Chapter 5

Inside Jellwain House at Sterling Manor, everything was fresh. The room smelled like high-end perfume, very clean and tranquil.

I took off my plain dress and slipped into a fancy dress reserved only for the Sterling family's heiress. The dress had phoenix embroidery that shimmered when I walked.

Rose styled my hair into a soft bun and chose the simplest hairpin from a tray of jeweled ornaments.

I looked refined, but no longer soft or obedient. There was a calm, distant confidence instead.

This was the real me.

"My lady, you're finally yourself again," Rose said, her eyes growing teary as she gazed at me in the mirror. "These past three years have been so hard for me."

I smiled, picked up an account book from the table, and flipped it open. "It has also toughened you up."

"I was always on edge at Baldwin Manor, reading everyone's moods. I almost lost all courage," Rose said, pouting.

"Don't worry," I replied without looking up. "From now on, you'll learn how to make others read your mood instead."

Rose blinked in surprise, then nodded hard. "Yes, my lady."

Right then, Edward walked in.

He was no longer in uniform. He wore casual clothes, looking less formal and more like a brother.

He carried a bowl of oatmeal. "Here, Catherine. You must be tired."

He set the oatmeal beside me, his gaze landing on the account book in my hands as he frowned slightly.

He said, "You just got back. You need rest."

"Edward, I've been away for three years. I have to catch up," I said, setting the account book aside and picking up the spoon.

"It doesn't matter," Edward said as he sat across from me, his voice full of concern. "I know exactly what you went through with the Baldwin family these past three years.

"Don't worry. I won't let Richard get away with it.

"His mother, who lives in a small town, used to mistreat your servants. I already cut off all support to her. Without the Sterling family's medicine and doctors, she won't last long."

I paused. "Edward, you really don't need to trouble yourself with these things."

I looked up at Edward. "I'll handle Richard myself."

Edward caught the cold glint in my eyes, paused for a moment, then smiled approvingly, understanding exactly what I meant.

"That's my tough sister." He nodded with satisfaction. "While you were gone these past three years, our business back home has taken off. The silk and coffee profits in Lareth have doubled.

"The horse ranch up north is finally on track, and our trade convoy guards can now make their way through the western territories on their own.

"The only issue is the royal shipping system. The new official in charge is blocking it, and he's backed by the Warren family, who controls the Royal Personnel Office."

I absently stirred the oatmeal in my bowl.

The Warren family? Lily's mother was from a branch of that family.

Things were getting interesting.

"The shipping issue can wait," I said. "My past three years with them were not for nothing. I know every detail about the Northgate Regiment's supply lines, distribution, and the wear and tear on their equipment.

"Richard is a brilliant commander on the battlefield, but he knows nothing about logistics and administrative affairs.

"In the past, I managed everything from the shadows, and with the Sterling family supporting him, he looked unbeatable. Well, now—"

I set down the bowl. "I want him to see what he, the mighty General Northgate, is worth without me."

Edward looked surprised, then clearly impressed. "You've grown up, Catherine."

I smiled.

These past three years, I wasn't only playing a loving wife. I was studying him and his world.

I was waiting for the right moment. I was waiting for him to hand me the weapon himself.

Now Lily had returned, and he handed me the divorce agreement.

I finally got that weapon against him.

*****

As we spoke, the butler's respectful voice called from outside. "Excuse me, Mr. Sterling, Miss Sterling. General Baldwin is here."

Edward raised an eyebrow at me. "Well, guess he can't wait."

I picked up a handkerchief and slowly wiped my mouth. "Edward, let him wait. Let him wait outside Sterling Manor and think it through.

"Tell him he doesn't get to walk into Sterling Manor whenever he wants."

The butler replied from outside, "Yes, Miss Sterling."

Edward burst out laughing, amused. "That's right. Let him learn exactly where he stands."

It was getting dark.

I could imagine Richard standing outside, going from confident to panicked, then embarrassed when he was refused entry.

Well, this was only the beginning.