Chapter 829

At Valor Estate, Viola gradually calmed as her pregnancy progressed. However, Rebecca's health declined with the onset of winter. The more medicine she took, the weaker she appeared.

Sebastian still refused to visit. Whenever Rebecca felt unwell, she complained that Viola lacked Carissa's skills and vast connections.

Viola refused to cater to her mother-in-law's needs. She neither attended to Rebecca nor checked on her, leaving her care entirely to Amelia, the eldest daughter-in-law.

Rebecca lamented to Barrett, "You're the Crown Guard commander, yet you can't manage your own wife? She's disrespectful and rebellious, constantly contradicting me. A poor wife choice brings disaster for three generations!"

Barrett, focused on his career's ascent, avoided quarreling with Viola. Arguments left him drained, so he comforted his mother while asking Amelia to care for her better.

Amelia found herself in a difficult position. "Caring for Mother is my duty, Barrett," she said. "I would even if you didn't ask, but I'm unwell myself. Our finances are tight. Your wife mismanages funds, and money is disappearing rapidly. We lack funds for Mother's Snowdrop Pills next month. Perhaps you could speak to your sister? She's part of the Marquis of Ironridge's family and surely has resources?"

Barrett replied, "I'll find the money. There's no reason for Serena to manage our household affairs."

Amelia sighed. "If that fails, let's sell some servants. Supporting so many requires significant food costs monthly, plus seasonal clothing. We need a considerable sum."

"Discuss that with Mother," Barrett said.

"If it were easy, I wouldn't mention it. Mother won't agree, especially now you're Crown Guard Commander. It wouldn't be proper for the household to lack decorum."

After a pause, Amelia continued, "Aurora's allowance is non-negotiable. Denying it will provoke a tantrum worse than Viola's. We must cut expenses. Honestly, I've already sold everything I could."

Amelia felt helpless. Each person was more challenging than the last, and she couldn't confront them all.

Barrett waved his hand, his brow furrowing. "Don't mention her, and don't worry about her. As long as she causes no trouble and remains in Blessed Haven, that's sufficient."

"She's lucky, but I suffer," Amelia retorted, frustrated. "If not for her, Carissa would still be here. Carissa handled burdens easily; she wouldn't require my effort."

Barrett sought peace. "Please understand, Amelia. With Viola pregnant, you're the only one who can manage household affairs."

"Then ensure I receive the funds," Amelia replied, unable to suppress her frustration about Carissa. "Don't blame me for speaking harshly. With Carissa, Valor Estate ran smoothly. We never lacked money or medicine, and Sebastian was always available. Now? I don't understand how Aurora compares to Carissa."

As Barrett recalled Carissa's graceful features, his heart raced. He violently shook his head to dispel the thoughts.

"Let's not dwell on the past. You'll manage finances. I'll give you my monthly salary; you oversee everything."

He hurried away, desperate to escape. He knew his loss was irretrievable. Yet, after taking office, his gaze inevitably followed Carissa in her uniform.

Barrett couldn't face his own heart. Only after losing Carissa did he feel regret and learn to cherish what he had—far too late.