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
Trevor's voice trembled, a dull pain creeping into his heart. Though his residence housed two of Kyle's paintings, this was a genuine piece. How could it be treated so poorly? It was an insult to Kyle and a tragedy for the artwork!His hands shook as he directed someone to hold one side of the painting while he joined the pieces together. This painting was superior to the ones in his collection because the orchid depicted was in full, vibrant bloom. The orchids on Meadow Ridge were naturally more spectacular than those in a backyard.Hearing it was an authentic piece by Kyle, Rafael could guess the situation. He remained silent, his gaze sweeping over everyone's faces.Trevor was on the verge of tears, his lips trembling incessantly. "How could it have been torn? Who tore it? Who did this?"The ladies watched Eleanor's expression, remaining silent. Helen had intended to speak, but upon seeing Eleanor's cold gaze, swallowed her words. Forget it. It was better to endure and avoid
It was obvious when Eleanor set out to entrap someone, she showed no mercy. She immediately commanded someone to fetch Sebastian back.Sebastian had already explained this issue, and the officials' wives had also been present then. However, he was more than willing to clarify once again.Standing behind the partition screen, his voice was old and stern. "Madam Warren suffers from a heart ailment and hemoptysis. This illness has persisted for many years, and remains incurable. It can only be managed with Snowdrop Pills. "Initially, I treated her in consideration of Lady Sinclair. Since entering the Warren family, Lady Sinclair has tended to Madam Warren's illness day and night for a year. The monthly cost of the Snowdrop Pills is considerable, and there’s no need to explain where the money comes from. "However, Madam Warren was uncooperative. She constantly complained to me about the cost of the pills without understanding the precious herbs used to make them. If not for Lady Si
This statement left everyone in shock. Even the fact that Rebecca was rebuked by Sebastian was quickly forgotten.Everyone turned to look at Helen. What did she mean? Did the Hell Monarch want to marry Carissa? A royal prince wanted to marry a woman who had been divorced?It wasn't just the noble ladies who were surprised—even Eleanor was taken aback. She glanced at Helen, then at Carissa, her brows furrowing.Carissa also looked at Helen with a calm expression. This matter hadn't been settled yet, and no formal proposal had been made. Why did Helen announce it?Besides, didn't Helen despise her? No one had asked, and no rumors had spread. Yet here Helen was, announcing it herself.Had Helen accepted her? But the acceptance was so sudden, leaving people at a loss.Moreover, even if it was to be announced, this wasn't the right moment. Carissa had been criticized for so long, and it was rare for Sebastian to explain in front of the noblewomen why he didn't treat Rebecca. Now,