When Carisse entered the venue, she was the center of attention.


    Many of the officials wives had already paid her a visit, but seeing


    er now in her elegant attire, her beauty seemed even more ranscendent and otherworldly.


    A hint of pink on her lips added a subtle flush to her already radiantplexion. Her pale cheeks, naturally smooth as silk, were gently highlighted with a touch of eyebrow pencil. A ssh of green on her earlobes only enhanced her spring-like beauty, making her stand out among the finely dressed nobledies present.


    Jessica, who had also dressed up for the asion, 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 borate updo, decorated with pearls and gemstones, reflecting the height of luxury and splendor.


    Yet, despite her meticulous preparation, Jessica''s grand appearance paled inparison to Carissa''s understated grace.


    Jessica was naturally impulsive, and she couldn''t hide her irritation at Carissa''s refined look.


    Smiling coldly, she said, "Today is my mother''s birthday. Youe dressed so simply, which clearly shows ack of respect for her celebration."


    Carissa nced at her, and replied with a smile, "It doesn''t matter how I dress. Since it''s Her Highness''s birthday banquet, if I were to dress as extravagantly as you, it would only waste your efforts in dressing in such splendid attire on this asion to honor Her Highness."


    "What?" Jessica looked down at her own outfit, which was indeed splendidly matched. But Carissa''s implication about her attire being


    merely a show for everyone here was hard to swallow. "Are you saying that I''m dressed inappropriately?"


    Carissa scrutinized Jessica again, and said, "If it''s just about. dressing up, being a bit shy doesn''t matter as long as the intention is sincere." Carissa nced around at the otherdies with a smile, and asked, "Don''t you agree,dies?"


    No one dared to speak up, but some stifled theirughter.


    They thought Carissa must be unaware of the tro ble she was stirring by making Jessica look foolish in front of Eleanor!


    Carissa noticed Dakota, Josephine, and Helen among the guests. Her gaze briefly swept over them, and she saw a flicker of light in Helen''s eyes.


    Carissa felt a hint of confusion.This is property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Helen''s gaze was rather intriguing.


    Approaching Eleanor to offer her birthday wishes, Carissa''s peripheral vision caught sight of Reba, her former mother-inw. Eleanor had invited Reba, and Carissa could almost guess the topics of conversation that had been carried out before her arrival. But why did Helen look sullen after her initial surprise? Was she still upset about something, or had someone offended her here?


    Seeing that no one was paying Carissa any attention, Jessical couldn''t help but feel a sense of triumph.


    She sneered coldly, "We were just discussing you. Reba is truly pitiful-she''s so sick because of you, and you won''t even allow Sebastian to treat her. Though you''ve achieved merit for the court, it doesn''t erase your cruel nature. No wonder you''ve be the


    abandoned wife of the Warren family."


    Jessica was merely the mouthpiece for Eleanor. When Eleanor wanted to voice something but couldn''t due to her esteemed and elder status, she let her daughter speak on her behalf.


    Once Jessica finished, Eleanor gave a mild rebuke. "Jessica, be respectful. How can you speak so recklessly?"


    She turned to Carissa with a gentle smile. "Carissa, I''ve spoiled her. Don''t take her words to heart."


    The crowd stifled theirughter, clearly enjoying Eleanor''s confirmation of Jessica''s remarks.


    However, Carissa was not upset. With a smile, she replied, "Rest -assured, Your Highness, I won''t bother with ignorant remarks.


    Sebastian has already rified that he didn''t treat Reba due to her own moral failings. Does Lady Jessica doubt Sebastian''s words? Sebastian is known for his integrity and aloofness. Anyone who questions him might as well forget about ever getting any medicine from the physician''s office."


    Jessica hesitated for a moment before retorting, "When have I ever questioned Sebastian? Don''t make up nonsense. I''ll tear your mouth. apart if you keep calling me ignorant! Who do you think you are?" Jessica was currently seeking Sebastian''s help to improve her health. Since her marriage, she hadn''t be pregnant.


    Her husband already had a son from one of his concubines. Meanwhile, there was still no sign of her own legitimate son.


    Sebastian had advised her that with six months of treatment, she might finally conceive.


    She certainly didn''t want to offend Sebastian at this critical moment.