In the last few days of the year, Sebastian and Elaria were staying at the old Richards estate.
With Elaria in charge of meals, the whole place ran like a well-oiled machine. Everything - from family dynamics to social niceties - was handled smoothly, and word quickly spread through all of Caelmoor's elite circles: Sebastian had married a capable woman.
Mrs. Richards wasn't thrilled.
But Charles seemed relaxed and even cheery. He specifically had his assistant deliver a New Year's envelope - tucked inside was a check for five million.
Elaria was caught off guard. That was a serious amount.
The assistant smiled and said, "Mr. Richards wanted you to have this. Just a little gesture from an elder."
Elaria easily read Charles's message loud and clear. He probably had no pat
