are you speaking? Does Grand Princess Eleanor really covet a few of your Mystic Pearls? Though valuable, they are not scarce in Grand Princess Eleanor's household. Besides, what does she lack? Everyone in the capital knows that!"

Carissa responded with a scoff. "Alright, we'll see about that!"

Helen seized the opportunity to reprimand Carissa. "You show such disrespect and suspicion toward Grand Princess Eleanor. Once we return to the estate, I'll have to punish you properly!"

Carissa rolled her eyes dismissively, uninterested in Helen's threats. She thought to herself that soon enough, they would see who would be proven wrong and look foolish.