Carissa pinched his cheek yfully. "If you stop scowling in front of her, she won''t think you''re going to lecture her."


    Rafael caught her hand and, with a yful peck on her lips, replied with a smile, "I can''t help it—it''s just my natural aura."


    "You often smile when you''re with me, don''t you? You should smile more at her too."


    Rafael nodded. "Alright, I''ll do as you say."


    Carissa went out to give instructions, telling the servants not to bring food to Helen''s room. Instead, Carissa would personally invite her to the dining hall.


    Helen was a bit fidgety, and asked several times how Rafael was feeling today.


    Carissa reassured, "He''s in a good mood."


    Relieved, Helen followed Carissa to the dining hall. Rafael was already seated and, upon seeing her, stood up and greeted her. "Mom, you''re here."


    His tall, upright figure,bined with his habitual calm demeanor, conveyed the imposing presence of a seasoned general.


    Then, in a show of obedience to his wife''s advice, Rafael slowly smiled at Helen.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Helen was taken aback.


    In her mind, she recalled the signs before thete emperor''s outbursts-he would also slowly show a smile or a cold grin before erupting into fierce anger. Rafael increasingly resembled his father in this regard.


    However, Helen nodded and said, "Sit down."


    She settled into her seat with a steady calmness. With Carissa around, she felt assured that Rafael wouldn''t exhibit any signs of anger like his father.


    A short whileter, Kiera and Ryan arrived and took their seats.


    The meal proceeded in silence, with no exchange of words or nces between mother and son.


    However, Carissa served Helen her favorite dishes, showing how attentive she was to Helen''s preferences.


    Thinking of this made Helen''s mood significantly brighten. She even enjoyed an extra bowl of soup.


    After the meal, as coffee was served and the servants cleared the dishes, Helen suddenly felt a wave of emotion and was on the verge of tears.


    She wasn''t sure why, but she felt a mix of bittersweet happiness.


    Wasn''t this what she had hoped for all along? Her children were by her side, quietly enjoying a meal together. There were noints from her son, no scolding, no reprimands, and no signs of impatience or resistance.


    As they drank their coffee, they chatted about the current happenings. One of the matters that came up was what happened to Mary, the matriarch of the Marquis of Jadehill''s family.


    Luke said, "The rumors outside have


    not ceased. In fact, the outcry against Aurora is growing louder. I''ve heard that General Warren took her to Jadehill Estate to apologize, but the current marquis refused to see them. After hearing that, Aurora in a fit of anger."


    ended up running awa at Aurora


    There were no longer any reservations about discussing the Warren family''s matters in the estate, as everyone knew that Carissa didn''t mind it.


    Luke continued, "It is said that Madam yton is also dissatisfied with the Marquis of Jadehill''s actions. She didn''t take Aurora''s words to heart. Madam yton said since the deed was done, let people talk as they please. She isn''t bothered by it."


    Carissa was reflecting on Mary''s


    noble demeanor when Helen furrowed her brows and interjected, "How can she not care? If someone dared to speak about me like that, I would


    up. Madam yton is simply too easy to bully. If she is so easily bullied, what about her


    Madaly have them beaten


    descendants?"


    Rafael replied, "Madam yton has lived to such an old age. She has probably heard and seen all kinds of things. She is a kind-hearted person, and she likely doesn''t take such insults to heart." "That''s not eptable!" Helen retorted. "Madam yton clearly did a good deed, but is being called an old beggar. She is a nobledy with a title, and Aurora is nothing inparison."


    Realizing she had used harshnguage, Helen awkwardly added, "Suchck of propriety. I don''t know how that youngdy from the Prince family manages that household."


    Luke chuckled and said, "You may not know, but their household is in chaos. Madam Vi does want to manage the household. Unfortunately, Madam Aurora is also a rightful wife, and is difficult to manage.


    "Since she is also General Warren''s


    rightful wife, she is harder to


    discipline than a concubine. Moreover, Madam Aurora knows


    martial arts, so Madam Vi''s ne


    attempts to impose rules have been unsessful. I''ve heard that the two maids she brought with her were beaten by Madam Aurora.


    "General Warrenes home every day to handle these domestic troubles. With his time and energy spent in that manner, how can he focus on his official duties?"