Chapter 371
Once the accountant finished calculating the amounts, the accounts were handed to Carissa. After reviewing them, she nodded and passed them to Helen. “Mother, please have a look and see if the figures are correct.”
Helen took the accounts and studied them carefully. She looked prepared for any potential confrontation. However, as she examined them, her expression turned to one of shock.
“Did I really spend this much over the years?”
The total expenditure, including capital outlay, amounted to an astonishing 136,000 silver coins. Although she had recorded each transaction, she had never realized the total sum would be so vast. If Carissa hadn’t taken her to review the figures and brought Eric in for questioning, Helen would have continued to believe she was incurring losses and would have kept giving away money to maintain her prestige against Dakota.
The 136,000 silver coins were the principal amount. The total profits from previous years, plus this year’s profit, reached 186,530 silver coins. According to her share, Helen was entitled to 130,571 silver coins from this profit. Including the profit, she would need to recover a total of 266,571 silver coins from Jessica.
Helen’s previously commanding demeanor instantly weakened. “That’s quite a lot. It will be difficult to recover.”
“Mother, this statement not only undermines your own confidence but also underestimates Eleanor’s financial standing,” Carissa said calmly.
Helen wanted to respond, but the cold, indifferent look from her daughter-in-law made her think of how smoothly Carissa had retrieved the Mystic Pearls. It seemed best to avoid pessimistic remarks.
Luke asked, “Lady Helen, Lady Carissa, should I arrange for the guards to accompany you?”
Helen quickly agreed. “Yes, arrange for more guards—several dozen at least. It’s better to intimidate them first.”
Carissa replied, “There’s no need for guards. We’re only going to reconcile the accounts.”
Helen disagreed firmly. “How can we go without them? It’s better to be safe than sorry. Who knows what dirty tricks they might use?”
Carissa looked up, watching them pack up the account books. “There’s no need to fear any tricks. Just a few people will suffice to carry the books.”
“It’s a must!” Helen insisted.
Luke glanced between Helen and Carissa, carefully asking, “So… should we bring the guards or not?” He realized that being in his position was going to be tricky. He couldn’t afford to offend either Helen or Carissa.
Carissa stood tall and replied flatly, “No guards.” Her tone was devoid of warmth but carried a weight of authority.
Luke looked to Helen for confirmation. Helen rolled her eyes and said, “Why are you looking at me? If she says no guards, then there won’t be any! Was there a need to be so fierce? Was it really that important?”
Luke understood the situation now. It seemed there would be no future conflicts between Rafael’s mother and his princess consort. Carissa was clearly in charge.
Previously, he and Jacob had been worried about how to balance Helen and Carissa to ensure they wouldn’t develop grudges against each other that would lead to constant disputes within the manor. But that worry was unnecessary now. Carissa had been in the estate for only three days, and she had already managed to gain complete obedience from Helen.
Kiera was also a source of relief. Since moving into the estate, she had spent her days purchasing various snacks. Now, she was so engrossed in these treats that she couldn’t be bothered with other matters, nor did she trouble the staff.
At Harmony Palace, Eleanor frowned as she looked at the servant holding the note informing her that someone had come to visit.
“They’re here again?” It was mealtime, and she was dining with Jessica. As for Henry… he was not worthy of dining with her.
“Mom, if they’ve come, then just see them. What’s there to be afraid of?” Jessica said lazily. She had been staying at her natal home for quite some time, but her husband had yet to come to fetch her, which was beginning to irritate her.