Wallace was feeling a bit guilty, but Piper was like a big sister to him, and he couldn't bear to let her down.

"I know that."

When the delegation arrived, the royal family threw a grand welcome dinner, with the Queen herself playing host to wash the dust from their travels. As the head of the chess club, Piper was naturally in attendance.

The dinner hadn't officially started yet, but Piper had arrived early to coordinate dinner arrangements with the staff.

Ulysses, the evening's most anticipated guest, was notably absent. Orson's explanation was that he was feeling under the weather.

Ulysses was famously averse to social gatherings.

It was common knowledge in their circles that Piper was somewhat displeased by this.

A dinner attended by the Queen herself, and Ulysses was playing hooky?

At the venue, Brittany and Eltham arrived hand in hand, but Piper whisked Eltham away as soon as they arrived.

Brittany was relieved.

Pregnant and avoiding alcohol, she chose a fruit juice instead, hoping to find a quiet spot to rest. But turning around, she bumped into Orson, spilling her juice all over herself. "Sorry, I didn't mean to. Are you alright?" Brittany apologized immediately.

stained outfit, but upon

"Ms. Russell?"

trembled, disbelief coloring

for years; how could she be standing

my mother?" Brittany realized Orson

Julie Russell?" Orson couldn't believe it. Brittany's resemblance to Julie was uncanny - they could easily be mistaken for

demeanor softened dramatically: "What's your

"Brittany."

Ms. Russell's daughter." Something seemed to

"A bit."

glanced at Brittany's hands - delicate and slender, not

a pity. Julie had been so talented, yet it seemed that talent hadn't been passed down to

the Queen

Someone called Orson away.

gave Brittany one last look: "Ms. Lynette, I'd like to visit Ms. Russell's grave sometime.

"Of course."

left, Brittany found

lively. Eltham and Piper, both dressed elegantly and in

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255