Chapter 298
When the question of Carissa's absence was raised, everyone realized she was missing. It was undeniably strange. Given her impending marriage into the family, she should have been present at Helen's tea party.
Amid the confusion, Helen coolly remarked, "This tea party isn't an event for just anyone."
Her words clarified the situation—Helen clearly disapproved of her future daughter-in-law. This made sense. Although Carissa came from a distinguished family and had military achievements, she was a divorced woman. Rafael, a prince, was far above her in social standing.
Whispers rippled through the guests. Margaret felt uncomfortable and disapproved of Helen's behavior. Even if Helen disliked Carissa, the marriage was confirmed, and a certain level of decorum should have been maintained.
Margaret glanced at her daughter-in-law, Jessica, who was conversing with Serena. She shook her head. After all these years, how could she not recognize Jessica's scheming? Margaret remembered how Jessica and Eleanor had previously tried to undermine Carissa's reputation with rumors, ultimately suffering the consequences. Given their character, they were unlikely to leave Carissa alone.
Now, with Carissa's wedding to Rafael approaching, Helen had been introduced to a charming girl from the Warren family. The scheme was obvious.
Margaret chose to ignore it, enjoying the tea and pastries instead. Helen had refined taste, and the pastries were particularly delightful. Margaret was simply there to enjoy a good meal. Flatterers were in abundance. Following Helen's remark, many began speaking ill of Carissa. It was unclear whether Eleanor orchestrated this or if someone was deliberately flattering Helen. Though the comments seemed complimentary, the sarcasm was palpable.
They praised Carissa's military achievements while implying she was difficult to manage and control as a future daughter-in-law. They even suggested a strained mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship.
Helen's displeasure was evident. Eleanor likely orchestrated this to sow discord between Helen and Carissa.
Seeing the conversation concluding, Eleanor discreetly signaled Jessica. Jessica smiled, stepped forward, and said, "Aunt Helen, my cousin is about to marry Carissa. Although Carissa holds the position of Deputy Commander of the Mystic Army, it's merely an honorary title. I fear she might not serve my cousin well. I believe this girl, Serena, is quite suitable. With her family 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 Helen disliked Carissa but favored Serena, and that Helen would likely be swayed by their words, especially with so many witnesses present. The acceptance of this proposal seemed almost certain.
Jessica deeply resented Carissa. She couldn't understand how a discarded woman like Carissa could so easily marry Rafael. Jessica planned to use Serena, her former sister-in-law, to humiliate Carissa.
However, Jessica miscalculated. Although Helen disliked Carissa, she had already faced ridicule over Rafael and Carissa's marriage. Introducing Serena as a concubine would make her family a laughingstock. Despite her dislike for Carissa, Helen preferred her to the charming girl from the Warren family. Helen enjoyed praise, but preferred it from outsiders, not schemers after her son.
After Jessica's suggestion, Helen's gaze turned coldly towards Serena. Without responding to 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 paled. All eyes were on her. Humiliated and frozen, she was unsure how to react as Gillian removed the coral bracelet and handed her a handkerchief.
"Be sure to thank Lady Helen," Gillian added coldly.