The next day was Eleanor's birthday banquet.From early in the morning, the entrance of Harmony Palace, Eleanor's residence within the royal palace, was crowded with carriages, and a long red carpet stretched all the way to the street corner. Outside, more than thirty yards away, a tent had been set up with thirty tables for a public feast. Commoners could come and eat as long as enough people gathered.Eleanor held this public feast every year under the guise of sharing her joy with the people. However, in reality, it was just a show to enhance her reputation for kindness.In addition to the public feast, she had prepared vegetarian meals specifically for priests. Known for her devotion to religion, Elaenor donated substantial sums to temples and monasteries every year. After all, those who have committed many wrongs often seek blessings from deities.Eleanor was hosting a large number of guests today, and she had also invited the Warren family.Barrett and Aurora did not attend.
Upon hearing Eleanor mention Carissa, Rebecca's heart was thrown into turmoil. She was unaware of the past between Eleanor and Melanie, and assumed that Carissa's recent achievements had made her valued by the royal family.Did this mean Eleanor was now favoring Carissa? But the gentle expression on Eleanor's face suggested otherwise.At a loss, Rebecca heard Isabella Miller, who was seated nearby, speak up."Your Highness, all this talk of devotion is just for show. After the divorce, Carissa ignored her former mother-in-law's wellbeing. Where is the so-called devotion in that? Anyone can put on a show. Rebecca made such a scene at Northwatch Estate. If she weren't forced into a corner, who would want to be embarrassed like that?" she said.Isabella was the queen's sister-in-law, and her husband held a third-rank official position, making him a key figure in court.As soon as Isabella spoke, others began to murmur in agreement."Isn't it just that she's flaunting her military ac
However, Helen had been invited. Although she didn't want to come, she couldn't bear the thought of what stories might be spun about her if she stayed away. So, she gritted her teeth and showed up.When she heard the gossip about Carissa, she was enraged. Fortunately, no one knew that this woman was about to marry Rafael. If they did, and if Eleanor herself were to lead in making fun of her, Helen would have felt utterly humiliated.Helen sat to one side, deliberately ignored by Eleanor. Helen had no mind for conversation. It was Eleanor's daughter, Jessica, who saw Helen and smiled. "Oh, you've come too, Aunt Helen? What gift did you bring for my mother?"Jessica's question, directed only at Helen, clearly aimed to make her uncomfortable.Helen had expected to be challenged over this gift. Reluctantly, she said, "I heard you're a devout Christian, Your Highness, so I brought a finely crafted gold cross as a gift. Please accept it."She signaled Gillian to present the gift t
When Carissa entered the venue, she was the center of attention.Many of the officials' wives had already paid her a visit, but seeing her now in her elegant attire, her beauty seemed even more transcendent and otherworldly.A hint of pink on her lips added a subtle flush to her already radiant complexion. Her pale cheeks, naturally smooth as silk, were gently highlighted with a touch of eyebrow pencil. A splash of green on her earlobes only enhanced her spring-like beauty, making her stand out among the finely dressed noble ladies present.Jessica, who had also dressed up for the occasion, wore a gold-threaded pleated skirt, a pale pink silk gown embroidered with peonies, and a red coat adorned with intricate gold and silver threads. Her hair was styled in an elaborate updo, decorated with pearls and gemstones, reflecting the height of luxury and splendor.Yet, despite her meticulous preparation, Jessica’s grand appearance paled in comparison to Carissa’s understated grace.Jessi
Carissa’s smile widened, her fan fluttering as she tried to dispel the oppressive atmosphere in the room. “It seems you believe in setting double standards, Lady Jesicca. How is it that when I speak the truth, you want to tear my mouth apart, yet it’s perfectly acceptable for you to slander and spread rumors? I trust the grand princess has invited Sebastian today. Should we perhaps ask him to clarify things?”Carissa cast a meaningful glance at Rebecca. “Rebecca, if you feel wronged, you may address your concerns directly with Sebastian.”Rebecca looked at Carissa with a mixture of resentment and coldness. Carrisa was once so submissive and obedient before her, but now, her gaze was filled with indifference. Rebecca blamed Carissa for everything that had happened. Carissa couldn't even tolerate one concubine. What kind of virtue could she have as a wife?Yet, Rebecca remained silent. She knew that if Sebastian was called over, she might find herself cut off from Snowdrop Pills i
Carissa’s voice softened, losing the earlier sternness and coldness. “Your Highness, I wish you a long life that's as enduring as a mountain.”Eleanor’s gaze slowly shifted away from Carissa’s face, and the rising resentment and thoughts were gradually suppressed. “Thank you, Carissa. Bring the gift forward.”A servant stepped up to receive the scroll. Jessica remarked coldly, “It seems the gift is a painting or calligraphy. I wonder which master’s work it is. I hope it isn’t something casually bought from the street.”Carissa smiled faintly. “Even if it were something casually bought from the street, it is still a token of my sincerity. Just as when my father and brothers sacrificed their lives, Grand Princess Eleanor sent my mother a symbol of chastity. It was also a gesture from your heart, wasn’t it?”No one had known of this particular event, but Carissa’s words sent shockwaves through the room. The crowd's expressions varied, but no one dared to speak out. The thought tha
Jessica stepped forward, and seized the scroll. “I will open it. Carissa, if you dare to curse my mother, I will make sure you can't rest in peace even after you die!"As the scroll slowly unfurled, everyone craned their necks to see what was revealed. To their surprise, the scroll depicted a painting of an orchid.The half-length scroll showcased an orchid, with blossoms either in full bloom or just about to open. Many flower buds stood quietly on the branch.The crowd was stunned. The orchid painting seemed almost alive, as if the flower was right before their eyes. Every little detail, including the texture of the petals, was meticulously depicted.Among the ladies present who were knowledgeable about painting, one gasped. “Is this Mr. Spencer’s painting? I have had the honor of seeing his paintings before, and the technique is identical. Yes, this is indeed Mr. Spencer’s work.”This announcement caused a stir among the guests. Kyle Spencer's painting? That was something
Adelaide let out a chuckle. "Lady Rosalind, did you not hear clearly? The monogram on the painting is wrong. Shall I send for the orchid painting I have for you to verify?"However, Rosalind remained serious. "My family also possesses two of Mr. Spencer's orchid paintings. He painted both personally in our backyard, with my grandfather present. Each painting depicts a different orchid, and the monograms on them—one was small, and the other was large. They were both used by Mr. Spencer. In fact, he has more than just these two styles of monograms."She revealed the monogram of the torn orchid painting. "This monogram is identical to the one in my family's painting. My grandfather is here today, right outside the main hall. If anyone has any doubts, he can verify it."Adelaide was taken aback, but she shook her head. "That’s impossible! It’s well known that all of Mr. Spencer’s sold paintings have a small monogram to mark his works.""That's correct. Hence, one of my family’s pai