Carissa smiled. "Exactly. Then, there''s Zoey from the Earl of Silverstone''s family. She can tell right from wrong. She dealt with the situation between Vi and Thomas without showing any favoritism, which is truly rare. In noble families, one person''s honor is everyone''s


    honor, and one person''s downfall drags everyone down. For her to act that way wasmendable.


    "You''re right. I hold the same admiration for the people you do," Violet said, nudging Carissa yfully with her chin. "I wonder what my cousin is discussing with Zoey right now at Silverstone Estate. I bet she''s trying to help her husband win over Oliver."


    -


    Silverstone Estate was certainly lively today. Evelyn, Zoey, Luna, and some elders from the Prince family were all present.


    Molly and Fiona arrived with their maids and servants, bringing with them an impressive array of gifts. The items piled up like a small mountain on the table, clearly showcasing Molly''s generous nature.


    Molly wasn''t particrly skilled at socializing, but she was eager to highlight her status as a princess consort and make Fiona seem inferior. So, every time Fiona spoke, Molly would interrupt, then give gifts to Zoey''s children.


    Zoey''s son and two daughters received a fair share of gifts, but the children of the concubines were given less. Despite being interrupted several times, Fiona remainedposed. She maintained her poise and smiled as she conversed with Evelyn and Luna.


    Sensing that Fiona was the true challenge here, Zoey mentally braced herself against her, choosing not to respond immediately to what she said. Instead, Zoey would deflect with small talk before replying with a word or two. And since Molly was present, Zoey would naturally address her shallow questions first to ensure she remained courteous.


    Fiona suggested they take a stroll around Silverstone Estate, stating that it was the perfect time of the year for orange blossoms to bloom. She could already smell the fragrance wafting in the air.


    Zoey immediately offered to apany her, but Fiona smiled and said, "Ipletely forgot that I sprained my ankle a few days ago, so I can''t walk around the garden. Why don''t you and Lady Molly walk around while I stay here and chat with Madam Evelyn and Madam Luna?"


    Molly didn''t like to be ordered about, but the chance to wander alone with Zoey was too good to pass up. She immediately stood with a smile and said, "Alright. Please lead the way, Madam Zoey."


    Zoey felt a surge of anxiety. None of the others seemed to grasp the depth of Fiona''s cunning. If they slipped up and revealed or said anything they shouldn''t, it would spel trouble. The clever ruse Fiona had pulled left Zoey feelingpletely blindsided.


    On the surface, Zoey maintained herposure as she invited Molly to step outside. She smiled brightly and said, "Orange blossoms are quite difficult to nurture in the capital, but we- Ah!" FindNovel


    Suddenly, Zoey miscalcted her step and stumbled right over the threshold.


    Molly gasped and quickly signaled for help. Jane rushed forward to steady Zoey, who gingerly tiptoed back to the main hall with her maid''s assistance. Zoey''s breath came in sharp gasps as she said, "Oh, I''m so sorry! Please don''t hold it against me, Lady Molly."


    "How could you be so careless?" Evelyn frowned, disapproval clear on her face at her daughter-inw''s clumsiness. Zoey was usually soposed, so how could she trip by just stepping outside? That was a major embarrassment.


    "I was simply overjoyed at Lady


    Molly and Lady Fiona''s presence here today and got carried away. I truly apologize," said Zoey, her voiceced with regret as she slowly took a seat. "Luna, why don''t you apany Lady Molly to the garden?" N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    Luna had just begun to rise when Molly interjected, "There''s no need to go out anymore. You were injured because you indulged me. Let''s just sit here and chat." Zoey apologized again, "I''m sorry to have ruined your mood, Your Grace."


    "Is your foot alright? Should we fetch a physician?" Molly asked in concern.


    "It hurts a little, but I don''t think it''s broken. There''s no need to call for a physician, but thank you for your concern, Your Grace," Zoey replied.