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Margaret chose to ignore it, focusing instead on enjoying the tea and pastries. Helen had a refined taste in food, and the pastries were particularly delightful. Margaret was simply there to enjoy a good meal. The flatterers were out in full force. Hearing Helen’s remark, many began to speak ill of Sophie. It was unclear whether Eleanor had intentionally arranged it or if someone was deliberately flattering Helen. Though the comments seemed complimentary, the undercurrent of sarcasm was evident.
On the surface, they praised Sophie’s military achievements but implied that she was difficult to manage and would be hard to control as a future daughter-in-law. They suggested that even the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law might become strained.
Helen’s displeasure was apparent. It was likely that Eleanor had orchestrated this, aiming to sow discord between Helen and Sophie.
Seeing that the conversation was reaching its conclusion, Eleanor gave Jessica a discreet signal. Jessica smiled, then stepped forward and said, “Aunt Helen, my cousin is about to marry Sophie. Although Sophie holds the position of deputy commander of the Mystic Army, it’s only an honorary title. I’m afraid she might not serve my cousin well. I think this girl, Serena, is quite suitable. With her family’s
–
background, having her as a second wife for my cousin would be a good match.”
Jessica and Eleanor were adept at manipulating Helen. They knew that Helen, who clearly disliked Sophie but was pleased with Serena, would likely be influenced by their words, especially in front of so many witnesses was almost certain that this proposal would be accepted.
Jessica harbored deep resentment towards Sophie. She had endured Sophie being talked about for so long Sophie was just a discarded woman-how could she so easily marry Rafael?
Jessica would ensure to disgust Sophie somehow using Serena, her former sister-in-law!
However, Jessica had miscalculated this time
Although Helen disliked Canssa, she had already faced ridicule for Rafael and Sophie’s marriage. If Serena was brought in as a concubine, her family would become a complete joke!
Furthermore, despite Helen’s dislike for Sophie, she still preferred Sophie over this sweet-talking girl from the Jaffe family. Helen enjoyed praise, but she preferred it from outsiders rather than from schemers who were after her son.
After Jessica’s suggestion, Helen’s gaze shifted coldly towards Serena.
Without answering Jessica, Helen said to Gillian, “Why did you give this girl my coral bracelet? That was a birthday gift from Rafael. Haven’t you embroidered many handkerchiefs recently? Give her one of those Instead.”
Serena’s face turned ashen. All eyes in the room were on her. She felt humiliated and stood frozen, unsure how to react, as Gillian removed the coral bracelet from her wrist and handed her a handkerchief instead.
“Be sure to thank Lady Helen,” Gillian added coldly.
With a tearful expression, Serena bowed deeply to thank Helen. She then cast a desperate look towards Jessica.
Jessica’s face darkened.
What foolish woman doing today? She had directly embarrassed her!
this
The onlookers suppressed their laughter. Helen was easily flattered-a few compliments could make her open her heart. It was easy to please her or to deceive her out of money, but she took great pride in her son.
Anyone who aimed for Rafael was crossing a line that could not be tolerated.
Jessica was seething with anger, but had no choice but to maintain silence with a stiff expression.
However Eleanor simply smiled and took a slow sip of her tea.
She said, “It was merely a jest. Why would anyone take it seriously? Rafael’s princess consort hasn’t even married into the family yet, so what talk of a second wife? Jessica, you were too kind-hearted. That girl from the Jaffe family shed a few tears and you pitied her, so you spoke up for her before Helen. And Helen, how can you make decisions for Rafael? Forget about a second wife-even taking a concubine requires his consent. Without it, nothing can be done.”
The few concubines present chuckled quietly, their eyes filled with scorn as they looked at Helen. Helen was furious but at a loss for words, especially when faced with Eleanor, who was speaking the truth. She had no way to counter her.
As Helen’s face reddened, Eleanor took another sip of her tea and continued casually, “I’ve never been one to interfere in other people’s family matters, but Rafael is my nephew. After his great service to the country, why should he be forced to marry Sophie when there are so many noble young women in the capital? If you had invited Sophie today, I wouldn’t have come. A woman like her, who can’t even tolerate a husband taking a concubine, is too narrow-minded for my taste.”
Eleanor lifted her gaze to scan the other noble ladies present. “Remember my words. Some people are worth associating with, while others should be avoided to prevent catching their petty airs and ending up with a reputation for jealousy.”
Eleanor was openly exposing her discord with Sophie.
Many of the noble ladies present had close ties with Eleanor. This was due to her previous hospitality, as she often hosted gatherings and occasionally provided them with benefits. Not to mention, her connections through her makeup shop and jewelry store ensured that the latest fashions were always available to them first.
Over time, these relationships had naturally grown strong.
Furthermore, many of the alliances and marriages within the official families were orchestrated by Eleanor, which only increased her circle of supporters.
Eleanor’s gaze turned cold as she seized the opportunity, knowing that Sophie’s absence was a chance to further slander her.
She continued, “This time, Helen didn’t invite her. Rafael should have, but he didn’t. Clearly, the future princess consort of the Hell Monarch is not as well-regarded as one might expect. There might be more to this marriage than meets the eye.”
Jessica laughed lightly. “What other secrets could there be? Isn’t it just like Blake and Freya? I’m sure she gave herself to him on the battlefield, then naturally compelled Rafael to marry her.”
This statement shocked everyone.
“Oh my, could that really be the case?”
“It’s hard to say. Otherwise, why would the Hell Monarch marry her?”
“That makes sense. With so many noble ladies available, why choose someone…with such a dubious background?”
Whispers and malicious speculations spread through the room.
Heather lowered her head and remained silent.
I must be mea
On the other hand, Margaret interjected sternly, “When making statements, and provide evidence. If you have no proof and only speculate, it is best not to voice such opinions. lead to misunderstandings and harm General Devin’s reputation.”
Margaret, being Jessica’s mother-in-law, carried significant weight in her rebuke. This caused the others. to hush and stop their discussions.
Jessica didn’t dare to offend her mother-in-law, so she glanced at Eleanor.
Eleanor set her tea cup down with a dismissive smile..
“Well, what’s true will not change, and what’s false can’t be made true.”
Eleanor’s casual remark undoubtedly confirmed Jessica’s claims.
“It’s no wonder Lady Helen dislikes Sophie-she must have used such underhanded tactics.”
“It’s shocking to think that someone of the duke’s direct lineage would resort to such a despicable method.”
“Lady Heather, now I understand why you’ve kept your distance. It turns out there’s a reason for it.”
Heather held her cup of tea; she looked as though she wanted to speak, but caught Eleanor’s icy gaze. She managed a bitter smile, took a sip of her tea, and remained silent.