Melody of Strength novel

Chapter 434

Aurora’s expression shifted dramatically as Mary’s words struck at her very core, hitting the mark precisely.

She had been seeking an opportunity to surpass Carissa, to prove that she was superior. This obsession tormented her day and night, robbing her of sleep and appetite, and filling her with a persistent rage.

Yet, despite her daily resentment, it seemed as though Carissa paid her no mind?

She couldn’t believe it!

Clenching her fists, Aurora said, “Madam Clayton, have you ever encountered someone so deceitful that they practically embody hypocrisy? Have you seen someone climb to the top by stepping on the achievements of others?

“Someone who feasts on the military honors of their family and is never satisfied? Someone who disregards their comrades‘ lives, allowing them to be captured and mistreated? And yet, such a person becomes a princess consort. Do you really think the heavens are watching?”

Mary smiled, her wrinkles deepening her expression into a look of gentle kindness. “Such a person exists only in your heart. How could I possibly see her?”

Aurora’s expression darkened, her anger evident even through the thin veil. “You don’t believe me.” “Whether I believe you or not is of no importance,” Mary said calmly. “What matters is that you believe it yourself, and you torment yourself because of it. You are unhappy, consumed by bitterness, and every thought you have is driven by this resentment and anger. In the end, this will only harm you.”

Mary waved her hand dismissively. “Enough. I am tired. I don’t remember what was said that day, and neither does anyone here. Once you leave today, everyone will see you and know that you came to apologize. I believe the common people will not trouble you further.”

Barrett, who had been on edge the entire time, finally began to relax. He had feared that Aurora’s indiscreet remarks would provoke Mary’s anger.

In the end, Mary was above such pettiness and didn’t stoop to Aurora’s level.

However, Aurora was not inclined to heed the old woman’s heartfelt advice. Her heart was already consumed by bitterness and resentment, leaving no room for any kind of friendly suggestion.

As they left Jadehill Estate, Aurora climbed into the carriage with a cold expression. Barrett stared at the carriage for a long while before finally joining her inside.

The journey was marked by an icy silence, with neither of them willing to exchange a single glance. The couple who once promised to love each other for a lifetime now sat in mutual disdain.

Back at Jadehill Estate, Mary sat in the sitting room, sipping coffee leisurely.

“Grandmother, it was one thing not to say anything earlier, but why bother trying to reason with her? She didn’t take your words to heart at all,” Caroline said.

Mary responded slowly. “Madam Aurora once reached great heights, with even the queen dowager

Chapter 433

+25 BONUS

“Aurora!” Barrett broke out in cold sweat, turning sharply to her and warning, “Be quiet.”

Mary gave Aurora a meaningful look. “Madam Aurora, I wasn’t aware of your previous visit. Had I known, I would have informed you that there was no need to come and apologize. You didn’t offend me. You only insulted yourself.”

Mary picked up her coffee and took a slow sip before continuing. “In my lifetime, I have encountered many types of people–capable and incapable, modest and arrogant, the great and the wicked, the kind and the loving. And I have seen quite a few like you–twisted and conflicted.”

“You say I am twisted?” Aurora’s lips curled into a cold smile, her eyes flashing with anger. “How am I twisted? I would appreciate it if you could enlighten me, Madam Clayton.”

“Refusing to acknowledge your own failures and blaming them on others, constantly feeling like life hasn’t given you a fair chance, carrying a restless resentment, unwilling to accept defeat, hoping to surpass certain people, and trying to find ways to make others see you in a different light–that’s what makes you twisted.“–

Mary shook her head slowly, her voice calm and gentle as she continued, “Why concern yourself with these matters? If you defeat someone, does that mean they will suffer? If you win against them, will you find happiness?

“No, their joy or sorrow doesn’t affect you. They don’t care about your happiness or sadness, yet you torment yourself with thoughts of them daily. Now, tell me, isn’t that twisted?”

Chapter 434

+25 BONUS

Aurora’s expression shifted dramatically as Mary’s words struck at her very core, hitting the mark precisely.

She had been seeking an opportunity to surpass Carissa, to prove that she was superior. This obsession tormented her day and night, robbing her of sleep and appetite, and filling her with a persistent rage.

Yet, despite her daily resentment, it seemed as though Carissa paid her no mind?

She couldn’t believe it!

Clenching her fists, Aurora said, “Madam Clayton, have you ever encountered someone so deceitful that they practically embody hypocrisy? Have you seen someone climb to the top by stepping on the achievements of others?

“Someone who feasts on the military honors of their family and is never satisfied? Someone who disregards their comrades‘ lives, allowing them to be captured and mistreated? And yet, such a person becomes a princess consort. Do you really think the heavens are watching?”

Mary smiled, her wrinkles deepening her expression into a look of gentle kindness. “Such a person exists only in your heart. How could I possibly see her?”

Aurora’s expression darkened, her anger evident even through the thin veil. “You don’t believe me.”

“Whether I believe you or not is of no importance,” Mary said calmly. “What matters is that you believe it yourself, and you torment yourself because of it. You are unhappy, consumed by bitterness, and every thought you have is driven by this resentment and anger. In the end, this will only harm you.”

Mary waved her hand dismissively. “Enough. I am tired. I don’t remember what was said that day, and neither does anyone here. Once you leave today, everyone will see you and know that you came to apologize. I believe the common people will not trouble you further.”

Barrett, who had been on edge the entire time, finally began to relax. He had feared that Aurora’s indiscreet remarks would provoke Mary’s anger.

In the end, Mary was above such pettiness and didn’t stoop to Aurora’s level.

However, Aurora was not inclined to heed the old woman’s heartfelt advice. Her heart was already consumed by bitterness and resentment, leaving no room for any kind of friendly suggestion

As they left Jadehill Estate, Aurora climbed into the carriage with a cold expression. Barrett stared at the carriage for a long while before finally joining her inside.

The i journey was marked by an icy silence, with neither of them willing to exchange a single glance. The couple who once promised to love each other for a lifetime now sat in mutual disdain.

Back at Jadehill Estate, Mary sat in the sitting room, sipping coffee leisurely.

“Grandmother, it was one thing not to say anything earlier, but why bother trying to reason with her? She didn’t take your words to heart at all,” Caroline said.

Mary responded slowly, “Madam Aurora once reached great heights, with even the queen dowager

425 BONUS

Chapter 434

praising her personally. She was recognized for her achievements, and married with the king’s blessing “At that time, she thought Lady Carissa was nothing more than a worm beneath her feet. She looked down on her, thinking that a small gesture of kindness would make Lady Carissa eternally grateful. But she didn’t realize that Lady Carissa, rather than being trampled, was simply choosing not to fight back

“Now, Lady Carissa stands taller than many, far surpassing Madam Aurora, while she herself has fallen from her lofty perch into the mud. Her dissatisfaction with the world stems from this perceived imbalance, as well as her belief that any woman can surpass her, except Lady Carissa. That is Madam Aurora’s current mindset.”

“What a madwoman,” Caroline commented.

“Greed, anger, ignorance, and desire–such things torment people, Mary said as she slowly stood up. She obsesses over the Hell Monarch’s princess consort, yet the latter doesn’t even spare her a glance.”

She paused, then addressed the younger women present in the room with her, “You should learn from Lady Carissa. When you receive something, be willing to give back. Keep your vision broad, have a great outlook, and cultivate a noble character.”

“Yes, Grandmother. We will remember your advice,” everyone responded in unison.