Meanwhile, Barrett took decisive action and prepared to sell off several servants. The Warren family was on the brink of copse. His eldest brother had lost his position, the second branch of their family had split off, and it was uncertain when Barrett himself would be reinstated.


    The only option left was to cut back wherever possible.


    Typically, noble families avoided selling off their servants. There were always unsavory secrets lurking. within the estate. It was one thing if the servants were sold to a good household, but if they ended up with a cruel family, they would surely harbor resentment and spill all the dirty secrets when they could.


    So, noble families were usually cautious about such actions.


    But what secrets did the Warren family still have that weren’t already known?


    Barrett no longer cared. The vilest curses were already on the lips of the townsfolk every day. What more could he fear?


    He had never understood Amelia until he truly took over her position. Now, he finally grasped the weight of her burdens.


    Barrett’s feelings for Vi were nowplicated. His heart ached for the loss of their child, but he was also angry at his wife’s quarrels with Amelia. He wanted to ask about the miscarriage, but bringing it up would likely hurt her more, so he kept his mouth shut.


    Reba’s health continued to deteriorate. The physician said it was impossible for her tost until the New Year.


    It was just a matter of time.


    Barrett sent someone to summon Serena back to see their mother, but she didn’t return. She hadn’te back when Amelia died to avoid any bad omens. Now that everyone outside was cursing the Warren family, Serena didn’t want to wade through that mess.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Apart from Tara, there was almost no one left by Reba’s side.


    Death and despair were like a tightening noose, locking her heart in the grip of panic over her own mortality.


    On Midwinter’s Dawn, a traditional holiday marking the shortest day and longest night of the year, there was no family meal to celebrate together.


    Reba, who could barely rise from her sickbed, held Tara’s hand and cried. “Go to Hell Monarch Estate and fetch Carissa. I have something to tell her.”


    Tara sighed. “Lady Carissa won’te, Madam Reba.”


    “You tell her I was wrong… Reba’s eyes were zed over, her sunken cheeks making her look even more bitter. “I was wrong.”


    Tara sat on the edge of the bed, wiping her tears.


    “What good does it do to realize your mistakes now? When Lady Carissa was in the family, you had a luxurious life. You had everything–jewels, silks, and satin. Sebastian even came to your door personally.


    Your condition was already critical back then. If it hadn’t been for Lady Carissa calling for Sebastian, you would have been gone long ago.”


    “Tell her… I was wrong. I admit my mistakes. I want her to call…” Reba took a deep breath. “Call for Sebastian.”


    Tara looked at Reba. Despite having spent most of her life by thetter’s side, she felt an Icy wave of disappointment wash over her at that moment. Tara had hoped Reba truly understood her errors, but it seemed she only recognized that Carissa was herst hope for survival.


    “I won’t go,” Tara said softly.


    Reba’s eyes widened in shock. “You…. you’re just going to watch me die? How cruel of you!”


    Reba gasped for air, the sound of her struggle echoing in the dim room. She felt like a candle burning at both ends, waiting for death to im her.


    Yet, she had no reliable ally–no one was willing to help her.


    As for Carissa and Rafael, they made no response to the scorn directed at them from outside.


    Let everyone vent their frustrations for now.


    At the second morning court session, the motion failed to pass.


    During the third morning court session, the number of critics had increased. It seemed the court officials were discussing this matter in private and had banded together to oppose Rafael.


    This time, the prince merely said, “Only a husband who mistreats his wife and is cruel to his family would oppose this proposal. I wonder if any of you here fall into that category?”


    After a moment of silence, voices of dissent rose in response.


    “How shallow of you to view the issue this way! This goes against the principles of propriety! Such arrogance from His Highness shows he has no regard for our ancestors‘ teachings.”


    “You’re avoiding the crux of my question,” Rafael replied coldly.


    “Once a woman marries, she leaves her family to join her husband. Being divorced and kicked out of the family is shameful. If such a thing brings no disgrace and someone takes her in, it could lead them to dangerous thoughts. That could damage one’s family honor and ultimately cause chaos in the world,” another official retorted.


    Finally, Davis stood up and asked, “What about women who are epted back by their families after being divorced by their husbands? How is that different from being given refuge by someone else?”


    Immediate rebuttals followed.


    “It’s not the same! Even if they return to their families, they’ll be looked down upon and life will be hard for them. That’s why they weigh their options carefully.”


    “How can you say it’s the same, Mr. Lloyd? Are you even a man?”