Chapter 197
Carisse entered the venue and immediately became the center of attention. Many of the officials' wives had already visited her, but seeing her now in her elegant attire, her beauty seemed even more transcendent 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 enhanced her spring-like beauty, making her stand out among the finely dressed noble ladies.
Jessica, also dressed 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 Carisse's understated grace. Jessica, naturally impulsive, couldn't hide her irritation at Carisse'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."
Carisse 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 so splendidly to honor Her Highness."
"What?" Jessica looked down at her own outfit, which was indeed splendidly matched. But Carisse's implication that her attire was merely a show was hard to swallow. "Are you saying that I'm dressed inappropriately?"
Carisse 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."
Carissa glanced around at the other ladies with a smile and asked, "Don't you agree, ladies?"
No one dared to speak, but some stifled their laughter. They thought Carissa must be unaware of the trouble she was stirring by making Jessica look foolish in front of Eleanor.
Carisse 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. Carisse felt a hint of confusion; Helen's gaze was rather intriguing.
Approaching Eleanor to offer her birthday wishes, Carisse's peripheral vision caught sight of Rebecca, her former mother-in-law. Eleanor had invited Rebecca, and Carisse could almost guess the topics of conversation that had been discussed before her arrival. But why did Helen look sullen after her initial surprise? Was she still upset about something, or had someone offended her?
Seeing that no one was paying Carisse any attention, Jessica 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 Warren 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 Carisse with a gentle smile. "Carissa, 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, Carisse 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.