Chapter 404

Helen's words drew scornful glances from everyone present, directed at Heather. Heather felt a mix of grievance and shame. She looked at Carissa, hoping for support, but Carissa's expression remained indifferent, her eyes betraying no emotion. Heather had no choice but to concede. However, she silently resented Carissa. How could she not speak up for her own aunt? How would she face Melanie in the afterlife after acting this way?

Everyone continued chatting for a while before Eleanor finally returned. After the customary greetings, everyone resumed their seats. As if the tension between them had never existed, Carissa greeted Eleanor with a respectful nod. Eleanor, even better at masking her feelings, returned a warm, attentive glance.

Victoria inquired about Ruth, and Eleanor replied, "Mom's health has improved somewhat, but she won't be joining us for the New Year's Eve celebration tonight. With the cold weather, she needs to avoid worsening her condition."

"Of course. I'll have the royal physician pay extra attention to her. Don't worry too much," Victoria reassured her.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Eleanor said.

As it was nearly time for the feast, palace servants arrived to escort them. Everyone stood and followed Victoria to the dining hall.

+25 BONUS

In public, the king and queen displayed harmonious affection, though everyone knew Salvador's current favorite was a concubine named Sylvia. Tonight, Sylvia could only watch as the king and queen showcased their love. She observed Salvador's gaze frequently wandering toward Rafael and Carissa, the Hell Monarch and his wife. Their affection was indeed evident; Rafael would select dishes for his wife, placing those she disliked into his own bowl.

Sylvia noticed Salvador's gaze toward them was particularly complex, though it quickly returned to its usual demeanor. Recalling rumors she'd heard, she remembered that Salvador had originally intended to bring Carissa into the palace as a concubine. Sylvia's gaze toward Carissa carried a hint of cold, deep-seated jealousy. Fortunately, Carissa was already the Hell Monarch's princess consort. Despite Salvador's admiration for Carissa's beauty, his righteousness would prevent him from coveting his brother's wife.

She had to admit that the beauty of the once-divorced woman was breathtaking. Even as a woman, Sylvia found it hard to look away once her eyes were drawn to Carissa. If that was the case for women, how could men not be moved?

It was surprising that Rafael was also so easily enchanted by a woman. With his status, he could have married any noblewoman he wished. To choose a woman who was once divorced was, in Sylvia's view, laughable. In her heart, Sylvia held a deep disdain for both Carissa and Rafael.

-35 BONUS

Yuvan remained silent throughout, his gaze sweeping over each face, trying to discern the undercurrents beneath their polished exteriors. Eleanor was similarly observant. They hadn't missed Sylvia's expression, and Eleanor knew that some matters needed to be addressed by the king's confidante to be truly effective.

After dinner, everyone bid their farewells and returned to their respective homes. Carissa, holding Ryan's hand, performed a respectful curtsy to Victoria and Kylie. "I will take my leave."

Salvador's gaze lingered on her face as he smiled. "Carissa, you should spend more time in the palace to accompany the Queen Dowager. She often thinks of you."

"Of course, Your Majesty. I'll keep your words in mind," Carissa replied.

Salvador gave a slight nod, his gaze still fixed on her, making Carissa hesitate to look up. It was Kylie who finally spoke, "You should head back now. Ryan looks tired."

"Yes, I will take my leave." Still holding Ryan's hand, Carissa turned and left.

Sylvia made a dismissive sound and looked at Salvador, who was still watching Carissa's retreating figure, his gaze lingering for a long time. There was an emotion in his eyes she had never seen before—the same warmth that had been present when Rafael had looked at Carissa. Was he infatuated with Carissa's beauty?

The final sentence ("age after retiring from his fandom and generally kept to me") is unrelated and grammatically incomplete. It needs to be removed or significantly rewritten within the context of a larger narrative.