Her Graceful War Song

Ultimately, Viola didn't leave the banquet before this.

The scrutinizing gazes that fell upon her face made her feel utterly humiliated. Yet, she couldn't bring herself to look away, unwilling to miss even a moment of Carissa's potential embarrassment. Such a grand banquet was bound to have some slip-ups.

The next part of the event was the toasting ceremony. Although the male and female guests were seated separately, the screens dividing them were only a slight barrier.

During the toasts, it was customary for the guests to bow their heads in acknowledgment. As the male guests moved to toast, they said, "Let's go, we'll toast to Lady Helen."

The women paused, putting down their utensils and lifting their fans to cover their faces.

Rafael led a group consisting of Harvey, Jeremiah, and Trevor, and the men approached Helen. They didn't glance at the female guests but walked straight to Helen, stopping a short distance before her and raising their glasses.

"Lady Helen, we wish you a long and healthy life, filled with joy and peace. May you live as long as the mountains."

Originally, Rafael was supposed to drink this toast on behalf of his mother, but Helen, delighted, took the glass herself and said cheerfully, "Good. May everyone live as long as the mountains. Let us enjoy many more years and the blessings of our descendants."

Jeremiah and Trevor, both of advanced age, found this wish suitable for themselves as well. Only Harvey stood awkwardly by.

Jeremiah and Trevor drank as a gesture of respect, and Helen promptly drank from her glass. Harvey quickly finished his drink, and excused himself before departing with them.

The men continued to toast in groups of three. After Helen had drunk several glasses, Carissa stood and said, "I will now toast to the earls and marquises in attendance on behalf of my mother-in-law. Thank you for coming today. If there has been any lack of hospitality, please forgive us."

There were two earls and one marquis in attendance today, and the marquis was the Marquis of Ironridge, Jessica's husband. He had not once glanced at Jessica since entering.

Jessica's eyes burned with anger. If he wasn't interested in looking at her, she had no desire to look at him.

"Well said, Your Grace!" Leopold said with a smile, draining his glass and giving a respectful bow to Carissa. "I have great respect for you."

"Lord Winchester, you flatter me," Carissa replied with a smile.

The two earls also finished their drinks and cast admiring glances at Carissa.

Viola watched the scene unfold, and found it ironic. The toast was meant for Helen, and if anyone should be drinking in her place, it should be Rafael. How did it end up being Carissa?

Viola expected Rafael to be furious, but when she glanced at him, she found him gazing at Carissa with an expression of deep, tender affection.

At that moment, Viola was utterly dumbfounded. She stood frozen in shock.

This kind of look was familiar to her, though it had been a long time. Thomas used to look at her like that, but Barrett never had. His eyes were always calm and distant. Memories of Thomas surged forth like a tidal wave, and the image of Rafael seemed to merge with his.

Viola quickly downed a glass of wine, trying to suppress the swirling thoughts.

What use were memories now that Thomas was gone?Copyright by Nôv/elDrama.Org.

Meanwhile, Serena was sitting beside her. She saw Rafael within her reach, and knew this was her only chance. Jessica would no

longer take her to meet the He.net

Monarch, and after her previous

failure, Jessica hadn't offered a

word of comfort.

Serena had to marry Rafael-she was determined!

Driven by obsession, she ignored the curious stares of those around her. Standing up with her glass, she walked forward, her voice trembling as she said, "I offer this toastto Lady Helen. I wish that..." NovelDrama.Org

Before she could finish her sentence, she staggered and fell toward the Hell Monarch.

Finally, a strong arm reached out to catch her. Her heart leaped with joy, but when she looked up, her face went pale with shock-it was the Marquis of Ironridge, Leopold! Leopold released her as soon as she was steady on her feet, but the room's eyes were already on them. Leopold's face darkened with realization, his expression turning ashen. "You bitch!" Jessica's voice cut through the air as she hurled her glass to the side and stormed forward.

Grabbing Serena by the shoulders, Jessica slapped her hard.

Serena was thrown off balance, crashing to the floor. She covered her face, her eyes brimming with tears, looking around in panic as if caught in a nightmare.

Everyone's gaze was fixed on her, as

it had been before. But this time,

their eyes were filled with mockery It was clear to all what her intentions had been. If there had been any doubt before, it was gone

now Serene was clearly trying to latch onto the Hell Monarch.