Chapter 293

+25 BONUS

The slap stunned and disoriented Serena. She covered her face, staring blankly for a moment before bursting into tears.

“You! You hit me? You hit me for that shameless woman?! I’m telling Mom about this!”

She ran off, still covering her face.

Barrett pounded his fist against the study door, his face a mask of anguish. Carissa was unchaste? Quite the opposite. She was pure, as he had never touched her. It was laughable that now, having realized his own feelings, Barrett found he had never truly possessed Carissa. If he had consummated their marriage before going off to war, Carissa would never have so easily asked for a divorce when he married Aurora.

After a while, Rebecca summoned her son. Before he could speak, she said, “I think it’s good that Serena is so determined. I support her wholeheartedly. As long as Grand Princess Eleanor is willing to recommend her to Lady Helen, and she can marry into the Hell Monarch’s household, it will be the best match. I will support her fully.”

Serena, having stopped crying, looked at Barrett with a challenging glare. Barrett shook his head. “It’s impossible. The Hell Monarch won’t be interested in her.”

Rebecca, clearly having considered this carefully, responded, “Don’t be so quick to diminish others to make yourself feel better. If the Hell Monarch can be interested in a discarded woman, why wouldn’t he be interested in the legitimate daughter of the Warren family? I raised your sister personally. Despite her sometimes spoiled demeanor at home, the public sees her as graceful and dignified. Moreover, if she wins Lady Helen’s favor, the Hell Monarch will have to heed his mother’s advice if he wants to remain a good son.”

Seeing the near obsession in his mother’s and sister’s expressions, Barrett remained silent. Whether or not Serena could enter the Hell Monarch’s household was neither good nor bad. At most, if she was deceived by Jessica and learned her lesson, Serena might become more astute and not foolishly seek to marry royalty. Already overwhelmed with his own troubles, Barrett had no desire to deal with their issues.

On the first day of December, Helen, accompanied by Kiera, moved into the Hell Monarch Estate. The quiet estate became lively as she brought everyone from her palace, filling the once tranquil residence with activity. The atmosphere grew vibrant and somewhat noisy.

The first thing Helen did after settling in was to send out numerous invitations. She invited various ladies from inside and outside the palace, along with their children, to a tea party to enjoy the snowfall. She also invited all the concubines of the late king, who had become either noble or honored concubines.

+25 BONUS

Helen had always enjoyed flaunting herself in front of them, and now, living with her son, she was determined to show off again. What was so great about living in the inner palace? Living with her son was a true blessing. Although her status as an honored concubine couldn’t match that of noble concubines like Dakota and Josephine, Helen considered herself fortunate and wanted everyone to see how content she was.

As for the noble ladies and officials’ families, Helen intended to maintain good relations with them. Her departure from the palace was not just to avoid being confined to the inner palace, but also to live a full and happy life. Her happiness involved showing off, which she did in various ways.

She also saw this as an opportunity to put Carissa in her place. The best way to do that was to invite all families of officials of fourth rank and above, intentionally leaving Carissa out. Helen knew her future daughter-in-law was not to be underestimated. Simply keeping her confined by propriety would not be sufficient. Helen wanted Carissa to face a significant setback and become the subject of mockery, so she would think twice before acting out of line in the future.

Helen even explained to Rafael why Carissa was not invited: because their wedding was approaching, the future princess consort of the Hell Monarch shouldn’t attend as a guest at this time.

Rafael agreed, secretly pleased. He understood his mother’s nature all too well. The so-called tea party to enjoy the snowfall was merely a chance for her to flaunt her expensive jewelry and beautiful attire. He imagined such an event would surely make Carissa feel stifled and uncomfortable.