Chapter 3

It was a pity. Ever since Gideon broke his vow to stay true to Cordelia and insisted on being together with Maren, everything started falling apart.

And Maren was cold and calculating, never missing a chance to scheme.

Cordelia, worried Maren might hurt me if she ever let her guard down, made sure I had a martial arts tutor from early on.

Back then, Kael died young. He didn't know that after his death, I handed the title back to the court, registered as a female head of household, and went on to live a thriving, independent life.

Right now, Elara's expression suddenly grew anxious when she noticed me glancing at her belly.

She shrank back into Kael's arms, sounding small and scared. "Seraphina, please don't look at me like this. I'm scared."

She was acting like the weak, tormented by me, like she was born for the role.

Kael's anger flared as he snapped, "Seraphina, you know Elara's timid, but you scared her on purpose. What's your problem?"

I raised my eyebrows and said, "Kael, if you're so worried about Elara, why not go ahead and take her home, give her all the comfort she needs?"

Kael shot me a cold glare, then picked up Elara quickly.

He turned to Gideon and Maren, raising his voice, "Gideon, Maren, today is my big day with Elara. I'm taking her back to start the wedding ceremony right now."

He only greeted Maren, completely disregarding Cordelia.

Gideon didn't care one bit. He just stroked his beard and laughed.

Maren dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief, her expression torn between happiness and anxiety.

Back then, Elara wouldn't have dared fake her death and slip away if Maren hadn't helped her every step of the way.

So the reason she looked both happy and anxious was that she worried Kael would find out Elara was pregnant.

If Kael wanted to play daddy, he'd have to get the real father's permission first.

After I had time-traveled, I'd already sent people to track down that scholar at the rundown church outside the city and locked him up.

After three years of marriage, Kael knew me better than anyone. I was the type who never forgave and always got revenge, no matter what.

On the same day, he sent over a pile of banknotes and property deeds. When I tallied up the value, it came out to exactly two hundred thousand dollars.

The Thorne family sat right on Hope Avenue, and a rich merchant from the south had been after it for a long time. I sold it to him in no time.

I only had one request. He had to wait for my signal before moving in. The merchant agreed happily right away.

Holding a thick stack of banknotes, I breathed a sigh of relief. My nerves, which had been on edge, finally calmed down.

I went to Cordelia's house to see her.

Before I could get close, I heard Gideon's angry yelling from way down the hall.

He was thick-skinned enough to come begging for some wedding gifts for his precious Elara.

No matter how much he threw a fit, Cordelia just shot back, "There's no money."

Gideon was already fuming, and when he saw me, his face got even redder with rage.

All Gideon cared about was making sure his beloved Elara could lock in her spot as the future Kael's wife.

He took a deep breath, putting on his most patient act as he tried to butter me up. "Elara is your real sister. Shouldn't you be happy for her, seeing her marry so well? And you just got two hundred thousand dollars."

I cut him off, "Trying to scam me for money? No way."

Gideon jabbed a finger at me, his hand shaking with fury as he yelled, "You rebellious girl!"

The courtyard gate swung open, and Cordelia's servant marched out, carrying a basin of footwashing water. Without warning, she splashed it right at Gideon.

"Cordelia, you crazy woman. You madwoman. You jealous witch!" Gideon shouted.

In Cordelia's room, I rested my head on her shoulder and said, "Mom, the Croft family is about to be ruined and thrown in jail. You need to get yourself out of this marriage with Gideon as soon as possible."

Cordelia gently patted my back and replied, "I'll do as you say, but what about you? Where can you go to find someone decent to marry on such short notice?"

Only when I got married would I be safe. If the Croft family fell, I wouldn't get caught up in their mess.

"Mom, I'll go check out the slave market later. If I find someone suitable, I'll just buy him. You don't need to worry about me," I replied softly.

Cordelia looked both relieved and a little sad, saying, "It's all my fault for being too soft-hearted."

I smiled and said, "Mom, you're graceful and gentle by nature."

When I thought of Gideon, my voice went icy as I added, "Gideon broke his promise first, pampered Maren, and pushed you aside. He'll get what's coming to him soon."

In the past ten years, Cordelia asked for a divorce more than once, but Gideon never agreed.

It wasn't because he loved her. He was just after her wedding gifts, nothing more.

This time, he still wouldn't agree. It was time to have Maren whisper in his ear.

Before that, I went to the slave market.

With just one glance, I knew he was the right one. The man was in the cage, hair wild, clothes torn, shirtless.

He looked lean and fragile, but there was real strength in his frame, surprisingly powerful.

Don't even ask how I know. That was the kind of thing I picked up after being a widow back then.

The dealer started at forty dollars.

I was just about to hand over the banknotes when he thought I was hesitating, so he immediately lowered the price.

"Thirty dollars," he blurted.