Chapter 845
After taking Amelia to Arcane Sanctum, Carissa instructed the staff to prevent any Warren family members from entering without Amelia's consent. The Warren men arrived shortly afterward, but the Arcane Sanctum guards turned them away, explaining that physicians were treating a patient and no one was permitted entry at night.
Benjamin, however, insisted on seeing his wife. When persuasion failed, the four guardians intervened, forcibly removing the Warren family members. Barrett remained passive, lacking the authority to intervene, as did the others. Jonathan, as head of the family, finally asserted himself, ordering, "Let's go back. She's safe inside Arcane Sanctum." This was unusual; Jonathan typically avoided confrontation, retreating during crises. But here, he had to act, and Benjamin, unable to gain entry, reluctantly complied.
Clutching the pawn ticket, Benjamin walked away, dazed and angry. Amelia's actions, coupled with his younger brother's recent promotion, threatened their family's future and his brother's prospects. He raged inwardly: Why couldn't she show understanding? Was sharing only acceptable in prosperity, not hardship? Rebecca was ill, and shouldn't Amelia, as a daughter-in-law, endure more? And Viola was pregnant; was a little extra silver truly unbearable? Why was Amelia so petty?
Benjamin suspected his slap and her forced apology to Rebecca might have driven his wife to desperation.
Although conscious, Amelia continued coughing after inhaling water. Carissa had rescued her, Violet had brought her in, and Sebastian personally treated her to prevent lasting complications. Ivy dried their wet clothes by the fire, lending Carissa and Violet her own garments.
After examining Amelia and prescribing medicine, Sebastian noted her improvement, yet she remained dazed. He called her name repeatedly, but she didn't respond. Unable to heal emotional wounds, he sought Carissa's help.
"You saved her; it's up to you to reach her," Sebastian sighed, walking away. "Life is precious. Why would she want to throw it away?"
Carissa entered, unsure how to encourage strength—a task she questioned in herself. Sitting beside Amelia, she asked gently, "Are you feeling any better?"
Tears streamed down Amelia's cheeks. "I'm sorry for causing you trouble."
"Let's not dwell on that. We know each other well, don't we?" Carissa replied gently.
Amelia wiped her tears. "I didn't mean to sit outside Northwatch Estate. I just had nowhere to go and wandered there aimlessly. I know you weren't inside, and I never meant to involve you. Honestly, it's a blessing I didn't die. If I had, it would have truly burdened you. Believe me, you're the last person I want to trouble."
Carissa nodded. "I believe you."
She hesitated, unsure how to advise her. Words felt inadequate for someone so lost and desperate; practical help seemed more important. But could she urge Amelia to divorce Benjamin and leave the Warren family? With others, she might speak freely, but this was Amelia.
"If you encounter difficulties in the future, go to Ivy. Don't lose hope again," Carissa encouraged.
She considered mentioning her children, but remembered their distance and preference for their grandmother—a dynamic that had persisted even during Carissa's time with the Warrens.
"Thank you," Amelia said sincerely, understanding that temporary help wasn't a complete solution.
Looking at Carissa, she fought back tears. "I'll always remember your kindness. I'm just a useless person; this is my life. I have no talents; I even dislike myself."
"If you can't appreciate yourself, how can you expect others to?" Carissa replied gently. "You need to learn to take care of and love yourself."
Carissa's words felt hollow, unable to dispel Amelia's deep sorrow. Amelia knew she'd sealed her fate by jumping into the river. Even returning to Valor Estate offered only one path.