Chapter 435

+25 BONUS

News of Barrett's demotion to ninth-rank capital guard devastated Rebecca. Pounding her chest, she cried bitterly and cursed loudly, blaming Aurora for the misfortune and accusing her of ruining Barrett's future.

Rebecca sent someone to summon Aurora, but her daughter-in-law ignored the summons and dismissed the maid. This infuriated Rebecca further.

Tears and snot streaming down her face, she pounded the bed, lamenting, "Barrett, why did you marry that useless woman? What a disaster for our family! Before she joined our family, she flattered me profusely, promising that with both of you, you would rise to great heights. And now? You're reduced to a mere ninth-rank capital guard patrolling the city. What future is there in that?"

Demotions weren't unheard of in court, but a reduction to ninth-rank was a severe blow. Were there even ninth-rank officials in the capital? Even a minor clerk would look down on him.

Barrett sat quietly, feeling as though he had lived a lifetime since those events. He barely remembered bringing Aurora home, only recalling telling Carissa that his mother liked Aurora very much and that any children they might have would be raised by Carissa. He'd also assured Carissa that she wouldn't lose authority over the household.

At the time, he'd believed he was being generous. Now, it seemed laughable—like offering a wealthy person a copper coin.

Barrett had never truly understood Carissa. He knew she'd been sent to learn martial arts, but given her noble status, he'd wondered what skills she could possibly learn. Aurora's remarks about women completely overturned his perceptions. He had no idea such self-reliant and strong women existed, let alone one with such exceptional character and resilience.

He thought Carissa couldn't compare, but he was unwilling to let her down, which is why he'd only sought to marry Aurora as a secondary wife. It was only when the situation became unbearable that he decided to divorce.

At the time, Barrett had been eager to marry Aurora because, as a man, his career was crucial, especially with the responsibility of revitalizing the Warren family. Beyond genuine affection, he hoped to gain her support. But he never imagined things would turn out this way.

Faced with his mother's furious reprimands and tears, he felt a bitter lump in his throat, unable to speak. This mess was indeed his doing. He and Aurora, once full of self-assured love, now despised each other.

+25 BONUS

Chapter 435

Marrying Viola had been a calculated decision to gain support from the Prince family. Barrett knew the king had given him a chance, but Aurora's taunts (calling Mary an old beggar) led to a report against him. Viola's order to break the arm of someone who'd thrown dung at Valor Estate resulted in the king reproaching the Warren family for operating a private torture chamber.

These charges piled up, making any hope of promotion bleak. Feeling disheartened and dejected, Barrett remained silent, unable to argue against his mother's scolding.

He knew he could have had a promising future. Why had Carissa hidden her true abilities? He'd promised Melanie he wouldn't take a concubine, but hadn't expected to meet Aurora on the battlefield.

Military life was harsh and difficult. He'd merely found someone who shared his ideals; they comforted each other—their bond was not merely physical, but a vow under the moon and heavens.

It was all due to Carissa's lack of tolerance. Barrett wondered if she would also cause a scene and seek a divorce if Rafael took a concubine. If she didn't, it would prove her greed for power and contempt for Barrett.

How long would Rafael refrain from taking a concubine? Helen already lived in his residence, and this year she would surely arrange for Rafael to expand his family. When that happened, Carissa had better be prepared to request another divorce.