Melody of Strength novel

Barrett went out and bought a gold hairpin, and placed it in a box. Upon returning to the estate, he inquired about Serena and learned that she was in their mother’s room. He went straight there.

As expected, Serena was holding the jewelry box when he arrived. Seeing him, she immediately stood up, her expression wary. “Aren’t you on duty tonight? Why are you back so soon?”

“This is for you.” Barrett handed her the box and said coolly, “I bought it with my allowance.”

Serena looked at him with suspicion. “You bought a hairpin for me? Why?”

She clutched her jewelry box tighter. For the past few days, she had been told to return the ruby tiara. Now, she was suddenly being given a hairpin?

“It’s to add to your dowry, and also because you’ve been taking such good care of our mom these past few days. Just accept it,” Barrett said with a sigh, then turned to look at Rebecca on the bed.

“Mom, how are you feeling today?”

Rebecca was surprised by her son’s actions. She replied, “Your sister has indeed worked hard taking care of me. I’m feeling somewhat better today. I should be able to get out of bed and walk tomorrow.”

“Shall I help you up for a walk now?” Barrett lifted the blanket, and extended

his hand to assist her.

Seeing this, Serena finally set aside the jewelry box that held the ruby tiara and opened the new box. Inside was a gold hairpin.

She picked it up, noting its weight and the fine craftsmanship. It resembled the hairpins from the Golden Tower. But upon closer inspection, she saw it was a bit different. It was likely from the Gilded Tower.

Although she felt a twinge of disappointment, it was still pure gold and not loss. She looked up at Barrett. “Thank you, Barrett.”

“Try it on and see if it suits you,” Barrett said as he helped their mother stand.

Serena went to the dressing table to try it on, but was startled by Rebecca’s exclamation from behind, “Barrett, what are you doing?”

Serena turned around abruptly to see that Barrett was no longer assisting their mother, but was holding her ruby tiara.

Her heart leaped to her throat. “Barrett, what are you planning to do?!”

Barrett said coldly, “Since you can’t wear a ruby tiara made from pure gold as a concubine in the Marquis of Ironridge’s family, I’ll return it for you.”

With that, he turned and walked away.

“No!” Serena screamed, rushing forward. “Give it back!”

Barrett had already used his Lightfoot Skill to leap away, quickly mounting his horse and heading towards The Golden Tower.

He needed to return the item and retrieve the money before the Golden Tower closed for the night. Although the Golden Tower was still open, there were few customers left. The capital didn’t enforce a curfew, but no wealthy patrons would visit the store at night, so they would close by dark.

Barrett was the last customer of the day.

William was the one who greeted Barrett. Upon hearing that he was here to return the ruby tiara, he maintained his smile. William’s friendly demeanor eased Barrett’s embarrassment. He had expected the return process to be a hassle, but to his surprise, the Golden Tower staff handled it smoothly. After inspecting the ruby tiara, they promptly processed the return.

The full sum of 36,800 silver coins was refunded without any deductions.

William personally escorted Barrett to the door and politely said, “We look forward to your next visit.”

As Barrett looked back at the Golden Tower’s golden sign, he thought to himself that he would never set foot in the place again.

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The last shred of his pride had been lost there.

Riding swiftly back to the estate, Barrett found the place in chaos.

Knowing she could not catch up with her brother, Serena concluded that Viola had forced him to return the tiara. Enraged, she had stormed into Grace Mansion and slapped Viola across the face with all her strength.

Viola had spent a lot of money buying the ruby tiara and had been feeling resentful about her husband’s indifference. So, when Serena came in and slapped her without warning, she was infuriated and immediately retaliated with a slap of her own.

The two women began to fight, struggling and hitting each other.