Chapter 642

The contents of the carriage were unloaded outside Hartstone Estate's main hall. Heather ignored them, her expression dark and stormy.

"If you don't want to examine them now, you can do so later. Report any missing items. And please return the gifts my mother gave you, including the medicines from Arcane Sanctum," Carissa said.

Heather spun away, coldly replying, "Those were used long ago. How can I return them? Aren't you worried about hurting your mother's feelings?"

"Mother always cared for Leona. Knowing how you treated your daughter, I'm sure she'd sever ties with you, too," Carissa responded.

Tears welled in Heather's eyes. "Carissa, how could you become like this? You refuse to acknowledge me as your aunt and pressured your cousin into a divorce. What have I done to deserve this? Was it because I didn't help you after your divorce from Barrett?"

"Let's not dwell on the past. I hope you'll be decisive, Lady Heather."

Heartbreak etched on her face, Heather pleaded, "Can't we have a civil conversation? There's no need to escalate this. What will others think? How sad your grandparents would be if they were here?"

Carissa remained impassive, waiting for Heather to retrieve the items. After a long moment, Heather conceded.

Gritting her teeth, she ordered, "Get the pearl-encrusted, cloud-patterned satin shoes my sister gave me. The rest was mostly medicine, all used up over the years due to my poor health."

A servant returned with a pair of pale pink satin shoes embroidered with green thread. They appeared new, meticulously maintained, dust-free, and with pristine soles.

"Only these shoes remain. Take them or leave them," Heather said coldly.

"I remember several valuable pieces of jewelry," Carissa replied.

"They're gone!" Heather exclaimed in frustration. "Are you really determined to settle this so harshly with your aunt? Carissa, you were in the wrong! You meddled in Leona's household affairs! My husband and I are still alive! It's not your place to interfere! You've done something serious and show no remorse!"

"Whose place it is matters less than lives. And don't twist the truth! When you fell out with Prince Harvey, you sought my mother's help, not your parents. Why didn't you go to them first?" Carissa retorted.

Heather was speechless. That was years ago, and her marriage was now stable. [The following paragraph is awkwardly placed and should be integrated earlier or later, depending on narrative flow; consider removing "+25 BONUS" entirely as it's not part of the text. I have left it for now]

+25 BONUS

Caring for relatives and discussing family matters was common. Mutual support strengthened ties and alliances. However, Carissa overstepped by interfering in Leona's affairs against Harvey and Heather's wishes. This angered Heather.

"Since only these shoes remain, I'll take them," Carissa said, ready to leave. Even if Heather had the medicines, she wouldn't have returned them; otherwise, she would have given them to Leona without question.

"Carissa, is Leona all right?" Heather asked urgently.

"No, but Ivy is caring for her. If she wants to see you, she'll send word," Carissa said, turning to go.

"Let me see her now! You can't keep us apart! She's my daughter!" Heather cried, desperately chasing after her niece.

A crowd had gathered. Nearby residences housed noble families. While the masters and mistresses stayed inside, servants and attendants were curious and would report the events. Heather raised her voice, letting tears fall as she shouted.