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,
Carissa laughed softly, her demeanor unruffled. "I don't find myself embarrassed at all, but don't you feel any shame, Lady Jessica? "You're the daughter of a princess, and you were given a royal education. Yet, you speak such harsh words. You couldn't even recognize my senior's painting, and tore it apart in your ignorance. Such rashness is what will truly invite ridicule. "As for telling me to leave, are you issuing an eviction order? How amusing. Grand Princess Eleanor invited me here with a formal invitation, and I brought a birthday gift. Now, you want to chase me away? Is this how your family treats its guests? Or was there another intention behind that invitation—to humiliate me in front of these ladies? "Did you think that after my separation from Barrett, I would be too ashamed to show my face, and that I would quietly endure your insults?"She paused, her gaze sweeping across the room. "If you expected me to be a laughingstock by inviting me here, you'll be disappo
As Carissa walked away, Rafael followed suit.News of their departure quickly spread from the inner courtyard to the main court. The royal relatives and various civil and military officials present all learned that Rafael was about to marry Carissa.Men and women thought differently.Men valued heritage and purity, but they also placed great importance on benefits.Who was Carissa? Beyond being the daughter of the Duke of Northwatch and backed by her impressive background, she was also an apprentice of the Pathfinders Guild, with Kyle as her senior.The Pathfinders Guild wasn’t just a martial arts faction. Apart from Kyle, it was home to many extraordinary individuals. Currently, the leader of the Pathfinders Guild was Adrian Russell. He was the great-grandson of Blake Russell, who was the former Supreme Cavalry Commander, also known by his other titles of the Exotic Sovereign and the Annara Monarch.Adrian founded the Pathfinders Guild, and his influence extended over all the gu