Bella's POV
Ursula stared at both of them in their uncomfortable silence, then released a sharp, dismissive snort. "Well? Have you both lost your voices?"
Shame washed over Richard's features. He bowed deeply before Ursula. "That's not it at all. Kenneth's already been disciplined—I've sent him off to military camp where he can learn some character. He won't be causing any more problems."
"Absolutely, please don't be angry," Genevieve jumped in frantically, clearly knowing she was at fault. "I'll gladly kneel in the Ancestral Shrine for three full days to make amends."
Ursula watched their apologetic display and gave a small shake of her head.
She released a weary sigh before speaking with genuine concern. "You both think I'm being miserly, hoarding the family's wealth, but you're missing the point. These resources are what keep the duke's estate standing."
