Chapter 449

The atmosphere had become awkward; even Helen, usually slow to pick up on things, noticed. She took the initiative to break the silence.

“Not long ago, Carissa added many rare and beautiful flowers to my collection. Why don’t we go take a look? The bougainvillea on the wall has also bloomed, and it makes for a vibrant display. If we don’t see it now, it will soon wither.”

Carissa chimed in, “That’s right. If you’re not interested in flowers and would rather see the performances, follow me.”

She first helped Helen down from her seat, then gently took Alice’s arm. “Come, let’s go enjoy the flowers. It’s been a while since we last spoke, and I’d like to catch up with you.”

Alice appeared somewhat dazed. She couldn’t understand why Viola had married Barrett, and now, why she was here. The Farrell family had allowed her to return to her natal family, hoping she would find a suitable match—but Barrett was not that match.

Alice felt a deep sense of revulsion. Her son, Thomas, was exceptional. Even if Viola found another suitor who wasn’t as outstanding as Thomas, he shouldn’t be someone of such poor character.

Eleanor was quite displeased with this turn of events. She had been enjoying the sight of Helen’s anger and jealousy. However, with the arrival of the Farrell family, her attempts to provoke Helen using Dakota’s grandchildren seemed to have been in vain.

But Eleanor noticed the jealousy in Helen’s eyes earlier. With a bit of provocation, she was certain Helen would soon start arranging for Rafael to have secondary wives.

+25 BONUC (This appears to be a bonus code or similar and should be removed or contextualized if possible.)

Serena followed Eleanor to view the flowers, anxiously scanning the crowd, wondering when she might catch a glimpse of the Hell Monarch. If she didn’t see him, how could her plan succeed?

Last night, Violet and Carissa had made a bet, and Violet had lost. As a result, Violet had disguised herself as a maid for the day. She had firmly stated she wouldn’t serve anyone but would stand at a distance, observing the guests, especially Eleanor and her companions.

At the moment, nothing seemed amiss, but from the way they exchanged glances and Serena’s restless scanning of the surroundings, Violet suspected they were up to no good.

She summoned Pearl and instructed, “Go and inform Carissa that everything here is currently under control.”

Pearl acknowledged the command and made her way to the theater to relay Violet’s message to Carissa.

Carissa was attending to several elderly ladies, including Mary on her left and Alice on her right. The play being performed was a common choice for birthday banquets. The ladies present, who had likely seen this performance numerous times, were not truly focused on the play. Instead, their gathering was more about socializing and strengthening relationships.

Carissa’s concern for Alice wasn’t solely due to Viola. Rather, it was because Alice was the mother of Thomas, who had originally served under her grandfather before being transferred to her father’s command.

Alice had lost all three of her sons, leaving her with only one illegitimate son and two daughters. Carissa deeply understood the pain of losing loved ones and recognized Alice’s ongoing grief. Alice’s initial decision to let Viola leave showed her kindness, but it also revealed how her gentle nature made her susceptible to personal difficulties.

Chapter 440 425 BONUS (This appears to be a bonus code or similar and should be removed or contextualized if possible.)

So, no one was paying attention to the play, and the ladies were quietly conversing among themselves.

Alice clasped Carissa’s hand tightly, struggling to hold back her tears. She whispered, “Lady Carissa, what kind of person is Mr. Warren? Is he very cruel?”

Carissa replied softly, “Madam Alice, please try to put your mind at ease. Since she’s already left your family, there’s no need to worry about her anymore. Focus on your own health and your daughters.”

Alice’s voice was filled with sorrow. “I know I shouldn’t interfere, but my son was such an upright and noble man. After gaining military honors, Mr. Warren discarded his wife and remarried—he is not a good man. My son cared deeply for Viola. Before he died, he mentioned her in every letter he wrote home. I believe my son would not have wanted her to marry someone like that.”