My Unchosen Ex Chases Reborn Me (Soren and Fiona) novel Chapter 61

Chapter 61 Household Schemes

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Chapter 61 Household Schemes

Her plan was simple: once the ledgers sat in her lap, she would act the hands–off proprietor, leaving every column and tally to Monica. If the main branch later tried to dump unbalanced accounts onto her, the distance would let her step aside untouched.

That afternoon Isabel learned Monica had been named interim bookkeeper. The news hit like. ice water, leaving her seething beneath her painted serenity.It was bad enough that Joanna continually pressed her down. Now, even Monica, another of Joanna’s allies, dared to stand a head above her?

She needed no crystal ball to read the maneuver. Joanna, terrified Isabel might steal her perch, was tightening the vise.

That very night. Isabel carried her frustration to Lily Garden, the second branch’s quiet courtyard, and sat among the frozen lotus ponds until her pulse slowed.

“When this began. I suggested you assist me,” Meryl said plainly, breaking the perfumed stillness of the pavilion. “But Joanna refused. Today, she informed me she has already arranged everything with Monica.”

Isabel lifted a hand, stopping her. “No need to explain, my lady. I understand perfectly. I am still young: she worries I might give the family a son. She has tripped me more than once already, all the worse when those traps involve power inside the duke’s household.”

Meryl held her tongue; there was nothing she could add to that cascade of grievance.

“Her jealousy knows no bounds,” Isabel went on, eager for an ally. “Even you irritate her, my lady–she must measure herself against you in everything. That you thought of me first is kindness I will not forget.

Isabel genuinely found Meryl decent. Back when that concubine sowed friction between her and Zachary, neither had made life unbearable for the woman–until the schemer reached toward Fiona.

If not for Joanna’s relentless suppression, Isabel would never have chased favor in the first place. In this household, choosing not to compete might have proved fatal.

Isabel smiled at Fiona before leaving “Ms. Fiona, visit my quarters when you have a spare

moment.

Fiona, playing the affectionate sister, asked, “Where’s Lilith today?”

“She’s in the courtyard with her books. The child has been diligent lately. Are you planning to

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Chapter 61 Household Schemes

see her now?” Isabel replied.

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“Another day. I’m heading out to buy books and will bring two back for her as well,” Fiona said with a gentle laugh.

Once the New Year passed. Clear Sky Pavilion blossomed with life again. Voices drifted through carved screens, merchants haggled, and the scent of fresh ink mingled with plumn

takes.

Harmet laid a neat stack of banknotes before Fiona. “This is your share for the month, Ms. Fiona Please count it.”

The shop’s runner finally heaved the lacquered chest onto the table. Inside lay eight thousand pieces of silver–far more than the last payout and still only Fiona’s share.

Had she steered the business on her own, a single prosperous year would have funded more than half a lifetime of spending.

Yet she had invited Soren into the venture. The choice stung–his cut shrank her purse–but it also bought her the favor of Penelope, sparing her countless rounds of tedious court politicking.

Harriet set a slender envelope on the brocade cushion between them. “Lord Soren asked me to deliver this to you,” she said, her tone respectful yet curious.

Fiona broke the wax. The script inside was Naomi’s, not Soren’s, filling the page with praise for Callum. By forwarding that note, Soren was making his meaning plain: “Remember your place, tread carefully”

Soren must be dreadfully idle; even on the battlefield, he keeps one eye fastened on my every move.

“Please let Lord Soren know he may rest easy,” Fiona said, allowing a measured warmth to

color her voice.

“Since you are here in person, Fiona, why not pen a reply yourself?” Harriet suggested, sliding an inkwell toward he

Fiona touched brush to paper, the strokes confident. She wrote: “Lord Soren, you may be at

Case”

After a thoughtful pause she added. “May you return home in safety.”

It was little more than polite formula. Yet the weight of eight thousand shining coins had lifted her spirits, and the brief note now seemed almost heartfelt.

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Chapter 61 Household Schemes

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Back at the Niven Estate, she settled before a low candle and began plotting new routes through the household accounts. If Monica, an utter novice, kept control, every hidden deficit would surface faster–and grow wider–than in the previous life.

Joanna might be no gifted steward, but twenty years at the helm had taught her something. Fiona herself had entered marriage clueless, yet three years managing the Zonfrillo Estate had remade her entirely.

When the ledgers finally burst into daylight, she would seize the moment to renegotiate

power.

“At first, Joanna basked in smug relief, sure she had shuffled the mess onto the second branch. A fortnight later she sensed trouble: Monica spun like a top from dawn to dusk, while the second branch lounged over tea.

Still. having tossed the hot coal away, she forced herself to look the other direction. She pretended not to see a thing.”

The charade ended when Ulrich’s entertainment allowance failed to appear three times running. Face burning, Joanna marched to Monica’s wing to demand answers.

“Mdm. Joanna, the coffers are empty, Monica cried, eyes red and swollen. “I have trimmed every corner I can, yet expenses outrun income. If I grant the young master another purse, the household will have nothing to eat or wear.”

Joanna knew as much. Before handing over the keys she had polished the books to a perfect shine. Anyone hunting the real leaks would need months and, more to the point, fresh capital -none of which she intended to provide.She had gambled on the second branch’s vanity- Monica would rather bleed privately than let ugly numbers sully her reputation.

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