Florence's cold and hollow gaze was fixated intently on Carissa, who returned her stare.She had seen Florence during her visit to Harmony Palace, where the old woman had worn a stone-blue silk gown. Authority had been etched into every wrinkle of her face, instilling fear in many who crossed her path.However, Florence was dressed in a wrinkled indigo outfit now, and her hair was a mess. Her eyelids sagged and dark spots marred her once-proud visage, revealing the toll of age and hardship. She looked painfully thin, her frailty accentuated by worry and her refusal to eat, making her appear near skeletal.Though Florence seemed indifferent, caught in a state of waiting for death, the truth was that she was anxious—otherwise, she wouldn't have aged so dramatically in such a short time.Matthew had spoken to her, but she hadn't uttered a word, not even sparing a glance in his direction.Now, when facing Carissa, she spoke first, saying, "Don't think you'll hear a single word against
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