Melody of Strength novel

Carissa leaned back in her chair, her long legs and tall frame giving her an imposing presence.

A faint smile tugged at the comers of her lips, and her eyes gleamed with satisfaction. She was pleased Helen hadn’t fallen for Eleanor’s trap, even though her response had seemed rather forced. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

When Eleanor’s attempt to provoke failed, she simply smiled.

“Yes, those with capability should be in charge. But I seem to recall you once complained about this being Carissa’s second marriage and how she was unworthy of Rafael. And now, in just a few days, she’s got you wrapped around her finger. Quite the skillful move. Helen, I’m worried that if you stay in this estate, she’ll have you dancing to her tune in no time.”

Carissa’s smile faded, and she said coldly, “That’s enough. We’ll proceed as I’ve said. I’m done here. Goodbye.”

*Hold it!” Eleanor’s voice was sharp and commanding. “Carissa, don’t think you can just walk away!”

At her shout, Helen flinched instinctively.

However, Carissa erupted in anger.

“Who needs your approval? I want you to pay up! I’ve avoided saying some things outright because I didn’t want things to get ugly. But if you aren’t concerned about appearances, why should I be? After all, I was a once–divorced woman!

“Eric didn’t embezzle the funds from The Gilded Tower, It was you and Jessica who tricked my mother–in- law out of her money! You treated her like a fool and a big idiot. Eric has confessed everything. My mother -in–law has been confined in the palace and was unable to leave easily, so you’ve done as you pleased all

these years.

“Now that she’s finally left the palace, you had the nerve to show her portrait to the staff, making sure everyone knew who she was so they could say those customers were just people you used to boost business.”

“Utter nonsense!” Eleanor sneered coldly. “Why would you believe a thief’s words?”

“I’d rather believe him than trust you two,” Carissa replied firmly. “I came here tonight to settle this civilly- return the money you’re supposed to, and take back all the shares you should. If you do that, this whole mess will stay between us. But if you insist on making this ugly, I’m not afraid to go there.

“From the moment you gave my mother the miniature chastity belt sculpture, I vowed to hold a grudge against you. Don’t think you can hide behind your title as the grand princess to hold me down. After that stunt you pulled, I’ll never forgive you as long as I live!!

Eleanor’s face turned ashen with fury. Her hands, clutching a hot water bottle, shook with rage. Her glare was so fierce, it seemed like she wanted to devour Carissa.

“How dare you insult my mother? My mother is the esteemed grand princess! Carissa, you have offended your elder! Such a crime can’t be forgiven. I will report you to the Royal Court!” Jessica shouted.

Carissa slammed her hand on the table, and said sharply, “Go ahead, make a scene–the bigger, the better! It would be best if you also exposed all the dirty secrets of Aunt Eleanor’s household.”

17

Eleanor’s face went pale. “What nonsense are you spouting? What dirty secrets could my household have?

Carissa’s voice was icy, “Don’t you have any? Should I go and investigate the western courtyard of this palace now?”

“Preposterous! Utterly preposterous!”

Eleanor was both furious and fearful. How did Carissa know about the western courtyard?

With a flick of her whip, Carissa shattered the mahogany wood coffee table in front of her, splitting it into two with a loud crash.

However, the noise was nothing compared to Carissa’s fierce shout, “When I was being reasonable, did you cooperate? Hand over the money–every last bit of it! Whoever wants The Gilded Tower can take it, but don’t use it to sully my mother–in–law’s reputation!”

The household soldiers rushed forward to stand in front of Eleanor, preventing Carissa from taking any physical action against the grand princess.

“How dare you!” Eleanor jumped, staring at the broken coffee table in shock. “Carissa, do you think I can’t deal with you?”

“Exactly!” Carissa snapped coldly, “You can’t touch me, but I can destroy you. Your hands are filthy, and I’ve got all the evidence in my grasp. You think you can keep those secrets from everyone? Not from me. If you don’t hand over every last coin tonight, I’ll bring the Supreme Court down on this place. I’ll have them investigate your crimes of…”

Eleanor’s voice rose to a sharp, angry yell, “Give it to her! Bring the banknotes!”

Helen clutched her chest in fear.

Heavens, where did Carissa get the nerve to confront Eleanor like this? And she actually won!

But what could possibly be the secret in the western courtyard? It was astounding that the usually dignified Eleanor had lost her composure!