Chapter 679

Henry emerged from the Harmony Palace dungeon, dragging his feet toward the side hall where Eleanor awaited. After meeting Carissa and learning of their plans, he shared them with Eleanor, which afforded him the opportunity to visit the dungeon. He brought food and clothing for Melanie Lester and even took her for a stroll in the courtyard.

However, informing Eleanor of Carissa's plan meant abandoning Carmen. Henry had no choice but to proceed. Initially forced into the situation, he was now too deeply involved to turn back. The Marquis of Grovehill's family and Eleanor's household were tightly intertwined, leaving Henry no option but to obey Eleanor's orders.

Entering the side hall, Eleanor dismissed her attendants with a wave and said coolly, "Have a seat."

Henry sat. "Thank you, Your Highness."

Eleanor sipped her coffee, silent. Henry remained silent as well.

"You've seen her, so you must feel at ease now," Eleanor said calmly, blowing the froth from her coffee.

"Thank you for the medicine, Your Highness," Henry replied.

Eleanor's gaze turned cold. Though she understood the situation, she couldn't resist exposing the hypocrisy she saw before her.

"What's this? Do you really care about Melanie Lester? Stop pretending. This is just your way of controlling those two."

Henry remained silent. He knew silence was his best defense against Eleanor's sarcasm.

"Make sure to meet with Carissa frequently and obtain more information. Also, tell her about our plans for October fifteenth. It's crucial to understand how their plan will be executed."

"Understood. I'll ask Carmen to arrange another meeting," Henry said.

"Ensure your mother pushes for Lisette and Thomas's marriage. We can't let that drag on."

Henry hesitated. "I don't think Thomas will be interested in Darin. She's merely a performer and will never rise to a higher position. Her actions and demeanor lack the refinement of a lady."

Eleanor sneered, seeing through his petty thoughts. "Florence personally trained her, and she's been confined to the Harmony Palace inner courtyard for so long. Any rebellious habits are long gone. If she can't act properly now, then no one can."

Henry remained silent. He knew he couldn't outwit Eleanor or hide his intentions. All he could do was occasionally speak up for his family. Beyond that, he was powerless.

"How's Celeste doing? Has Caspian shown any interest?" Eleanor asked.

Chapter 679 +25 Bor

Henry placed his hands on his knees and frowned. "They've met twice—once at Lord Snyder's birthday banquet, and again at Cloudveil Lounge. But Caspian paid her no attention."

"How is that possible? Didn't we have her change her appearance? Could Caspian have recognized her as Ruby?"

Eleanor was confident in Celeste's beauty. Caspian wasn't much of a man, having married a merchant's daughter. While his wife still possessed some charm, she was far from the youthful girl she once was.

"It's unlikely he recognized her. She has a new identity and a slightly altered appearance. In fact, she looks even better and more innocent than as Ruby. She's the daughter of a coffee merchant and brews coffee beautifully. Even Lord Snyder praised her. Considering Lord Snyder is Caspian's superior and recommended her highly, Caspian should have paid attention. But at Cloudveil Lounge, he only nodded and left."

"Was his wife with him?" Eleanor asked.

"No, he was there to buy a hairpin for her and only brought a servant."

Eleanor frowned. "Could Celeste have refused to seduce Caspian?"

"No, she's obeying your orders," Henry assured her quickly.

Eleanor's expression darkened. "Then ensure she takes this seriously. Within half a month, she must establish a connection with Caspian. Ideally, she'll enter the Earl of Silverstone's family as a concubine."

"I'll let her know," Henry said, his hands remaining on his knees. "Is there anything else, Your Highness? If not, I'll attend to it."

"The lamps will be lit tonight," Eleanor said casually.

Henry lowered his eyes, suppressing his disgust. "Yes, Your Highness."