Chapter 23

Night fell over the Harrington manor.

In the great dining hall, a vast table was crowded with dishes that made the mouth water.

Foie gras, caviar, black truffles, deep-sea tuna, king crab, Southern Isles lobster, prized highland beef...

The finest delicacies from every corner of the world covered the table, their aromas curling through the air. The meal was worth more than an ordinary family earned in a year.

Eleanor had spent the whole day leading Hannah around the island, and Hannah had been astonished a hundred times over. After seeing the Harringtons' extravagance, nothing surprised her anymore.

No wonder people say the happiness of the rich is beyond imagination. If you're not happy, you simply aren't rich enough!

Eleanor had also told her the truth about her sister, Rosalind.

Rosalind was not Edmund and Eleanor's blood child.

After Hannah was stolen, Eleanor wept day after day. She lost her appetite, her mind frayed, and eventually she fell into a very serious sickness of the spirit.

Edmund couldn't bear to watch his beloved wife suffer, and he was helpless to ease it.

So he adopted a child and placed her in Eleanor's care, hoping it might help her find her feet again.

That child was Rosalind.

From the day Rosalind came to her, Eleanor slowly forgot the pain of her loss and stopped drowning in grief. Little by little, her mind healed.

Thanks to Edmund and Eleanor's devoted care, Rosalind grew into a graceful, charming young woman. Through her own effort, she also became remarkably accomplished.

She was only one year older than Hannah, yet she was already studying for a doctorate in finance at Aldenmoor University, in the kingdom of Valmere, one of the finest universities in the world.

In all of Eldermere, talent like hers was extremely rare. With such a shining record, she had become Edmund's pride among his peers.

So Rosalind, though adopted, was treated like a true daughter. Perhaps, in their hearts, she mattered even more than their own flesh and blood.

Edmund sat at the head of the table as if on a throne, radiating authority.

Hannah and Eleanor sat on either side of him, with Sebastian beside Eleanor. More than twenty servants stood behind the four of them, ready to obey any command.

Edmund, Hannah and Eleanor chatted easily, asking about each other's day. The mood was warm and harmonious.

Then Sebastian, who had been quiet all along, turned to Eleanor.

"Mother, Rosie called me this afternoon, in a free moment between classes. She says she has finished her doctorate ahead of schedule. She'll be home by the end of this month."

Eleanor's attention snapped to him. "Sebastian, is that true? She finished so quickly?"

He nodded, and shot Hannah a quick, disdainful glance before answering. "Of course it's true, Mother. All these years in Valmere, she has worked toward this day. When she returns, we must celebrate properly."

Edmund couldn't help praising her. "We certainly will. Even I would have struggled to do what she's done at her age. She's truly worthy of being my daughter."

His voice brimmed with pride.

Hannah lowered her head and silently ate the beef on her plate.

My sister, with no blood tie to me, is a twenty-seven-year-old doctor of finance who studied abroad. That is truly impressive...

Setting aside that she wasn't born a Harrington, Rosalind's life was the envy of everyone her age.

"So many dishes, and Rosie loves every one. I wish she were home to share them."

A trace of regret crossed Sebastian's cool face. "I wonder if she's eating well, if she's coping alone in Valmere... Mother, the Harvest Moon Festival is in a few days. Would you like to go and visit her?"

"Yes..."

The word slipped out before Eleanor could think. She hadn't seen Rosalind in a full six months, and she missed her dearly. Rosalind was the child she had raised herself and cherished since girlhood.

But the instant she said it, she remembered Hannah, and her face turned awkward.

"Never mind. Hannah has only just come home. She may not be settled yet. I'll stay with Hannah instead..."

Sebastian glanced at Hannah, a dark light in his eyes. Then he composed himself and urged his mother.

"Mother, Father has already hired etiquette tutors for her. She doesn't need you to keep her company. If anything, your presence at home might distract her studies. And Rosie hasn't seen you in so long. She told me today how much she misses you."

"Well..."

Eleanor thought his words made some sense. She looked at Hannah and saw that her expression was calm, with no sign of displeasure.

Hannah smiled and eased her mind, as understanding as could be.

"Mom, if you want to see my sister, then go. Sebastian is right. I've just come home and I have much to learn. You needn't stay with me. Go without worry."

She knew very well how much Eleanor valued Rosalind. Her feelings for her adopted daughter might even run deeper than for her own. When Eleanor had been ill, it was Rosalind who stayed by her side. How could a daughter who had been home less than a day compare?

"I don't know... You've only just come home, and there are so many places you don't know yet..."

Eleanor still worried that Hannah wouldn't adjust. Seeing this, Sebastian went on.

"Mother, Father and I are going to Valmere in a few days on business. I've told Father I'll try to see Rosie in my free time. If you come too, wouldn't it be lovely for our family to spend the Harvest Moon Festival at Rosie's place?"

Edmund agreed. "Hannah should stay home and study. There's no use in you hovering over her. You may as well go to Rosalind and help us prepare for the festival."