Thedies present today all saw how Carissa stole the spotlight. Eve understood that Kyle was protecting her with his reputation.


    though they were envious, they


    With Kyle''s favor, Carissa was bound to be highly regarded by the civil officials. For example, someone like Trevor, who valued art above all else, would likely seek more Interaction with Carissa if he wished to maintain a connection with Kyle.


    As for the king, the prime minister, and the defense minister, their attitudes today showed their high regard for Carissa, and this respect was not solely due to Kyle''s Influence.


    Everyone had to admit that Carissa, once dismissed and devalued, had transformed into a favored figure in the capital.


    After the paintings were purchased, Ryan was brought out to pay his respects to the king and the others. Carissa had deliberately shown Ryan''s face, highlighting him as the future head of the Duke of Northwatch''s household.


    Though small in stature, Ryan stood straight and proud, evoking memories of the young men of the Duke of Northwatch''s family.


    Carissa then led Helen and the otherdies to the side hall for tea. As she listened to their conversations, Carissa found thepliments much more pleasant. asionally, she heard praise that was genuinely ttering.


    However, she could distinguish between true and false ttery. Social niceties required her to reciprocate thepliments, maintaining a wless demeanor that even surpassed that of the most respecteddies of high society.


    Helen observed Carissa for a long time. Somehow, after today, she found Carissa less disagreeable. If Carissa weren''t her future daughter-inw, she felt she might even like her.


    Unfortunately, Carissa was to be her daughter-inw.


    The natural friction between mother-inw and daughter-inw was expected, especially since her son was so outstanding: even thete king had valued him so much. If even noblewomen from prestigious families weren''t worthy of him, Carissa was even more so.


    Helen suddenly snapped back to reality. She had been close to being won over by Carissa''s disy ofpetence.


    Helen should have been angry-today was supposed to be her moment in the spotlight, yet it had turned Into Carissa''s.


    Seeing Carissa''s innocent smile only fueled her frustration. That look in Carissa''s eyes-so enchanting and captivating-made Helen want to gauge them out


    Carissa said sweetly, "Your Grace, please have some coffee."


    Helen''s stern expression abruptly transformed into a smile. "Yes, coffee. Please, everyone, enjoy the coffee."


    Carissa took a sip of her coffee, just enough to mask the smile tugging at her lips. She suddenly found


    12Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Helen rather interesting-Indeed, the older woman was haughty, unreasonable, and fond of showing off, but there was a certain straightforwardness in her demeanor that made her more bearable. Meanwhile, Heather sat there, wooden and silent throughout. She felt anxious, especially in Northwatch Estate, which reminded her of how well her elder sister used to treat her. After Mnie''s death, Heather had treated Carissa so poorly.


    When Carissa had brought Ryan.out earlier, she hadn''t even asked Ryan toe and pay his respects to Heather. Carissa''s gaze was gentle when she looked at Heather, but that gentleness seemed to be reserved for everyone equally.


    It was as if Carissa no longer regarded Heather as her aunt.


    It wasn''t that Heather didn''t want to care for Carissa-it was simply that she couldn''t. Barrett and Aurora were in high demand when they returned, and Harvey''s family had always stayed out of court affairs. Heather had been powerless to act. 1


    And it wasn''t just her-Avis had also been neglectful. She didn''t even return to the capital.


    Regarding the matter of Carissa sending bridal gifts to add to Leona''s trousseau, Heather still felt she hadn''t been in the wrong. On Leona''s joyous day, it seemed inappropriate for a divorced woman to s-it might bring bad luck.


    Who would have thought that Carissa did anything but bring bad luck? She was even fortunate enough to be marrying Rafael soon.


    Heather was puzzled. Why did the child have to hold a grudge against her? She had even brought Leonal to catch up and rify matters! She truly believed that old grievances should have been settled and forgotten.