Chapter 46

In the last few days of the year, Sebastian and Elaria were staying at the old Richards estate. With Elaria in charge of meals, the whole place ran like a well-oiled machine. Everything - from family dynamics to social niceties - was handled smoothly, and word quickly spread through all of Caelmoor's elite circles: Sebastian had married a capable woman. Mrs. Richards wasn't thrilled. But Charles seemed relaxed and even cheery. He specifically had his assistant deliver a New Year's envelope - tucked inside was a check for five million. Elaria was caught off guard. That was a serious amount. The assistant smiled and said, "Mr. Richards wanted you to have this. Just a little gesture from an elder." Elaria easily read Charles's message loud and clear. He probably had no patience left for Bianca's family. In comparison, backing her seemed like the better option. She accepted the check and, in return, quietly handed the assistant a red envelope with a hundred grand in cash. The assistant was