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However, she could distinguish between true and false flattery. Social niceties required her to reciprocate the compliments, maintaining a flawless demeanor that even surpassed that of the most respected ladies of high society.
Helen observed Sophie for a long time. Somehow, after today, she found Sophie less disagreeable. If Sophie weren’t her future daughter-in-law, she felt she might even like her.
Unfortunately, Sophie was to be her daughter-in-law.
The natural friction between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law was expected, especially since her son was so outstanding: even the late king had valued him so much. If even noblewomen from prestigious families weren’t worthy of him, Sophie was even more so.
Helen suddenly snapped back to reality. She had been close to being won over by Sophie’s display of competence.
Helen should have been angry-today was supposed to be her moment in the spotlight, yet it had turned Into Sophie’s.
Seeing Sophie’s innocent smile only fueled her frustration. That look in Sophie’s eyes-so enchanting and captivating-made Helen want to gauge them out
Sophie said sweetly, “Your Grace, please have some coffee.”
Helen’s stern expression abruptly transformed into a smile. “Yes, coffee. Please, everyone, enjoy the coffee.”
Sophie took a sip of her coffee, just enough to mask the smile tugging at her lips. She suddenly found
Helen rather interesting-Indeed, the older woman was haughty, unreasonable, and fond of showing off, but there was a certain straightforwardness in her demeanor that made her more bearable. Meanwhile, Heather sat there, wooden and silent throughout. She felt anxious, especially in Northwatch Estate, which reminded her of how well her elder sister used to treat her. After Melanie’s death, Heather had treated Sophie so poorly.
When Sophie had brought Ryan.out earlier, she hadn’t even asked Ryan to come and pay his respects to Heather. Sophie’s gaze was gentle when she looked at Heather, but that gentleness seemed to be reserved for everyone equally.
It was as if Sophie no longer regarded Heather as her aunt.
It wasn’t that Heather didn’t want to care for Sophie-it was simply that she couldn’t. Blake and Freya were in high demand when they returned, and Harvey’s family had always stayed out of court affairs. Heather had been powerless to act. 1
And it wasn’t just her-Avis had also been neglectful. She didn’t even return to the capital.
Regarding the matter of Sophie sending bridal gifts to add to Leona’s trousseau, Heather still felt she hadn’t been in the wrong. On Leona’s joyous day, it seemed inappropriate for a divorced woman to s-it might bring bad luck.
Who would have thought that Sophie did anything but bring bad luck? She was even fortunate enough to be marrying Rafael soon.
Heather was puzzled. Why did the child have to hold a grudge against her? She had even brought Leonal to catch up and clarify matters! She truly believed that old grievances should have been settled and forgotten.
After the art exhibition concluded, the king, accompanied by the high-ranking officials, left in high spirits. The ladies also took their leave.
Given today’s events, the Duke of Northwatch’s household had likely solidified its position in the capital. Even Salvador himself had attended, which was a considerable honor.
As Heather prepared to depart, she felt a pang of dissatisfaction.
Sophie had arranged for a painting to be delivered to Helen, but Heather, her maternal aunt, had received none. The king or officials bought the paintings, and since her husband didn’t attend, it was difficult for a woman like Heather to compete with the men for one
However, whether she bought one or not was one thing. Sophie should have at least given her a painting to show that bygones were bygones.
Yet, until her departure, Sophie had never mentioned it. She only curtsied and said, “Please take care of yourself, Aunt Heather.”
Heather’s smile was strained. “No need to trouble yourself with seeing me off.”
One of the noblewomen, Stella, who was leaving with Heather, was known for her bluntness.
Seeing Heather return empty-handed, Stella asked, “Why didn’t Lady Devin give you a painting, Your Grace? You are her aunt, after all.”
Heather’s expression darkened immediately, and Stella realized her mistake. She quickly nodded respectfully and walked ahead, leaving Heather behind.
In the carriage, Heather gripped her handkerchief tightly, feeling deeply unsettled. She regretted not bringing Leona to Helen’s banquet earlier and then to Northwatch Estate. Had Leona been present, Heather would have certainly received a painting.
