Chapter 301

Eleanor and Jessica's expressions soured. Eleanor, who prided herself on her refined taste, had almost acquired Kyle's orchid painting only to have it destroyed. The ridicule she suffered afterward fueled a grudge against Kyle. Her love for the arts, however, was merely a pretense; she hadn't genuinely appreciated the painting or the painter.

Serena awkwardly found a corner to sit in, unable to speak. She felt indignant. Why should Carissa have such a prominent guild senior as a guest?

Eleanor and Jessica were silent. Their earlier comments about Carissa now seemed ludicrous. The king and prime minister had personally visited—how grand the event must have been! Their own petty mockery seemed shameful.

Reflecting on their slanderous remarks, Serena realized her own complicity in the mean-spirited gossip.

Heather's expression was telling: it shifted from awkwardness to forced laughter to growing unease. Helen, too, was unhappy. She hadn't enjoyed the earlier gossip and was even more displeased now that Carissa had stolen the spotlight. Helen, who had prepared several outfits for the day, had lost all interest.

Many guests grew restless, eager to visit Northwatch Estate. Even without invitations, their husbands were there; surely, they wouldn't be turned away.

Noticing the silence, Natalie exclaimed, "Oh dear, how forgetful of me! I nearly forgot something important."

Everyone looked at her as she slapped her forehead. "When I left Northwatch Estate, Lady Sinclair knew I was coming here and asked me to bring a painting of the snowy mountains for Lady Helen. It's a masterpiece by Mr. Spencer. Before anyone could see it properly, Lady Sinclair said she would put it away to present it to Lady Helen."

Natalie turned to her maid with annoyance. "You know how forgetful I am! Why didn't you remind me? I almost forgot something so important! If Lady Sinclair finds out and blames me, I'll be too embarrassed to see her."

The moment everyone heard it was one of Kyle's masterpieces, all eyes turned eagerly toward the painting. The maid presented it to Gillian, who passed it to Helen.

Helen cradled the scroll, her emotions turbulent. Noticing the envious gazes, she lifted her chin, pride swelling.

Knowing everyone wanted to see it, she said to Gillian, "Unroll it and let the ladies admire Mr. Spencer's masterpiece."

At her command, servants set up a table and carefully unrolled the painting. Everyone crowded forward, eager for a closer look. They wished to burn the image of the snowy mountains into their memories to describe its brilliance later.

It was undoubtedly a work worthy of Kyle's reputation. The painting depicted towering, steep mountains, their trees barren and withered. Most of the range was blanketed in snow, with only a few dips revealing brown rock. The rising sun cast a golden glow over the highest peaks. In this golden light, the snow shimmered, the gold and snow seeming to merge. A single beam of sunlight shone on a tall, ancient tree.

All this was vividly rendered, as if the scene were before their eyes—truly magical. Even someone who didn't understand art would hold their breath. It felt as if they were standing on that snowy mountain, wrapped in the warmth of the golden sunlight.

A painting of snowy mountains evoking warmth—it was no ordinary winter scene. It clearly depicted the sunlight on Golden Mountain. Indeed, closer inspection revealed the title: "Golden Mountain at Sunrise."

"A true masterpiece that will be cherished for generations!" Margaret murmured, awestruck. "Lady Sinclair is so thoughtful, gifting such an extraordinary work to Lady Helen. It truly shows how much she values Her Ladyship."