Helen''s words drew scornful nces from everyone present towards Heather.


    Heather felt a mix of grievance and shame. She looked at Carissa, hoping thetter might say something on her behalf. Yet Carissa''s expression remained indifferent, her eyes betraying no emotion. Heather had no choice but to give up.


    However, Heather silently resented Carissa.


    How could she not speak up for her own aunt? How would she face Mnie in the afterlife after acting this way?


    Everyone continued chatting for a while before Eleanor finally returned. After the customary exchanges of greetings, everyone resumed their seats.


    As if the tension between them had never existed, Carissa greeted Eleanor with a respectful nod. Eleanor was even better at masking her feelings, and she gave Carissa a warm, attentive nce. Victoria inquired about Ruth, and Eleanor replied, "Mom''s health has improved somewhat, but she won''t be joining us for the New Year''s Eve celebration tonight. With the cold weather, she needs to avoid. worsening her condition."


    "Of course. I''ll have the royal physician pay extra attention to her. Don''t worry too much," Victoria reassured.


    "Thank you, Your Majesty," Eleanor said.


    As it was nearly time for the feast, the pce servants came to escort them. Everyone stood and followed Victoria to the dining hall.


    In public, the king and queen disyed their harmonious affection, though everyone knew Salvador''s current favorite was a concubine named Sylvia. Tonight, Sylvia could only watch as the king and queen showcased their love.


    Consequently, Sylvia observed how Salvador''s gaze frequently wandered toward Rafael and Carissa. The Hell Monarch and his wife. were indeed affectionate. While seated, Rafael would pick out dishes for his wife and ce the ones she disliked into his own bowl.


    Sylvia noticed Salvador''s gaze towards them was particrlyplex, though it quickly returned to its usual demeanor.


    Recalling the rumors she had heard, Sylvia remembered that Salvador had originally intended to bring Carissa into the pce as a concubine.


    Sylvia''s gaze towards Carissa


    carried a hint of cold, deep-seated jealousy. Fortunately, Carissa was


    already the Hell Monarch''s princess consort. Despite Salvador''s


    admiration for Carissa''s e


    righteousness would prevent him from coveting his brother''s wife.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    his


    She had to admit that the beauty of the once-divorced woman was truly breathtaking. Even though Sylvia was a woman, once one''s eyes were drawn to Carissa, it was hard to look away. If that was the case for women, how could men not be moved?


    It was surprising Rafael was also so easily enchanted by a woman. With his status, he could have married any noblewoman he wished. To choose a woman who was once divorced was trulyughable.


    In her heart, Sylvia held a deep disdain for Carissa, and this disdain extended to Rafael as well.


    -35 BONUS


    Yuvan remained silent throughout, his gaze sweeping over each face, trying to discern the undercurrents beneath their polished exteriors. Eleanor was simrly observant.


    They hadn''t missed Sylvia''s expression, and Eleanor knew that some matters needed to be addressed by the king''s confidante to be truly effective.


    After the dinner, everyone bid their farewells and returned to their respective homes.


    Carissa held Ryan''s hand, and performed a respectful curtsy to Victoria and Kylie. "I will take my leave."


    Salvador''s gaze lingered on her face as he smiled. "Carissa, you should spend more time in the pce to apany the queen dowager. She often thinks of you.


    "Of course, Your Majesty. I''ll keep your words in mind," Carissa replied.


    Salvador gave a slight nod, his gaze still fixed on her, making Carissa hesitate to look up.


    It was Kylie who finally spoke up, "You should head back now. Ryan looks tired."


    "Yes, I will take my leave." Still holding Ryan''s hand, Carissa turned and left.


    Sylvie made a dismissive sound and looked at Salvador, who was still watching Carissa''s retreating figure, his gaze ingering for a long time, There was an emotion in his eyes that she had never seen before-it was the same warmth that had been present when Rafael had tooked at Carissa.


    being infatuated with Carissa''s beaty?