Her Graceful War Song

When Rebecca fell ill, it caused a stir in the estate for half the night. Eventually, they had to call for a royal physician to temporarily stabilize her condition.

The royal physician told Barrett, "I've treated Madam Warren before, but my skills are limited. The best physician in the capital for treating heart ailments is Sebastian. His medicine, Snowdrop Pills, is the only thing that can save her life.

"I've managed to control her condition for now because she's been taking those pills for a year, but if her episodes become more frequent in the future, there's little more I can do."

With that, the physician took his leave.

Furious, Barrett's eyes were bloodshot. He had personally gone to Sebastian's clinic to ask. him to treat Rebecca, but the physician had refused to see him. Barrett knew Carissa must be the one behind this. She was employing such a despicable tactic-using his mother's health to pressure him into giving up on marrying Aurora.

Kicking the door open, he stormed into Grace Mansion.

Carissa hadn't gone to bed yet and was writing under the lamplight. Seeing her husband bursting in angrily, she frowned, clearly expecting an interrogation.

"Holly, Lily, Lulu, please leave us," Carissa instructed.

Barrett's imposing figure advanced slowly toward his wife, his face as cold as frost.

"Get Sebastian to come here tomorrow, or else...

Carissa met his gaze directly. "Or else what?"

He gritted his teeth. "Or else I'll divorce you!"

Carissa stared back steadily. "You'll divorce me?

Looking down at her, Barrett spoke coldly, "You were right the other day. There are enough reasons for me to divorce you!"

Under the lamplight, Carissa's skin was fair as snow, her beauty unmatched.

"Good. Now that you've said that, I understand you truly intend to divorce me. I'll wait for you. to draw up the divorce agreement," she said, smiling lightly.

He stared at her icily. "You should know that once I divorce you, you won't get your dowry back."

Still smiling, Carissa replied, "Oh, the dowry? Sure, I'll give it to you. Tomorrow, invite both family heads, our neighbors, and our matchmaker to sit down together. You present the divorce agreement, and I'll sign it right away."

Barrett pointed a finger at her, nearly touching her nose. 'Fine. Tomorrow at noon, I'll divorce you and send you away!"

With that, he left, flicking his sleeves as he walked away.

Holly rushed in, clearly furious. "My lady, once you're divorced, all your dowry goes to him. How can you be so impulsive?"

Lulu was on the verge of tears. "Exactly! Aren't you letting them off too easily? Your mother gave you half of your family's assets as your dowry."

Carissa sat in her chair, recalling Barrett's ruthless expression moments ago. A pang of pain flickered in her heart. It would be a lie to say she hadn't harbored any expectations for him over this past year. Despite their shallow relationship, he was the husband her mother had chosen for her.

"If he divorces me, he'll pay a hefty price too. As for the dowry, that's another matter, We'll see whether I take it with me or leave it," said Carissa.

Holly added, "Right! My lady, you cared for his mother for a year, but as soon as he returned with military merits, he requested another marriage and wanted to divorce you. Now, he's even selling his family's shops to afford his concubine's betrothal gifts. Who knows if he's divorcing you because he's eyeing your dowry? People won't let him off easily, and the officials will surely intervene."

Lulu still fretted, "Regardless, I'm afraid he'll act recklessly and impulsively. Our lady will end up losing out, even if she manages to reclaim her dowry. Being divorced will tarnish her reputation, which is no small matter."

Carissa worried that the king might change his mind.

Though she had sought a royal edict based on her father and brothers' military achievements, the reality was that they had already sacrificed their lives and were long gone. Yes, the king did place importance on nurturing new military leaders, but she feared he might hesitate to grant her the divorce after deliberating the matter further.

Carissa wasn't concerned about the dowry itself. The inventory list was in her possession, and she could take all the bonds and silver coins with her. The properties all belonged to her family. The only things Barrett and his family could get their hands on were silk fabrics, malachite items, and some jewelry.

There would be some losses, but not excessively so.

Yet, if Barrett really went through with this divorce, Carissa wouldn't be blamed for being heartless or cruel in the future.

"You even spoke of asking Sebastian to come here, my lady. Bah! It's not worth it to do so!" Holly muttered with resentment.