Chapter 355

Carissa bowed respectfully to Eleanor after speaking. “Aunt Eleanor, your sincerity toward my mother-in-law deeply moves me. While my past reputation isn't ideal, your concerns are understandable.

“However, I promise to be respectful and prioritize my mother-in-law's wishes. Regarding the pearls, I always intended to give some to her. After visiting my family and guild members, I'll send a jar. If she chooses to gift them, that's her decision. As her daughter-in-law, I wouldn't dare interfere.”

Eleanor realized Carissa was offering a way out, and she had no choice but to accept. Her carefully cultivated reputation couldn't be ruined by a few pearls. Eleanor had observed the martial artists' favoritism toward Carissa the previous day.

Furthermore, it was best not to offend Helen excessively. Since Helen was learning to resist, extracting more money in the future would be difficult. Returning the pearls without protest and keeping Helen complacent was preferable. Eleanor could still extract plenty of wealth and treasures later.

Despite seething anger, Eleanor forced a smile. “Since you understand respect and devotion to your mother-in-law, I'm at ease. Why would I covet a few pearls? As you said, I merely tested you.”

She gestured to her servants. “Bring the pearls.”

Carissa nodded and smiled. “Thank you, Aunt Eleanor. And let's not forget the three thousand silver coins you owe my mother-in-law.”

Eleanor paused before gruffly ordering, “Fetch the three thousand silver coins in banknotes as well, and bring them here.”

Helen's eyes lit up. “Grand Princess Eleanor is so kind to me! Carissa, did you see? I told you she's a good person.”

“Yes, Mother,” Carissa replied, lowering her gaze. A good person indeed—Helen was still deceived.

Seeing Helen's enthusiastic reaction, Eleanor felt relieved and disdainful. How truly naive! But as long as Helen believed her, that was sufficient. A few pearls were insignificant; Eleanor could retrieve them later.

The Mystic Pearls, five in total, were brought forth. Helen and Gillian weren't certain if it was exactly five; they hadn't dared to scrutinize them closely at the time and had only grasped a handful. The pearls were large, and it was remarkable they'd managed to retain five.

Three thousand silver coins in banknotes were handed over, and Helen clutched them tightly. She snorted coldly at Carissa.

“Hmph, did you see that? You can't judge a noble person's intentions with a petty mind.”

Eleanor smiled haughtily at Carissa. “Oh? So you suspected me all along?”

With the items retrieved, Carissa didn't engage in pleasantries. “Farewell, Aunt Eleanor,” she said curtly.

Carissa left first, ignoring Helen and Gillian. Her anger was palpable—despite everything, Helen still praised Eleanor. Had it not been the second day after her wedding, she might have acted disrespectfully.

She heard Helen bidding farewell to Eleanor, suggesting a visit in a few days. Eleanor smiled and instructed someone to see them out.

Carissa marched out and boarded the carriage alone. She fumed, planning to confront Helen. She cursed loudly. “That old hag! How dare she deceive me? She must have coveted my pearls! That vile woman! That old hag!”

However, as Gillian helped Helen into the carriage, Helen trembled with rage.

Carissa raised an eyebrow. Oh? So it was all an act? Impressive—Carissa hadn't even realized it was Helen's counter-strategy against Eleanor.

Gillian climbed into the carriage, sneezing repeatedly. She had been standing in the cold, and the chilly wind was too much for her.

Helen shoved the pearls back to Carissa. “Here, take them. Also, you can keep two thousand of the three thousand silver coins. If you hadn't gone to see her, she definitely wouldn't have returned the pearls or given us the money.”

She counted out the banknotes and handed them to Carissa. “Take them. Why are you just looking at them?” she snapped.