After the art exhibition concluded, the king, apanied by the high-ranking officials, left in high spirits. Thedies also took their leave.


    Given today''s events, the Duke of Northwatch''s household had likely solidified its position in the capital. Even Salvador himself had attended, which was a considerable honor.


    As Heather prepared to depart, she felt a pang of dissatisfaction.


    Carissa had arranged for a painting to be delivered to Helen, but Heather, her maternal aunt, had received none. The king or officials bought the paintings, and since her husband didn''t attend, it was difficult for a woman like Heather topete with the men for one


    However, whether she bought one or not was one thing. Carissa should have at least given her a painting to show that bygones were bygones.


    Yet, until her departure, Carissa had never mentioned it. She only curtsied and said, "Please take care of yourself, Aunt Heather."


    Heather''s smile was strained. "No need to trouble yourself with seeing me off."


    One of the noblewomen, Ste, who was leaving with Heather, was known for her bluntness.


    Seeing Heather return empty-handed, Ste asked, "Why didn''t Lady Sinir give you a painting, Your Grace? You are her aunt, after all."


    Heather''s expression darkened immediately, and Ste realized her mistake. She quickly nodded respectfully and walked ahead, leaving Heather behind.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    In the carriage, Heather gripped her handkerchief tightly, feeling deeply unsettled. She regretted not bringing Leona to Helen''s banquet earlier and then to Northwatch Estate. Had Leona been present, Heather would have certainly received a painting.


    Now, Heather had be aughingstock. Ste had asked the question out loud, but why didn''t the others?


    They probably thought that she, as Carissa''s aunt, didn''t handle things well, especially since she didn''te forward to support Carissa during the divorce.


    But who could understand her predicament?


    People saw her as a princess consort and assumed her life was splendid, Yet, though Harvey was prince, he was timid and unwilling to offend anyone. That timidity extended to Heather.


    Heather had once envied her sister when she was alive Mnie''s family was formidable, with each man standing tall and making a mark on history, leaving a legacy that would benefit future generations. But the brutal end of her sister''s family was unforeseen


    Everyone said it was Westhaven''s spies who had killed her sister and her family. What if any of those spies were still alive? What if they targeted Heather and her family because she stepped up to help Carissa?


    What, then?


    People were inherently selfish. If the situation were reversed and Mnie was in Heather''s position, she would likely have turned a blind eye as well.


    The more Heather thought about it, the more aggrieved she felt. Upon returning to her residence, she summoned Leona and cried bitterly while holding her daughter.


    Through her sobs, Heathermented, "How could she treat me so dismissively? I''m her aunt, after all. Would it have been appropriate for me to ask for a painting? She didn''t even mention it or ask about it, and that breaks my heart. I used to care for her when she was little. Back then, she didn''t remember much, but now that she''s grown, she''s forgotten the kindness I showed her.


    "If you had been there today, you would have seen how they looked at me-as if I were a joke! My entire life feels like a farce. Even though I''m a princess consort, I''m regarded as less than the family of a fourth-rank official. I can''t afford to live ostentatiously, and even your dowry had only thirty-six items. Your father is cowardly, and it seems that your cousin looks down on me as well."


    Leona had already heard from the maid about the events that led up to this before she entered the room, so she was aware of the situation.


    She didn''t sympathize with her mother''sints.


    With a serious tone, she said, "Mom, when the Duke of Northwatch''s family was in trouble, you chose to stay away. Now that they are prosperous, don''t expect to benefit from their good fortune. Besides, my cousin has never med you for not helping her back then. Yet, you criticized her for her misfortune when she sent gifts for my wedding preparations.


    "Furthermore, with Aunt Mnie gone, you and Cari have little connection. She left for Meadow Ridge long ago to train. When she returned and visited, it was only to y with me. You never even hosted her for a meal. What old ties do you even have with her?"