Melody of Strength novel

Chapter 502

The shopkeeper William looked at Serena with a smile and said, “Miss, that’s certainly possible. However, we have many more ruby tiaras in the shop. You’ve only seen this one. Would you like to choose from a few more options?”

Serena lifted her head to see a shop assistant carrying a tray made of zebrawood enter the room. The tray obviously held pieces of much lower value, clearly brought up from the first or second floor.

She immediately clutched the jewelry box she held tighter and said, “No, I only want this one.”

Rebecca was clearly getting frustrated. “What’s with all this nonsense? We’ve already chosen this one. What is the matter with your shop? Just come to our residence to collect the payment. Stop wasting time.

William was experienced and well–acquainted with such situations, though it was rare on the third floor. It was clear to him that the mother and daughter were trying to force the daughter–in–law to pay for the dowry, but the situation seemed unusual.

The matriarch of the family was supposed to be in charge of the household finances, and she should have been the one to handle the money. Yet, this younger lady who looked like she was about to burst into tears was clearly the one paying. It seemed she was using her own personal funds for the purchase.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

The two women were clearly pressuring her into making the purchase. In a place like this, the young lady didn’t want to be humiliated and was trying hard to hold back her tears. Her look of distress was genuinely pitiful.

As the situation reached a standstill, a lady dressed in simple, understated clothes stepped out of a private room. With a calm demeanor and a gentle voice, she addressed William, “Wasn’t this ruby tiara reserved for me? Why is it being sold to someone else?”

Everyone looked up, and Viola’s face instantly turned ashen.

They knew each other. The woman’s name was Kayla Lloyd. Her uncle was Patrick Lloyd, the Minister of Justice. She had married Lawrence Ziegler, the second son of the Marquis of Elderglen. Lawrence had died at the same battle as Thomas.

However, Kayla didn’t return to her natal family after Lawrence’s death. Instead, she stayed in the Marquis of Elderglen’s family as a widow and adopted a son, ensuring that Lawrence’s legacy would continue.

At the moment, Kayla had genuinely meant to help Viola out of a tough spot.

However, back when Viola had received her divorce letter and returned to her home, people had begun comparing the two of them.

At that time, Kayla was too consumed by her own grief over losing her husband to pay much attention to the public’s reaction. Now, she was simply trying to lend a hand, thinking that they shared similar hardships.

But instead, her gesture seemed to have provoked Viola.

Viola immediately looked up and said, “Since the shop assistant didn’t mention that it was reserved for you, my sister–in–law will take it. Sir, please send someone with me to collect the payment at my home”

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Kayla and William were both taken aback.

Kayla met Viola’s cold, almost venomous stare and hesitated before softly saying, “Alright then. If you like it, I’ll find something else.”

With that, she quickly returned to the private room where she had been choosing items. The curtain fell behind her, concealing her from view.

Violet was stunned.

Was Viola out of her mind? That lady had clearly come with good intentions to help her, yet she seemed to have been offended. Did Viola have a personal grudge against her?

The lady seemed genuinely kind, and even her gaze towards Viola was somewhat pitying.

Seeing Viola stiffly lead Rebecca and Serena down the stairs, Violet went back to the private room. She leaned over the display case and asked Nathaniel, “Do you know who that lady was?”

Although Nathaniel hadn’t seen the lady in question, he could likely recognize the voice, as most guests on the third floor were familiar faces.

Nathaniel smiled and said, “Are you talking about Lady Kayla from the Marquis of Elderglen’s family? She is a very kind and gentle person. Her husband, General Ziegler, was also highly respected and

remembered by the people.”