Melody of Strength novel

5

Rebecca refused to believe that Sebastian wouldn’t come. After all, he had visited yesterday to deliver medicine, and had even given detailed explanations about her condition.

She immediately sent someone to the physician’s office to fetch Sebastian, but he didn’t even show up.

Instead, he had a message relayed to Rebecca’s steward through the resident physician. The steward, in turn, relayed the exact words of the resident physician to Rebecca, who almost lost her temper once she heard it.

Sebastian’s message was, “There’s no need to call for me again. The actions of the people in Valor Estate are disheartening. Treating a person who lacks integrity would shorten my life. I don’t wish to die prematurely.”

Fuming, Rebecca exclaimed, “Carissa must have stopped Sebastian from treating me! I never imagined she could be so cruel.

“When Barrett married her, I thought she was gentle and virtuous. I didn’t see any signs that she was such a treacherous person during the year she lived here either.

‘But now, she’s trying to kill me! Without Sebastian’s medicine, my life will be at stake!”

Jonathan had been silent the entire time. He was obviously displeased and thought his daughter–in–law had become disobedient. He had assumed her previous stubbornness would blow over, but stopping Rebecca from receiving her medicine was going too far.

He ordered his youngest son, Bryan, “Find your elder brother and tell him to calm his wife down. If she keeps this up, she’ll kill your mother,

“Got it!” Bryan dashed out.

He had once thought his sister–in–law was nice, but now saw her as ruthless.

Meanwhile, Serena stormed toward Grace Mansion, only to find the doors locked tight..

She stood at the entrance, her face flushed with anger as she shouted, “Carissa! Come out here, right now!

“It’s no wonder my brother fell in love with Aurora. She doesn’t play these dirty tricks like you. You deserve to be despised by my brother!

“Do you think hiding will save you? This is Valor Estate! If you have the guts, stay hidden for the rest of your life. Since you harmed your mother–in–law, you’ll definitely die a miserable death!‘

From inside Grace Mansion, Lulu’s voice rang out, “Lady Serena, didn’t you say you wanted to

return the things my lady bought for you? Return them first before you speak.”

“Why should I? Those are gifts she gave me. You don’t take back gifts once given,” Serena retorted coldly.

She had intended to return them, but upon seeing that most of her jewelry and clothes were gifts from Carissa, she decided against it. If she returned them, she would have barely any nice jewelry left, and would only have clothes that were plain and shabby.

Serena wasn’t willing to live like that.

Lulu’s voice remained steady as she added, “Even so, there’s no reason to insult others after accepting their gifts.”

Serena was momentarily at a loss for words but quickly exclaimed, ‘Just wait–until my brother returns. He’ll deal with her!”

After her outburst, Serena stormed off in a huff.

Lulu was equally angry.

Returning to her room, she muttered, “They’re a bunch of insatiable people.

“You were right, my lady. Anywhere else would be better than here. Why hasn’t His Majesty’s edict for the divorce arrived yet?”

Carissa chuckled, leaping up to retrieve a box from the top of the cabinet and landing gracefully.Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

Opening the box revealed a long–unused red whip–a gift from her master when she left. Meadow Ridge. Since marrying into the Warren family, she hadn’t used it. She also barely practiced her combat skills, apart from her daily warm–ups.

“My lady, are you planning to fight someone?” Lulu asked.

Having accompanied her mistress to Meadow Ridge and served her there for several years, she was aware of Carissa’s proficient combat skills.

“No. I’m just taking it out to look at it.” Carissa ran her fingers over the red whip.

She was still in her mourning period for her family, so she wouldn’t use the whip even if she decided to fight.

“After we leave this household, we’ll head to Meadow Ridge to visit my master.”

“Sounds good.” Lulu smiled warmly. “Returning to Meadow Ridge will be great. Everyone there treats you like a treasure, my lady.”

Carissa placed the red whip back in the box but didn’t return it to the top of the cabinet. Since she intended to take it with her, there was no need to put it back up there.

“I hope

my mother won’t blame me for not following her wishes. I did marry, but he’s the one who disappointed me,” Carissa spoke softly.

Tears welled up in Lulu’s eyes. “If your mother knew about this, she would only be the people of Valor Estate. She wouldn’t be angry at you.”

angry at

Carissa sighed softly. “Marriage and bearing children were never the destined fate of the women of the Sinclair family.”

Lulu sniffled. “They just don’t appreciate how good you are, my lady. When it comes to strategy and combat skills, Aurora doesn’t hold a candle to you. It’s only because the late master and madam didn’t want you on the battlefield that you’re here. If you joined the military, Aurora would be nothing compared to you.”

Carissa smiled. “I’m always perfect in your eyes, aren’t I?”

“Absolutely!” Lulu looked up with a reddened nose.