When fate plays its hand

Chapter 1070

News of Aurora’s death quickly reached Starhaven.

Winona and those from Skywing Spire had witnessed firsthand how the common folk vented their anger, and how Aurora had met her tragic end. The letter didn’t arrive by carrier pigeon, but by swift horses sent from Skywing Spire, making its way directly to Hell

Monarch Estate:

The details were described vividly. Winona made sure to include extra information specifically for Carissa.

Aurora was the cause of the Sinclair family’s massacre, and Carissa hated her with all her heart. But because the events involved Fawnrun City, she couldn’t exact her own revenge. So, Winona had written all the details down, hoping to give Carissa some sense of closure.

Carissa read the letter once. Then again. She recognized the handwriting–it was Winona’s.

After reading it, she sat in a daze for a long time before letting out a deep sigh. Then, she broke down and cried in Rafael’s arms.

Rafael held her close, gently patting her back, feeling a deep sorrow for her. At least, now, she could cry freely. Yet, while the vengeance was satisfied, the pain would stay with her for a lifetime.

As he wiped away her tears, Rafael whispered softly, “The debts have been repaid. Aurora and the spies from Westhaven will face your parents‘ judgment in the afterlife.”

Carissa rested her head against his chest, the weight of the past years playing out in her mind, each memory sharp and painful, as if tearing her heart apart.

Outside, Lulu sat on the doorstep. She stared at the sunset as it painted the sky in fiery hues, like a burning flame. Her heart still ached, knowing that even though Aurora was dead, the pain would never truly fade. She imagined Carissa felt just as she did.

Violet had also read the letter. Inside, a feeling of satisfaction stirred. She muttered under her breath, “Finally, she’s dead. Good riddance.”

Jacob then instructed Dylan to go to Valor Estate and inform Barrett of the news.

At this, Violet scoffed. “Tell him? Does he deserve such an honor? Why bother sending Dylan?”

“When some people are in a foul mood, they don’t care about anything. It’s better to tell him now so he doesn’t come asking later,” Jacob replied.

Some people were best kept at a distance, and Barrett was clearly not in a state of mind that could be considered normal.

Chapter 1000

+25 BONUS

Violet thought about it and agreed with the decision. It was better to avoid Barrett coming to the estate again. It would be one thing if he were simply to interrupt Rafael, but it was far worse if he persisted in clinging to Carissa.

The news had even reached Helen, who made a special trip to Orchid Hall.

She gently pulled Carissa out of Rafael’s arms and into her own, holding Carissa tightly. Using her limited words, she offered what little comfort she could.

“Evil has its own reward. Her time is up–she’s on the road to the underworld, while you’re on the path to a long life of joy and happiness. From here on out, your life will be free from

SOTTOW.

After speaking, Helen pressed Carissa firmly against her chest and let out a heavy sigh. For a mother–in–law to care so deeply, it was rare indeed.

Rafael watched and couldn’t help but think his mom was being ridiculous. Wouldn’t it be better to just let Carissa cry her heart out? Now, thanks to her, Carissa couldn’t even shed a

tear.

Carissa really couldn’t cry anymore. In fact, she found the whole situation almost laughable. Forget about crying she could barely catch her breath.

When Carissa stopped crying, Helen thought her comforting had worked. She sat down, held Carissa’s hand, and launched into one of her long–winded speeches about life’s lessons.

The words were the same advice Victoria often gave–don’t dwell on the past, keep looking ahead, those lost would never come back, but they watch over them from above, and the ones living must live joyfully so that the dead could rest in peace.

Regardless, Carissa eventually managed to stop the tears. However, her eyes were red- rimmed. Helen sighed, feeling a pang of pity for her.

“From now on, treat me like your mom,” Helen said softly. “I’ll love you as if you were my own daughter. As for Kiera–well, she’s heartless. Always running about, and once she married, she hardly ever visited me. I can count the number of times she’s come back on one hand.”

Carissa felt a twinge of gratitude and said softly, “Thank you, Mother.”

Rafael shook his head, a little dismayed. If they were going to say such touching things, why drag Kiera into it? It made it sound as though Carissa was being treated like a daughter simply because Kiera had neglected Helen.

“By the way,” Helen added, “you’ve yet to open all the gifts your third aunt brought for you. I know you don’t want to face your seventh uncle’s sacrifice, but inside those gifts are his feelings for you. You should at least look through them.”