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At the mention of Sophie, a variety of emotions flickered across. everyone’s faces-some sneering, some dark, some cold, and others. filled with delight.
The only one who seemed genuinely pleased was Leona. She had been seething as she overheard the others’ comments, but, constrained by her status as a junior, she had held her tongue.
Upon hearing that Sophie had arrived, Leona quickly got up to greet her but was restrained by Heather.
Heather had also been present and had remained silent about the gossip concerning Sophie.
Helen’s mind reeled with the news.
Sophie was here too?
She hoped that no one would discover Sophie’s imminent marriage to Rafael, or she would be thoroughly mbarrassed today!
When Sophie entered the venue, she was the center of attention.
Many of the officials wives had already paid her a visit, but seeing er now in her elegant attire, her beauty seemed even more ranscendent and otherworldly.
A hint of pink on her lips added a subtle flush to her already radiant complexion. Her pale cheeks, naturally smooth as silk, were gently highlighted with a touch of eyebrow pencil. A splash of green on her earlobes only enhanced her spring-like beauty, making her stand out among the finely dressed noble ladies present.
Jessica, who had also dressed up for the occasion, wore a gold- threaded pleated skirt, a pale pink silk gown embroidered with peonies, and a red coat adorned with intricate gold and silver threads. Her hair was styled in an elaborate updo, decorated with pearls and gemstones, reflecting the height of luxury and splendor.
Yet, despite her meticulous preparation, Jessica’s grand appearance paled in comparison to Sophie’s understated grace.
Jessica was naturally impulsive, and she couldn’t hide her irritation at Sophie’s refined look.
Smiling coldly, she said, “Today is my mother’s birthday. You come dressed so simply, which clearly shows a lack of respect for her celebration.”
Sophie glanced at her, and replied with a smile, “It doesn’t matter how I dress. Since it’s Her Highness’s birthday banquet, if I were to dress as extravagantly as you, it would only waste your efforts in dressing in such splendid attire on this occasion to honor Her Highness.”
“What?” Jessica looked down at her own outfit, which was indeed splendidly matched. But Sophie’s implication about her attire being merely a show for everyone here was hard to swallow. “Are you saying that I’m dressed inappropriately?”
Sophie scrutinized Jessica again, and said, “If it’s just about. dressing up, being a bit flashy doesn’t matter as long as the intention is sincere.” Sophie glanced around at the other ladies with a smile, and asked, “Don’t you agree, ladies?”
No one dared to speak up, but some stifled their laughter.
They thought Sophie must be unaware of the tro ble she was stirring by making Jessica look foolish in front of Eleanor!
Sophie noticed Dakota, Josephine, and Helen among the guests. Her gaze briefly swept over them, and she saw a flicker of light in Helen’s eyes.
Sophie felt a hint of confusion.
Helen’s gaze was rather intriguing.
Approaching Eleanor to offer her birthday wishes, Sophie’s peripheral vision caught sight of Rebecca, her former mother-in-law. Eleanor had invited Rebecca, and Sophie could almost guess the topics of conversation that had been carried out before her arrival. But why did Helen look sullen after her initial surprise? Was she still upset about something, or had someone offended her here?
Seeing that no one was paying Sophie any attention, Jessical couldn’t help but feel a sense of triumph.
She sneered coldly, “We were just discussing you. Rebecca is truly pitiful-she’s so sick because of you, and you won’t even allow Sebastian to treat her. Though you’ve achieved merit for the court, it doesn’t erase your cruel nature. No wonder you’ve become the abandoned wife of the Jaffe family.”
Jessica was merely the mouthpiece for Eleanor. When Eleanor wanted to voice something but couldn’t due to her esteemed and elder status, she let her daughter speak on her behalf.
Once Jessica finished, Eleanor gave a mild rebuke. “Jessica, be respectful. How can you speak so recklessly?”
She turned to Sophie with a gentle smile. “Sophie, I’ve spoiled her. Don’t take her words to heart.”
The crowd stifled their laughter, clearly enjoying Eleanor’s confirmation of Jessica’s remarks.
However, Sophie was not upset. With a smile, she replied, “Rest -assured, Your Highness, I won’t bother with ignorant remarks.
Sebastian has already clarified that he didn’t treat Rebecca due to her own moral failings. Does Lady Jessica doubt Sebastian’s words? Sebastian is known for his integrity and aloofness. Anyone who questions him might as well forget about ever getting any medicine from the physician’s office.”
Jessica hesitated for a moment before retorting, “When have I ever questioned Sebastian? Don’t make up nonsense. I’ll tear your mouth. apart if you keep calling me ignorant! Who do you think you are?” Jessica was currently seeking Sebastian’s help to improve her health. Since her marriage, she hadn’t become pregnant.
Her husband already had a son from one of his concubines. Meanwhile, there was still no sign of her own legitimate son.
Sebastian had advised her that with six months of treatment, she might finally conceive.
She certainly didn’t want to offend Sebastian at this critical moment.
Sophie’s smile widened, her fan fluttering as she tried to dispel the oppressive atmosphere in the room
“It seems you believe in setting double standards, Lady Jesicca How is it that when I speak the truth, you want to tear my mouth apart, yet it’s perfectly acceptable for you to slander and spread rumors? I trust the grand princess has invited Sebastian today. Should we perhaps ask him to clarify things?”
Sophie cast a meaningful glance at Rebecca. “Rebecca, if you feel wronged, you may address your concns directly with Sebastian.”
Rebecca looked at Sophie with a mixture of resentment and coldness. Sophie was once so submissive and obedient before her, but now, her gaze was filled with indifference.
Rebecca blamed Sophie for everything that had happened. Sophie couldn’t even tolerate one concubine. What kind of virtue could she have as a wife?
Yet, Rebecca remained silent. She knew that if Sebastian was called over, she might find herself cut off from Snowdrop Pills in the future.
Jessica felt cornered. She glared at Sophie, and snarled, “What right does a discarded woman have to act so arrogantly?”
Sophie’s voice was neither too loud nor too soft, just enough for everyone to hear, and it carried a note of intimidation.
“I am not a discarded woman. The divorce was my request-I chose to leave Blake. I don’t care what you say behind my back, but in public, I expect you to be mindful of your words. Even though I’m the only one left of the Duke of Norwatch’s family, I’m not someone you can easily mess with.”
A hush fell over the room. Many of the ladies present were unwilling to be complicit in Eleanor’s machinations. However, they couldn’t say or do anything due to her status. At this moment, they were internally cheering for Sophie.
They had attended many such parties. While they might not know Eleanor’s true nature, they recognized her tendency to form cliques and target those who were not genuinely loyal to her.
Eleanor never confronted people directly. Instead, her daughter, Jessica, and a few others would act as her proxies, often leaving others speechless.
But this time, it seemed they had met their match. Sophie may be an orphan, but she wasn’t one to easily be bullied.
Helen watched Sophie with inexplicable satisfaction. Though she disliked Sophie, she admired the latter’s courage in standing up to Eleanor and Jessica.
“Sophie, you’re quite impressive,” Leona said softly from beside. Sophie, her eyes full of admiration.
Eleanor finally spoke, her tone cold and detached. “Lady Heather, how is your health these days?”
Heather, already on edge, felt her heart leap into her throat as her daughter praised Sophie. She was keenly aware of the potential. consequences, and had no desire to offend Eleanor.