Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Viola was anxious.

"What I'm saying is the truth. The rumors were mostly unfounded, likely spread by the Hell Monarch's princess consort out of resentment. Moreover, the recent incident of dung being thrown at our residence was also orchestrated by her."

Alice turned abruptly and walked away, her steps unsteady and her face pale. Viola's words had struck her deeply.

After hearing Zoey's remarks, Alice had thought that even if she accepted Viola's marriage to Barrett, the affection she spoke of couldn't be genuine. But now, hearing Viola's words, Alice felt a coldness wash over her.

She could hardly believe that Viola would compare Thomas to someone like Barrett.

She found Opal and gripped her niece-in-law's hand tightly, fearing she might lose control of her emotions and disrupt Helen's birthday banquet.

Opal took her back to the theater area, where Carissa noticed them and asked, "Are you feeling unwell? Perhaps you should go back and rest. The days are long, and you can come back whenever you wish." "Rest assured, Your Grace, it's nothing," Alice said, trying to maintain her composure despite her agitation.

"Shall I accompany you to the sitting hall to rest for a while?" Carissa offered.

"No, please don't trouble yourself, Your Grace," Opal quickly interjected. "The guests are here, and you still have to oversee the event."

Carissa nodded. "Very well. Just enjoy the performance and try not to think about anything else."

Carissa caught sight of Viola standing not far off. When their eyes met, Viola quickly looked away, her expression a complex mix of emotions.

families, she felt it wasn't her place to intervene. She

garden. Given the scale of the banquet and the spacious setting, the separation

everyone was in the garden enjoying the flowers, they were at a considerable distance from each other and did not engage in

about to

others, she noticed Janice heading towards the male

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eye

on

and observed that Janice approached Rafael and

to him. Rafael

then moved towards Helen.

ladies. They were talking, but the

Fortunately, Violet was nearby,

a cold

from them, and despite the noise of the event,

behind Jessica, barely visible. Nonetheless, Carissa could see that Serena

same time, Rafael was striding purposefully towards Helen, as though he had something urgent

As Rafael approached Helen,