Melody of Strength novel

ther–in–law had gone to Northwatch Estate to apologize to Carissa.

That realization made her heart bum with resentment. It seemed that as long as the old woman was alive, Jessica would never gain control of the household, nor hold any real status in her marital home.

But no matter how many times Jessica harbored malicious thoughts, they were of no use. She couldn’t tamper with Margaret’s food or drink, as everyone in the household was on guard against her. As a daughter–in–law, Jessica relied on her title as the grand princess‘ daughter and didn’t bother to pay her respects to Margaret, so she rarely had any opportunities to get close.

Both mother and daughter were preoccupied with their own troubles and didn’t have the energy to bother Carissa.

One day, Theodore invited Carissa over and told her that now that her marriage was settled, it was clear that Rafael wouldn’t be able to inherit the duke’s title. But the position of the Duke of Northwatch couldn’t just be left vacant.

Theodore suggested an option: they could choose a few children from within the Sinclair family to be fostered. After assessing their character and literary talent, they could then present a suitable heir to the court.

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Carissa had considered this as well. Since Hector had been an only child, she had no uncles from his side of the family. Her grandfather, however, had two younger brothers, though they had both passed away. Their children no longer lived in the capital, and she wasn’t sure about their current character or reputation.

She shared her thoughts on these two granduncles‘ descendants with Theodore, who simply waved his hand dismissively.

“I’ve already had someone look into them. They’re not suitable.”

With that, he handed some documents to Carissa.

She glanced through a few pages before closing them. These relatives were all involved in business in other regions. Not only were their ventures unimpressive, but their reputations were also questionable.

Theodore then pulled out the family genealogy and had Solomon go through each potential candidate with Carissa. She listened but didn’t express any opinions. After all, she hadn’t met these children before, so it was hard for her to make a judgment.

Theodore himself hadn’t found anyone satisfactory either. Seeing that Carissa hadn’t made a decision, he recalled the exceptional sons of the Sinclair family, who’d had children of their own. Even at a young age, they were already outstanding. Comparing these children to them was pointless–they couldn’t measure up. A wave of anger and sorrow washed over him.

“If only those assassins had spared the children… even just one to carry on the Duke of Northwatch’s bloodline…”

“Grandpa!” Solomon quickly comforted him, fearing that the mention would cause Carissa further pain. “Don’t dwell on it too much. It’s not good for your health.”

Carissa’s thoughts drifted back to the time she returned from Meadow Ridge. She had been surrounded by her nieces and nephews, all calling her “Aunt” in their sweet

voices.

Back when she first learned of her father and brothers‘ deaths, she had cried herself to sleep every night. But her nieces and nephews had been so understanding and kind, willing to do anything to cheer her up.

Ryan had once said that if Carissa ever felt sad, eating a candied apple would make her happy. He promised that one day, when he managed to sneak out, he would buy

her one.

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Ryan had died just a few days before his fifth birthday.

He looked so much like Carissa’s second brother, as if he had been cast from the same mold. The only thing he inherited from his mother was a pair of shallow

dimples.

Carissa’s eyes reddened. She couldn’t think about it–each thought was like a dagger to her heart.

She quickly found an excuse to leave, realizing that the selection of a successor couldn’t be rushed. It required careful observation.

Theodore watched her hurriedly retreating figure and let out a heavy sigh.

He turned to Solomon and said, “Keep looking. If we can’t find anyone suitable, I have another idea, but I don’t know if Prince Rafael would agree.”

“What idea do you have in mind, Grandpa?” Solomon asked.

Theodore lit his pipe and took a few puffs before speaking, “If, in the future, the prince and Carissa have two sons, the eldest would naturally inherit the royal or ducal title. But perhaps the second son could inherit the Duke of Northwatch’s title?”

Solomon thought for a moment and replied, “That could work, though it’s unprecedented.”

“We can discuss it with them after they’re married,” Theodore said, blowing out a ring of smoke. “If the Sinclair family doesn’t have any outstanding children, they can’t inherit the title. We mustn’t allow the Duke of Northwatch’s family to be tarnished by an unworthy successor.

“That’s true!” Solomon agreed wholeheartedly.