Eleanor was left speechless by Margaret''s sharp retort. She was stunned in anger for a long time. Finally, she stood up with a coldugh.


    "You clearly know nothing about art, yet you use this as a pretext to argue. It seems you and I can hardly exchange a single word without shing. I shall take my leave."


    After finishing her sentence, she shot a fierce re at Helen.


    Helen was momentarily stunned-what had she done to offend Eleanor? After all, it was Margaret who had crossed her. Why was Eleanor ring at her?Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Still, Helen had suffered enough under Eleanor''s hand before. Also, given their business dealings, she didn''t want to provoke her further.


    So, she asked, "Your Highness, won''t you stay a bit longer to enjoy the paintings?"


    Eleanor walked over to Helen and leaned in close to whisper, though her tone carried a clear hint of threat, "I do intend to enjoy them. After everyone''s finished, you''ll send the paintings to my residence. I expect them delivered by the end of the day."


    With that, she left with Jessica in tow.


    Seeing this, Serena hurried to follow them out. Some of Eleanor''s close confidantes hesitated for a moment, but eventually rose to bid their farewells as well.


    However, many guests remained-particrly Rosalind, the royal chancellor''s granddaughter. She was utterly captivated by each painting. It was as if she wanted to engrave every line into her memory. There were some who didn''t quite understand the art but chose to stay, not wanting to offend Helen. Reflecting on the earlier confrontations, they found themselves more confused than anything. What they did realize, was that they needed to be cautious of that girl from the Warren family. They didn''t


    want their sons getting involved with her-she was clearly trouble.


    Families with sons nearing marriageable age quickly decided to cross Serena off their list. They would rather their sons remain single than marry a woman like her.


    Helen propped up her chin and admired the paintings for a while, but soon found herself troubled. She wasn''t well-versed in art, but she knew these paintings were valuable. If she sent them to Eleanor''s residence, they would surely never be returned.


    So, should she send them or not? If she didn''t, who knows what kind of trouble Eleanor might stir up? That mother-and-daughter pair was such a headache!


    Not long after, Luke came in to report, "Your Grace,dies, Lady Sinir has sent word that if you are still interested in viewing more paintings, you are wee to visit Northwatch Estate. Lady Sinir and Mr. Spencer will be ready to receive you at any time."


    "Il go!" Rosalind eximed without hesitation, her voice loud and clear. She didn''t care about maintaining herposure or decorum-meeting Kyle was far more important than worrying about appearances. With the king himself at Northwatch Estate and so many others eager to see Kyle in person, the rest of


    12


    the guests quickly agreed to go as well.


    Luke then respectfully bowed, and asked Helen, "Your Grace, should I prepare the carriage?"


    Helen was in a quandary. She wanted to go, but today was supposed to be her day to host. Yet now, it had somehow turned into a gathering at Northwatch Estate. The king and all the civil and military officials had gone, and now thedies were following suit.


    She was vexed, but what could she do? She hadn''t invited Carissa, and yet Carissa had graciously extended an invitation to her instead.


    Since the situation had been pushed to this point, she had no choice but to nod and say, "Prepare the carriage."


    As she climbed into the carriage, leading a grand procession of noblewomen toward Northwatch Estate, a sudden thought struck her.


    Had she fallen into Carissa''s trap? Had she been outmaneuvered?


    Who was hosting an event today, really? Who was the true host today?


    How had everything changed with just a few paintings?


    The more Helen thought about it, the more she felt she had been yed by Carissa. Her anger surged, but now, with all thedies following her lead, it wasn''t as if she could turn back. Wouldn''t that just make her seem petty and narrow-minded?


    No, she had to see this through. And if Carissa dared to show her any disrespect, no matter who was present-the king and all the officials included-Helen was determined to make Carissa pay. Helen''s temper red, unstoppable once it ignited.


    To her surprise, when they arrived at Northwatch Estate, it was Carissa herself who came out to greet them. As Helen stepped out of the carriage, Carissa even extended a hand to help her with a warm smile. "Your Grace, please be careful. Allow me to assist you.


    Helen had expected Carissa to y some sort of trick, but instead, she was met with such hospitality that she found herself momentarily disarmed.


    Still, she reminded herself that she was the elder and held a higher status. Carissa''s deference was only


    proper.


    So, with an air of entitlement, Helen epted Carissa''s assistance. Draped in her rich purple and red robes, paired with a fox-fur cloak, she carried herself with the dignity befitting her rank as she walked into Northwatch Estate.