Chapter 847

Barrett’s shoulders slumped. Here they went again! The constant bickering had created an unbearable atmosphere. For a moment, he understood Amelia's feelings; he, too, wanted to leave.

He looked up to see his father, Jonathan, quietly slipping away. This was typical; whenever a dispute arose that he couldn't handle, he disappeared.

Barrett glanced at his brothers. Benjamin looked helpless, unsure what to do, while Bryan waited for an opportunity to defend Rebecca.

"Enough!" Barrett shouted, his voice cutting through the tension. "Stop arguing! When Amelia returns, she will remain head of the household. My salary will go to the family fund, and its use will be at her discretion."

Viola's face was resolute and icy. "I won't agree. There's no way I'll allow it! Why should you be solely responsible for their expenses?"

Barrett felt a surge of anger and shame. "Because we're the ones spending more, and because I owe this family the most."

"That's your debt, not mine," Viola retorted.

"So I'll pay it off with my salary," Barrett shot back.

The image of Amelia jumping off the bridge remained vivid, filling him with dread, but also with determination.

"In any case, you'll receive your monthly allowance. Amelia will manage your food and clothing. Your servants' allowances will also come from the family fund. If you want to live comfortably, you'll have to manage within those allowances. Amelia will only shortchange herself, not you."

"That's absurd!" Viola laughed coldly. "I'm a lady of the Earl of Silverstone's family! Did I marry into the Warren family for a few silver coins each month? If I have to suffer, that's one thing, but my child shouldn't. You must give me two hundred silver coins annually, or I won't keep this child!"

"Everyone shut up!" Rebecca yelled, pounding the bed. Her brows furrowed in fury. "Get out! Benjamin, you're going to Arcane Sanctum tomorrow to bring Amelia back. This is unacceptable!"

Viola's threat to not keep the child sent a wave of anger and panic through Rebecca. Were there not enough scandals? If Viola caused more trouble and returned to her family, would Barrett lose his position as commander of the Crown Guard?

Although Rebecca wanted to reprimand Viola further, she bit her tongue and dismissed everyone. Her fury burned brightly within her. This was all because of her eldest daughter-in-law, creating a scene and further damaging their family's reputation. Tomorrow, the entire capital would likely know about this. If the Oversight Department learned of it, their recent progress would be stifled.

Rebecca rubbed her temples, a headache forming. She kept Tara to assist her.

"What is wrong with all of them? My life is truly one of suffering."

Fuming, Rebecca reflected on the injustices she had endured.

"The Warren family was once illustrious! When I married my husband, his father was still alive. Everyone treated him with respect. Now, we've fallen so low that even stray dogs dare to bark at us!

Who does Viola think she is? A twice-married woman who dares to look down on us? If it weren't for the king appointing her brother Southern Frontier Marshal, what does the Earl of Silverstone's family have to boast about? They're just as fallen as we are!"

Tara tried to console her. "At least the Earl of Silverstone's family has a matriarch to hold it together. Otherwise, they would have surely fallen apart. But with Madam Viola pregnant, perhaps it's best not to engage her. You're unwell. Once Madam Amelia returns, you can talk to her. Harmony at home leads to prosperity."

Rebecca narrowed her eyes. "Talk? Just wait and see how I'll deal with her!"

Tara quickly interjected, "You mustn't add fuel to the fire. Harmony at home leads to prosperity! Madam Amelia must be feeling wronged. Luckily, she was saved. What would have happened if she hadn't been?"

Rebecca scoffed. "If she truly wanted to die, she would have done it already. I know her. She's treacherous, lazy, petty, and narrow-minded! That's why I didn't want her managing things while I was unwell. Enough of your chatter! I have my ways of dealing with her."