Chapter 376

Seeing Carissa's smile, Eleanor felt a deep-seated revulsion. Carissa's resemblance to Melanie was too striking. Both mother and daughter were insufferable.

Carissa maintained her pleasant smile. “We're here to settle accounts openly and honestly. I'm not sure why you're making such a fuss, Aunt Eleanor. Is there really something shady happening? Mother, after we sort things out at Ironridge Estate, you'll need to host a gathering so everyone can discuss this matter properly.”

Jessica retorted angrily, “What nonsense are you spouting? What could be shady? Haven't I sent the account books for Aunt Helen to review all this time?”

“It's quite a coincidence,” Carissa said, her tone growing stern. “The account books you sent to my mother-in-law are completely different from those I found at The Gilded Tower. The books you provided show losses, while the ones from The Gilded Tower show profits. Do you think there's something shady going on?”

Jessica was exasperated. “Why are you talking so loudly? This is the Grand Princess's residence, not your natal home or your current home!”

Carissa's eyes grew cold. “So what if it's the Grand Princess's residence? Does that mean the people here don't adhere to reason? If that's the case, there's no need for further discussion. We're leaving.”

Eleanor smashed her cup on the floor, her voice icy. “You want to compare and settle the accounts, right? So be it!”

Jessica turned and spoke in an urgent tone, “Mom!”

How were they going to settle the accounts? Could they even do that?

Eleanor's gaze was as sharp as a blade. “Bring the accountants here. Have all the shop accountants come over. I want to see how Eric has been deceiving us.”

Carissa smiled sweetly. “You're wise, Aunt Eleanor. If Eric is found guilty of embezzlement, he will certainly be handed over to the Supreme Court.”

Eleanor's eyes were frosty with anger. Once Eric reached the Supreme Court, he would likely confess everything. Shifting the blame to him wouldn't work. Eric was a household servant from Ironridge Estate. He was initially assigned elsewhere as a steward but was later recalled by the family's matriarch due to his mistakes. Jessica, recognizing his sharp skills while managing her business, saw potential in him and promoted him to oversee operations at The Gilded Tower. Ultimately, Eric was an Ironridge Estate servant under the Winchester family's employment.

If Carissa made this issue public, it would harm both Eleanor and Jessica's reputations. The recent scandal about the miniature chastity belt sculpture given to Melanie had already tarnished Eleanor's name. She had hoped to lie low for a year or two and let the matter fade from people's memories before making any further moves.

Bonus Passage:

Chapter 376

So, even when they came to claim the Mystic Pearls and three thousand silver coins, Eleanor gave them up to avoid escalating the situation. Now, however, it wasn't just a matter of losing money. If the issue blew up, it would become a scandal of embezzlement and fraud against an honored concubine. Even though Jessica was a princess and wouldn't face imprisonment, she would certainly be subject to public condemnation and abuse. The Marquis of Ironridge's family was already looking for a chance to have Leopold divorce Jessica—becoming a thief would be the perfect excuse for them.

However, it was clear that the money couldn't be returned. Since the shop was nearly at its end, it was reasonable to let Carissa and Helen have it, considering that was always part of the plan. Although the business had been profitable, its reputation was so poor that it could only make quick money—it was unsustainable in the long run.

With her mind made up, Eleanor moved swiftly to settle accounts. She had already reviewed the figures and knew the approximate amount of the accumulated profits over the years.

The accountants worked furiously, claiming they could sort out the accounts within four hours. During this time, they deliberately didn't bring any refreshments and stopped the underfloor heating, allowing the cold to seep in and freeze the room. Eleanor and Jessica held onto hot water bottles to warm themselves, but Carissa and Helen had nothing.

Carissa's inner force protected her, so she was unaffected by the cold, but Helen shivered uncontrollably. Helen asked Eleanor several times to bring in a charcoal brazier, and though Eleanor instructed it repeatedly, no one came with it. No matter how dumb Helen was, she could tell Eleanor was doing it on purpose. So, she moved closer to Carissa for warmth. Carissa took off her cloak and wrapped the older woman in it. Protected by her inner force, Carissa wasn't too cold. Also, she was younger and could endure it better than Helen, who was more delicate. Feeling secure in her daughter-in-law's embrace, Helen fell asleep while leaning against Carissa.