Chapter 498

Rebecca observed Carissa, taking in her luxurious and authoritative aura. Carissa was undeniably transformed. Rebecca’s gaze, filled with anger, regret, resentment, and frustration, made her teeth ache. Serena shared these feelings, but hers were laced with even more hatred and jealousy. She had been so close to becoming the Hell Monarch's concubine.

"What bad luck!" Violet muttered coldly.

Carissa briefly glanced at them before returning her attention to the smiling young heir of the Golden Tower. Businesspeople truly had sharp eyes. Even when disheveled, he had recognized her. This wasn't surprising; she and her mother had visited the Golden Tower and met him before. Smiling, Carissa said, "Nathaniel, no formalities are necessary. We'd like to go to the third floor to select some jewelry. Would that be alright?"

"Of course!" Nathaniel replied excitedly. "Please follow me. I'll personally attend to you."

The Golden Tower often hosted distinguished guests—members of the royal family, powerful officials, noble families, and wealthy merchants from the capital. Nathaniel occasionally served them personally, but his enthusiasm toward Carissa was unusual.

As Carissa, Kiera, and Violet ascended the stairs, Serena said, "Some people who used to fawn over my mother now ignore me. It's disappointing."

Kiera, engrossed in the excitement of shopping, noticed only Violet's grip on her wrist loosen. Before Kiera could react, Violet leaped down the stairs.

What was happening?

Violet confronted Serena. "Who are you talking about? Be specific."

Serena, startled by Violet's fierce expression, instinctively stepped back behind Viola. Viola, thoroughly exasperated, thought, Couldn't my sister-in-law just ignore them? Everyone witnessed what happened at Helen's birthday banquet. After acting so shamelessly, Serena should avoid Carissa, shouldn't she? At the very least, she shouldn't provoke them.

Rebecca's face darkened. "Serena, enough. Her status has changed; we can't offend her. Besides, there was no genuine past relationship; it was all for show."

Rebecca bowed to Carissa, who stood halfway up the stairs. "Please forgive her, Your Grace. My daughter is ignorant and still considers you a sister-in-law, hence her inappropriate comments. I beg your pardon."

As Carissa stood on the landing between the second and third floors, guests on both floors looked her way, including some ladies from the birthday banquet.

"Your sister-in-law? She's my sister-in-law! Don't claim kinship!" Kiera reacted, tightening her grip on Carissa's arm and glaring at Serena. "And when did you treat my sister-in-law as your own? The entire capital knows you wanted to be my sister-in-law! How dare you say such things?"

Kiera's sharp words drew laughter, leaving Serena ashen with rage. Trained by the queen dowager, Kiera was poised and lively, yet possessed Helen's sharpness. She rarely used harsh words, but Rebecca and Serena were despicable. How dare they publicly create trouble for her sister-in-law?

Carissa watched Kiera with satisfaction. Initially, she worried Kiera, like Leona, might be similar, but Kiera was a delicate flower with thorns.

Ignoring Rebecca and Serena, Carissa said to Kiera, "Let's go. I brought Mystic Pearls and want to commission a pearl and gem-inlaid tiara for you. Can the shop accommodate us, Nathaniel?"

"Of course!" Nathaniel nodded eagerly. "Anything you desire, Your Grace, the Golden Tower is at your service."

Carissa playfully tapped Kiera's nose. "Let's pick out jewelry. Consider it a gift from your sister-in-law."

They linked arms and ascended. Violet gave Serena and Rebecca a cold glare before following. Serena, seething with jealousy, was on the verge of losing control.