Chapter 378

Carissa carefully counted the banknotes under the bright lights. It was the full amount of The Gilded Tower's profits—not a single cent missing. She received the banknotes and some loose change.

Watching Carissa's meticulous counting, Jessica felt a gnawing rage. But at least the matter was settled, and she let out a small sigh of relief.

Unexpectedly, Carissa said, "Tomorrow, we'll proceed with selling the shop. I'll have someone spread the word that Aunt Eleanor and Jessica managed it. With your reputations attached, many interested buyers are likely to come forward. We'll set a minimum price of 250,000 silver coins. How does that sound?"

Jessica's face turned ashen. "What? You want to say my mother and I managed the shop? Absolutely not!"

The Gilded Tower had a bad reputation, notorious for its poor quality and frequent cost-cutting. Spreading such news would tarnish both Jessica and Eleanor's reputations. Jessica was only interested in the money and didn't want to admit The Gilded Tower was hers.

Carissa replied thoughtfully, "Oh, right. It's true you didn't really run it. Since Eric is a servant from Ironridge Estate, we should just advertise it as an Ironridge Estate property. The Marquis of Ironridge's family is prestigious, with a long history, and with The Gilded Tower's solid business, it should still attract plenty of potential buyers."

"That's even more unacceptable!" Jessica fumed. "Carissa, I know you're up to something! What are you really trying to do?"

Carissa feigned surprise. "A higher price means you get a larger share, doesn't it? I don't understand why you're so upset."

Jessica was nearly driven to the brink. She couldn't believe Carissa could be so ignorant, or at least pretended to be. It was nauseating.

And there was Helen, acting like a fool. She should have been setting rules for her new daughter-in-law, but instead, she joined Carissa in this money-seeking scheme. Helen used to complain about Carissa constantly, but how? Just moments ago, they had been snuggling together! Anyone who didn't know better would have thought they were mother and daughter, not in-laws.

As Jessica fumed, Eleanor said, "Helen, come with me. I need to speak with you privately."

Eleanor intended to speak privately with Helen, hoping to sow discord between her and Carissa. That would give her leverage to maneuver the situation. Carissa was acting unreasonably and was fixated on Eleanor because of the miniature chastity belt sculpture. There was no chance of a proper discussion with her.

Helen began to stand, only to be pulled back down by Carissa. Stunned, she met her daughter-in-law's icy gaze and sat back down.

Holding her mother-in-law firmly, Carissa smiled and said, "Let's discuss everything right here. After all, there are no secrets between my mother-in-law and me."

Eleanor sneered. "What's this? Who's in charge of the household now? Helen, you told me you were in charge. Yet now, it seems you're listening to everything your daughter-in-law says. If Dakota knew about this, she'd certainly have a good laugh at your expense!"

Helen stiffened—Eleanor knew exactly how to hit her sore spots. Dakota was the person Helen despised most, and she hated the idea of being a source of amusement for her.

Carissa remained seated and silent, watching to see if her naive mother-in-law would recover her senses or if she was beyond saving. If a single word could successfully incite her, Carissa would have no more involvement—it wasn't her money at stake.

"What does it matter who's in charge? Whoever is capable should take charge. If Dakota wants to laugh, let her. I can still leave the palace and live with my son, while she remains stuck in the depths of the palace," Helen said.

Helen didn't disappoint Carissa. After her expression shifted a few times, she managed to force a smile and finally say what needed to be said.

Eleanor's face darkened. That tactic had always been effective with Helen. She had always tried to outdo Dakota and would never be willing to let Dakota have the last laugh. But now, Helen was actually holding back?