Now, Heather had become a laughingstock. Stella had asked the question out loud, but why didn’t the others?
They probably thought that she, as Sophie’s aunt, didn’t handle things well, especially since she didn’t come forward to support Sophie during the divorce.
But who could understand her predicament?
People saw her as a princess consort and assumed her life was splendid, Yet, though Harvey was prince, he was timid and unwilling to offend anyone. That timidity extended to Heather.
Heather had once envied her sister when she was alive Melanie’s family was formidable, with each man standing tall and making a mark on history, leaving a legacy that would benefit future generations. But the brutal end of her sister’s family was unforeseen
Everyone said it was Westhaven’s spies who had killed her sister and her family. What if any of those spies were still alive? What if they targeted Heather and her family because she stepped up to help Sophie?
What, then?
People were inherently selfish. If the situation were reversed and Melanie was in Heather’s position, she would likely have turned a blind eye as well.
The more Heather thought about it, the more aggrieved she felt. Upon returning to her residence, she summoned Leona and cried bitterly while holding her daughter.
Through her sobs, Heather lamented, “How could she treat me so dismissively? I’m her aunt, after all. Would it have been appropriate for me to ask for a painting? She didn’t even mention it or ask about it, and that breaks my heart. I used to care for her when she was little. Back then, she didn’t remember much, but now that she’s grown, she’s forgotten the kindness I showed her.
“If you had been there today, you would have seen how they looked at me-as if I were a joke! My entire life feels like a farce. Even though I’m a princess consort, I’m regarded as less than the family of a fourth-rank official. I can’t afford to live ostentatiously, and even your dowry had only thirty-six items. Your father is cowardly, and it seems that your cousin looks down on me as well.”
Leona had already heard from the maid about the events that led up to this before she entered the room, so she was aware of the situation.
She didn’t sympathize with her mother’s complaints.
With a serious tone, she said, “Mom, when the Duke of Northwatch’s family was in trouble, you chose to stay away. Now that they are prosperous, don’t expect to benefit from their good fortune. Besides, my cousin has never blamed you for not helping her back then. Yet, you criticized her for her misfortune when she sent gifts for my wedding preparations.
“Furthermore, with Aunt Melanie gone, you and Sophie have little connection. She left for Meadow Ridge long ago to train. When she returned and visited, it was only to play with me. You never even hosted her for a meal. What old ties do you even have with her?”
Heather was left speechless by Leona’s words. After a long pause, she tried to deflect some of the blame onto the Avis
“Avis is also Sophie’s aunt, and she was the one who acted as a matchmaker for them. Why hasn’t she come back? It shows that it’s not just me who’s cold-hearted-everyone’s like that!”
Leona sighed. “It’s not like you’re unaware of Aunt Avis’s situation. She’s been ill, and likely couldn’t make the trip. Besides, she doesn’t have control over Prince Yuvan’s estate. It’s managed by his secondary concubine. It’s almost like she’s been kept under house arrest.”
Heather sighed in resignation. “Forget it. I won’t keep up relations with your cousin in the future. You can maintain contact with her if you wish, as we can’t completely sever ties. After all, she is Prince Rafael’s future wife. You may think we’re both princess consorts, but it’s not the same. Your father is ineffectual and cowardly. While Prince Rafael may not hold military authority now, he controls the Mystic Army and the Supreme Court. He does hold real authority.”
Leona was at a loss for words. Could her father really make a difference? During the reign of the previous king, the grace shown to them allowed them to stay in the capital instead of being sent to the provinces. If her father weren’t so ineffectual, they would have been sent to a remote location with no return permitted without an edict.
Heather knew this well, but continued to bring it up.
When a couple didn’t get along well, there was no peace in their home.
Heather spoke of the tea party she had been invited to, and also expressed her grievances. She mentioned how she wanted to stand up for Sophie when everyone was gossiping about her. However, due to Harvey’s temperament, she dared not speak too much for fear of attracting trouble.