Chapter 433

Barrett again took Aurora to Jadehill Estate. This time, he arrived with numerous gifts and even knelt at the entrance to request an audience. Fortune favored him—the Marquis of Jadehill was absent, and upon learning of their arrival, Mary graciously invited them in.

Aurora remained sullen, showing no inclination to apologize. However, Mary seemed unfazed and instructed her servants to serve refreshments. Mary’s daughter-in-law, granddaughter-in-law, and great-granddaughter-in-law stood aside, all glaring at Aurora.

Barrett knelt and greeted, “Good day, Madam Clayton. I am Barrett Warren, and I wish you health and happiness.”

Aurora reluctantly followed suit and knelt, but said nothing, her mouth hidden behind her veil.

Mary dismissed the formalities and invited them to sit.

“Madam Clayton, my wife spoke thoughtlessly and offended you. I hope you can forgive her,” Barrett said, clearly anxious.

“Thoughtlessly? She spoke with malice!” snapped Caroline, one of Mary’s granddaughters-in-law.

“That’s right! We never intended to ask for donations. Grandmother was merely tired after our journey and wished to rest briefly at your family’s residence and have some water.”

“And yet, upon meeting us, she called us beggars. What have we begged from you? What have you given us?”

Mary’s other granddaughters-in-law echoed their grievances. Mary had been performing an act of kindness. How could they allow Aurora to insult the elderly woman?

Barrett felt a deep sense of dread, realizing that despite meeting Mary, forgiveness might remain elusive. He glanced at Aurora, signaling for her to apologize, but she seemed oblivious to the Claytons’ complaints.

She sat like a statue. Her presence alone was the greatest concession she could offer.

“Enough,” Mary said slowly. “Our guests are here. We mustn’t be rude.”

At Mary’s words, silence fell. The old woman glanced at Aurora before turning back to Barrett.

“I haven’t dwelt on this matter. It’s the younger generation of my family who are upset. I’ve told them many times that once a person does something, people will have both good and bad things to say about it. You can’t silence everyone, so just focus on doing your best. As long as your conscience is clear, that’s all that matters,” Mary said.

Aurora finally spoke, her tone calm and measured, “It’s impressive how open-minded and magnanimous you are, something we can only aspire to. But if you are truly so forgiving and free of resentment, then why were we turned away at the door the last time we came?”

+25 BONUS

“Aurora!” Barrett exclaimed, breaking into a cold sweat, turning sharply to her and warning, “Be quiet.”

Mary gave Aurora a meaningful look. “Madam Aurora, I wasn’t aware of your previous visit. Had I known, I would have informed you that there was no need to come and apologize. You didn’t offend me. You only insulted yourself.”

Mary picked up her coffee and took a slow sip before continuing, “In my lifetime, I have encountered many types of people—capable and incapable, modest and arrogant, the great and the wicked, the kind and the loving. And I have seen quite a few like you—twisted and conflicted.”

“You say I am twisted?” Aurora’s lips curled into a cold smile, her eyes flashing with anger. “How am I twisted? I would appreciate it if you could enlighten me, Madam Clayton.”

“Refusing to acknowledge your own failures and blaming them on others, constantly feeling like life hasn’t given you a fair chance, carrying a restless resentment, unwilling to accept defeat, hoping to surpass certain people, and trying to find ways to make others see you in a different light—that’s what makes you twisted.”

Mary shook her head slowly, her voice calm and gentle. “Why concern yourself with these matters? If you defeat someone, does that mean they will suffer? If you win against them, will you find happiness?

No, their joy or sorrow doesn’t affect you. They don’t care about your happiness or sadness, yet you torment yourself with thoughts of them daily. Now, tell me, isn’t that twisted?”