Episode 4

The sound of a slap echoed through the mansion's hallway. Caerina's reflexive slap across Brenda's face came after the woman had crossed the line of her patience. Brenda was stunned, the blow from Caerina's delicate hand left a mark on her cheek.

"Brenda, you can insult me or belittle me all you want. But you cannot drag my family into this," Caerina emphasized with a cold and sharp gaze.

"Did you just slap me?! Do you not realize who I am? I am—"

"Yes, you are the most annoying woman who likes to seduce other women's husbands. A commoner clueless about their place. That, Brenda, is who you are. Please come to your senses about who you are up against now."

There was no further response from Brenda; she could only caress her aching cheek. Moreover, Caerina appeared formidable when angry like this.

"What's going on here? Why are you still here, Caerina?!"

Caerina rolled her eyes lazily. Heston had suddenly appeared. Naturally, this would complicate matters. She had hoped to deal with Brenda thoroughly. Unfortunately, that disruptive man showed up amid their confrontation.

"I'm just—"

"Your Highness." Brenda rushed into Heston's arms. Her tears flowed copiously.

"Brenda, why is your cheek red? What happened?" asked Heston with concern in his voice.

Brenda sobbed in Heston's embrace. Her innocent, beautiful face seemed to bewitch him.

"Lady Caerina slapped me. She seems intolerant of me being here. Yet, I've always suffered because Lady Caerina bullies me. Isn't she satisfied tormenting my life?"

Brenda deserved praise for her acting. She was skilled at manipulating her expressions. Caerina looked at Brenda with a flat stare. It was ridiculous dealing with a hypocritical snake like Brenda every time.

"Is that true, Caerina?!" Heston's roar startled Caerina.

"I did slap her, but I've never bullied her. You are too quick to believe her cheap lies."

Heston's eyes bore into Caerina sharply. He could not tolerate his beloved being mistreated by Caerina.

"Why? Why can't you see? You are nothing but a parasite! If it were not for the Emperor's request for me to marry you, I would have never agreed to such a distasteful union. You disgust me! The very sight of you makes me sick. How could I ever be involved with you?"

"And now you slap Brenda, how far will you go with your behavior? Perhaps you are not reconciled to our divorce hence trying to hurt Brenda?! Such a disgraceful woman—Arrghhh!"

Amidst the raging emotions, Caerina kicked his shin. Her expressionless face showed she was unaffected by Heston's insults. She was accustomed to such troubles in her past life.

"You talk too much. You two are a perfect match, I bless your marriage. May you stay together all the way to perdition," Caerina said emotionlessly.

Then, just as Heston was about to reply, Caerina pushed him forcefully, tumbling both to the floor. Now Caerina stood, looking down at the pair imperiously.

"Trash and trash are indeed suited for each other. I hope you can think more clearly now. Teach your mistress some manners. A commoner suddenly becoming nobility is bound to raise eyebrows. Remember, I have returned from death to settle scores for all you've done."

The words Caerina pressed sounded terrifying to those who met her stern gaze. The girl before them was no longer the Caerina they knew, but someone else entirely.

After her declaration, Caerina turned and left them frozen in place. She no longer cared what Heston said; it was essential that she leave to preserve her sanity.

'Is that truly Caerina? What about that intimidating presence? I was so paralyzed, unable to move or resist,' Heston thought.

***

Sara and Kledson were anxiously awaiting Caerina's return. They feared something dreadful might happen to her during her stay at Duke Wadson's residence. Knowing Caerina to be easily oppressed, they had reason to worry about all the potential mishaps.

"Sir, Madam, Lady Caerina has returned," a servant announced.

They hastily went outside to greet Caerina. She appeared unharmed and without issue, which allowed them to breathe a sigh of relief and they embraced her.

"What has got you both so worried? Didn't I tell you I could handle it myself?"

Caerina was slightly stunned; in her previous life, she was never welcomed by family upon returning from work. After the death of her parents, she lived alone in a vast house.

"How could we not worry? You know how Duke Wadson treats you. We were afraid he would hurt you again," Sara explained.

"Your concern is unfounded as I've signed the divorce papers. Now I'm officially divorced from Duke Wadson. From today, I am once again Lady Navre," Caerina declared joyfully.

Kledson and Sara were moved to hear their daughter had freed herself from Heston. Caerina was back in their care, under their watchful eyes. There was no more reason to fret over her well-being.

"Thank goodness, you no longer need to suffer at the hands of Duke Wadson. Let's go inside; your mother and I have prepared your favorite snacks."

The next day, the Marquess Navre's residence was startled by the substantial divorce settlement sent by Heston. The family, along with Caerina's sibling, could scarcely believe the pile of gold coins before them.

"You say this is the divorce settlement from Duke Wadson? Are you sure there's no mistake?" Kledson asked for confirmation.

"No, Sir. This is indeed the settlement Lady Caerina demanded from the Duke."

Kledson was at a loss for words. He had not seen such an amount of money since the Marquess Navre family fell into bankruptcy.

"Oh, it has arrived, has it? Did Duke Wadson also send the deed transfer for the vacant land?" As she descended the staircase, Caerina approached.

"Yes, My Lady, the Duke has also sent a deed transfer for one hectare of vacant land in the southern region of Wadson duchy."

Heston's subordinate presented the deed for the land Caerina had requested. After verifying everything, Caerina confirmed that Heston had not gone back on his word.

"Alright, you may leave now," Caerina said.

"Then we take our leave."

Caerina skipped with joy at acquiring her first capital to start her business over.

"Caerina, how did you persuade the Duke to agree to grant such a generous settlement?" Nathan inquired.

"I threatened him," Caerina replied nonchalantly.

"What? You threatened the Duke?"

Caerina nodded briskly. "Oh, I also kicked his shin and pushed the Duke to the ground yesterday. And more importantly, I slapped Brenda, hahaha."

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