جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 200

Lily pursed her lips reluctantly. "This painting is so lifelike. It's as if the orchids are blooming right before our eyes. The orchid branches are strong, and the faint green buds are just beginning to sprout. It seems too perfect to be considered a discarded work. It would be a shame to waste it on Grand Princess Eleanor.""It's fine. Kyle loves painting orchids, so there are plenty of orchid paintings, so many that we don't even have space for them in the study. By the way, make sure to send one to the king as well," Carissa replied.Salvador greatly admired Kyle and had a collection of his calligraphy. However, he did not have any of Kyle's orchid paintings, which were worth a fortune. Since Carissa had them in abundance, presenting Kyle's work to Salvador would be a gesture of goodwill, and it would allow her to manage Rafael's connections.The questions Salvador asked at Serenity Palace had made her a bit uneasy. Thus, using Kyle's painting as a way to gauge the situation seem

Lulu examined the outfit. "Moonlight white is fine. There's a subtle shade of blue that complements your skin tone. What about accessories? Should we add a strand of red coral?""No red," Carissa replied. "Keep it simple, not too grand."She selected a white pearl hairpin and paired it with two moonlight white silk ribbons."That's still quite plain," Lulu observed."Plain or not, we'll know once it's on," Carissa said.She went behind a partition screen to change into the outfit. When she emerged, she had styled her hair into a simple bun, secured with the silk ribbons and adorned with the white pearl pin.She twirled, asking her maids, "How do I look?"The girls were mesmerized. Even without makeup, Carissa resembled an ethereal fairy. The two silk ribbons in her hair added a significant touch of elegance to her moonlight white dress.Lulu quickly turned to Pearl. "Lip balm, earrings, perfumes, and pearl pendants—hurry!""Got it!" Pearl immediately got to work, gathering var

Upon hearing Eleanor mention Carissa, Rebecca's heart was thrown into turmoil. She was unaware of the past between Eleanor and Melanie, and assumed that Carissa's recent achievements had made her valued by the royal family.Did this mean Eleanor was now favoring Carissa? But the gentle expression on Eleanor's face suggested otherwise.At a loss, Rebecca heard Isabella Miller, who was seated nearby, speak up."Your Highness, all this talk of devotion is just for show. After the divorce, Carissa ignored her former mother-in-law's wellbeing. Where is the so-called devotion in that? Anyone can put on a show. Rebecca made such a scene at Northwatch Estate. If she weren't forced into a corner, who would want to be embarrassed like that?" she said.Isabella was the queen's sister-in-law, and her husband held a third-rank official position, making him a key figure in court.As soon as Isabella spoke, others began to murmur in agreement."Isn't it just that she's flaunting her military ac

When Carissa entered the venue, she was the center of attention.Many of the officials' wives had already paid her a visit, but seeing her now in her elegant attire, her beauty seemed even more transcendent and otherworldly.A hint of pink on her lips added a subtle flush to her already radiant complexion. Her pale cheeks, naturally smooth as silk, were gently highlighted with a touch of eyebrow pencil. A splash of green on her earlobes only enhanced her spring-like beauty, making her stand out among the finely dressed noble ladies present.Jessica, who had also dressed up for the occasion, wore a gold-threaded pleated skirt, a pale pink silk gown embroidered with peonies, and a red coat adorned with intricate gold and silver threads. Her hair was styled in an elaborate updo, decorated with pearls and gemstones, reflecting the height of luxury and splendor.Yet, despite her meticulous preparation, Jessica’s grand appearance paled in comparison to Carissa’s understated grace.Jessi

Carissa’s voice softened, losing the earlier sternness and coldness. “Your Highness, I wish you a long life that's as enduring as a mountain.”Eleanor’s gaze slowly shifted away from Carissa’s face, and the rising resentment and thoughts were gradually suppressed. “Thank you, Carissa. Bring the gift forward.”A servant stepped up to receive the scroll. Jessica remarked coldly, “It seems the gift is a painting or calligraphy. I wonder which master’s work it is. I hope it isn’t something casually bought from the street.”Carissa smiled faintly. “Even if it were something casually bought from the street, it is still a token of my sincerity. Just as when my father and brothers sacrificed their lives, Grand Princess Eleanor sent my mother a symbol of chastity. It was also a gesture from your heart, wasn’t it?”No one had known of this particular event, but Carissa’s words sent shockwaves through the room. The crowd's expressions varied, but no one dared to speak out. The thought tha