Chapter 504

When Helen returned from the palace, she strode through the sitting room, ignoring the women inside. One called out, "Mother, you're back?"

Helen continued on, her head held high. Another woman rushed to her side, exclaiming, "Mom, look what Carissa and I bought you! Come see!"

"Hmph!" Helen glared coldly at Kiera. "Why would I care?"

Kiera's face fell. "Huh? You don't? Carissa spent a long time choosing these."

"Hmph! Spent a long time choosing?" Helen glared at Carissa, who stood at the doorway. To Carissa's smile, Helen merely raised her chin. "Fine, let me take a look. But I'm very hard to please."

Carissa smiled. "Mother, please come see."

Violet quickly summoned someone to bring snacks. As Helen admired the jewelry, Violet recounted the day's events. Helen placed a delicate red coral hairpin with dangling pearls in her hair. The soft clinking of the pearls was soothing. Delighted, she admitted Carissa knew her preferences well.

She found Violet's account of the day's commotion amusing. Had she been present, however, Helen would have been furious, possibly even snatching the ruby tiara. The audacity!

The entire family felt tainted, each member burdened by their own problems, making everything they touched feel soiled. Viola was out of her mind to spend nearly 40,000 silver coins on a headpiece. Given their shabby appearance, how could they have ever appreciated a genuine fine product? The treasures at the Golden Tower were the finest, and not cheap; Jessica had modeled the Gilded Tower after them.

A flush warmed Helen's face. She was fortunate to have missed the day's events; Nathaniel had attended to them personally. Though uninvolved, she felt guilty. She realized Carissa must have anticipated this and deliberately hadn't invited her. How thoughtful her daughter-in-law was! This thought restored her good mood.

After dinner, the accountant presented the ledger for Carissa's review. She summoned Ryan to assist. He wasn't yet adept at accounting, but Carissa hoped he would understand the ledger. He'd received some basic instruction from a tutor.

In a few days, Ryan would begin at Silverbrook Academy. The acceptance notice had arrived. Rafael had planned to accompany him on the first day, but now only Carissa could go.

"Aunt Carissa, our family's accountant is amazing! The counting board clicks so loudly, and after he finishes, he tells us how much money we earned. It's incredible—just a few clicks and the money keeps coming in!" Ryan exclaimed, eyes sparkling.

Carissa smiled, patting his head. "How much money we make isn't due to the counting board. It's because people work hard for our shop and estate. Always be kind to those who genuinely help you."

"But how do I know if someone is genuinely helping me?" Ryan asked.

Carissa's voice softened. "Understanding people is one of the hardest things. Someone without knowledge or experience finds it especially difficult. But by studying the teachings of the sages and learning from the experiences of others, we learn to discern right from wrong, truth from falsehood. Then, seeing through people's hearts becomes easier. A disloyal or untrustworthy person, however well disguised, will ultimately reveal their true nature."

Ryan tilted his head. "You want me to study hard and understand these things, right, Aunt Carissa?"

Carissa smiled, tapping his forehead. "You're very clever. In the future, the responsibilities of the Duke of Northwatch's household will fall on your shoulders. Inheriting the title is no small matter—you must be capable."

Ryan nodded seriously. "Yes, Aunt Carissa, don't worry. I'll work hard. Besides martial arts, I'll aim to be a top scholar. I want to be a duke who excels in both literature and martial skills."

Carissa chuckled. "Well then, you must work hard, future little duke. Otherwise, people will say you're incapable and rely solely on your ancestors' fortunes."

Ryan nodded earnestly. "I understand, Aunt Carissa!"