Chapter 4

I took the ledger and smiled.

Nora had been staying at the Northwood residence for a month, and the total cost for her food, clothes, and the things she snatched from me added up to 1370 dollars.

By the rules, all these expenses would be covered from the Northwood family's treasury at the end of the year.

But at year's end, the Northwood family would divide the accounts. Each room got its share of bills based on headcount and expenses.

Since Nora was just a guest, enjoying the Northwood family's resources, her portion would be docked accordingly.

Nora thought she snatched my things. But little did she know, every item she grabbed would eventually cost her own money.

The farms and shops under my name raked in thousands of dollars every year, and every cent went straight to me.

Nora's monthly allowance was just 20 dollars.

1370 dollars would keep her busy for a good while.

I handed the ledger back. "Just keep track of everything, and we'll settle up at the end of the year."

The accountant nodded, and then hesitated, "Miss Northwood, Miss Lane went to the storeroom the other day and took two bolts of brocade, a box of pearls, and a set of silver hair ornaments. She said Mrs. Northwood gave her permission."

I raised an eyebrow.

One bolt of brocade was worth 80 dollars, a box of pearls at least 100 dollars. Dad sent those silver hair ornaments from the border last year. They were top-quality, easily worth 300 dollars.

I doubted whether my mom really approved of that.

I smiled, "Got it. Just keep track of it."

After the accountant left, Yasmin's face flushed with anger. "Miss Northwood, that hair ornament was custom-made for you by Mr. Northwood. You won't find another set like it in the whole of Copperfield. How can you just let her take it?"

I waved her off. "Let her take it."

The more she took, the better. I'd be thrilled if she cleaned out everything valuable in my room.

I smiled, "Go get the ledger for my shops. I want to see how much I made this month."

Yasmin froze for a second, not sure how I could stay so calm and focus on the accounts, but she still went to fetch it.

I opened the ledger, and seeing those crisp, tidy numbers instantly put my mind at ease.

My three shops, a brocade shop, a spice shop, and a general store, brought in over 50,000 dollars a year. Also, I had two farms, and the rent was over 20,000 dollars. Plus, I had over 3,000 dollars stashed away in the storeroom.

That set of hair ornaments, two bolts of brocade, and a box of pearls, altogether, were about 500 dollars.

She took it all and would find out soon enough, all the stuff she snatched, she'd have to cough up for in the end.

But things moved faster than I expected.

That day, when I went to see my mom, I heard Nora crying as soon as I got to the door.

"Aunt Chloe, I swear I didn't mean it. I had no idea that was Isabelle's fiancé. I was just strolling in the garden. I never thought I'd bump into Mr. Grant."

My heart skipped a beat. Arthur Grant was my fiancé.

Yasmin gasped. "Miss Northwood, she..."

I raised my hand, signaling her to stay quiet.

I stood at the door, listening to the whole scene play out. Yesterday afternoon, Nora bumped into Arthur in the garden when he came to deliver festival gifts.

They exchanged a few words, but a maid spotted them, and by the time the story got to my mom, it was already a rumor about a secret meet.

Nora was crying her eyes out. "Aunt Chloe, it really was a coincidence. When I saw him, I wanted to leave, but he called out to me and asked about my background. I really didn't do anything. I swear..."

My mom's voice was weary. "Alright, stop crying. I know you didn't mean it."

Nora kept sobbing. "If Aunt Chloe doesn't believe me, I'll just pack up and leave, so Isabelle won't think badly of me."

My mom sighed, "Oh, silly girl, what nonsense are you saying? Nobody is asking you to leave."

I pushed the door open and stepped inside. Everyone in the room turned to look at me.

Nora's face was streaked with tears. When she saw me, she flinched, her shoulders hunched as she drew herself in, looking so miserable.

My mom looked conflicted, as if she wanted to say something but stopped herself.

I smiled and walked over to Nora. "Nora, what's wrong? Come on, stop crying."

Nora looked stunned, and fresh tears rolled down her face. "Isabelle, I-I really didn't mean it."

I patted her hand. "I know, it was just a coincidence. Is it really worth all these tears?"

My mom let out a sigh of relief. "Isabelle, I'm glad you see it that way."

I nodded. "Mom, don't worry. I'm not bothered by it at all."

I turned to Nora and asked with a smile, "Nora, what did Mr. Grant say to you?"