Chapter 3

Anna brought over the financial records and dowry ledger, her voice hesitant. "This year alone, you've spent millions supporting the Warren family's lifestyle. However, the businesses, stocks, and overseas assets remain untouched. All the liquid capital, along with the property deeds and investment portfolios your mother left, are secured." I glanced at the documents. "Alright." Just looking at the numbers stirred something deep within me. My mother had given me a substantial dowry, fearing I would suffer hardships in my husband's home. But I had never been a helpless noblewoman. While Adrian had been away, I had been expanding my wealth in silence, turning every setback into an opportunity. "My lady, where can we go? Are we moving back to the Sinclair penthouse? Or should we return to the private estate in Meadow Ridge?" Anna asked, looking distressed. Images of the bloodstained estate and the tragic deaths of my family members flashed through my mind, sending a sharp pang through my chest. "Anywhere is better than staying here." "If you leave, you'll be giving them exactly what they want." "So be it. If I stay, I'll waste my life watching those two play house while they benefit from my sacrifices." My voice was steady, my resolve unwavering. "Anna, I must live well not just for myself but for my parents and brothers. The Sinclair name will not disappear so easily." "My lady!" Anna wept bitterly. She had been born and raised under the Sinclair name, and the massacre had claimed the lives of everyone she had ever known. The images of that day still haunted her, and returning to the past seemed unthinkable. "Is there no other way?" she asked desperately. My gaze grew cold, sharp like a blade. "There is. I could confront the corporate board and use my family's legacy to demand my rightful place. If they refuse, I'll dismantle every last piece of the empire they stole from us." Anna was startled and immediately protested, "My lady, you can't!" My expression softened, a sly smile playing on my lips. "Do you think I'm that reckless? If I choose to strike, I will do so with precision. If Adrian and his new fiancée want to build their future together, they’ll have to do it without a single cent of mine." Just then, someone called from outside. "Madam Cassandra, the matriarch has requested your presence!" "It's Jade, Madam Evelyn's maid. It seems like Madam Evelyn wants to try and persuade you," Anna whispered. I straightened up, my expression serious. "Then, let's go." The evening sun glowed like blood, and the autumn wind was chilly. The Warren family’s residence, Valor Estate, had once been prestigious but was now fading into decline. Most of the Warren family’s men were business men who owned multiple businesses, while only a few held minor corporate positions. Adrian’s father, Emmank, had struggled in his career, and his uncle, Gregory, held an insignificant role in the company’s board. Adrian and his eldest brother, Fredrick, had only recently gained recognition, but their power was still limited. Accompanied by Anna, I arrived at Evelyn’s room. Evelyn's complexion looked healthier, and she was sitting up in bed. She smiled warmly when she saw me. "You're here." Fredrick and his wife, Beatrice Morgan, were also in the room. Adrian’s sister, Chloe, and the other children of the extended family were present as well. Adrian’s second aunt, Beatrice Lewis, sat nearby, her expression cold and disapproving. "Hello, Mother. Aunt Beatrice, Fredrick, Beatrice," I greeted them politely. "Cassandra, come here." Evelyn gestured for me to sit by her bedside. The older woman took my hand in a display of affection, smiling warmly. "Now that Adrian is back, you have someone to rely on. This year has been so hard on you, especially with what happened to your family. You’re the only one left of the Sinclair legacy. Fortunately, all of that is behind you now." I immediately understood Evelyn’s intent she wanted to remind me that, without the Sinclair family, I was powerless and should be grateful to remain attached to the Warrens. I pulled my hand away, my gaze unreadable. "Mother, I heard you met Vivian today." Evelyn hesitated, her smile faltering. "Yes, I did. She’s rather bold, but she doesn’t compare to you in grace and beauty." My lips curled slightly. "So, you don’t approve of her?" Evelyn sighed, her expression suddenly one of helplessness. "It’s not that. She comes from a strong background and has powerful connections. With her support, Adrian’s future is secure." I tilted my head slightly. "Interesting. Because just a year ago, you told me that a wife should be gentle, devoted, and without ambition. That a woman who meddled in business affairs was undesirable." Evelyn stiffened, her grip tightening on the blanket. "Cassandra, dear, you must understand things change. Circumstances shift. Vivian brings advantages that we cannot ignore." I let out a small, mirthless laugh. "Ah, I see. When I was Adrian’s fiancée, ambition in a woman was shameful. But now that it benefits him, it's admirable." Evelyn opened her mouth to argue but faltered. The hypocrisy was clear, and she knew I had seen through her entirely. I rose to my feet. "Thank you for your time, Mother. I see things very clearly now." "Cassandra," Evelyn called out to me softly. "Please don’t be difficult. Just help Adrian out. You know you have no one now, no family or a strong name in the city. Being devoted to Adrian is the best decision you can make for yourself." "Mother, do you think it is fair? I have been here for three years running the household while Adrian was expanding your family’s company, and you just met this new woman today and decided I am no longer fit to be his wife?" Adrian had returned with another woman and expected me to fade into silence. But he had underestimated me.