Chapter 221

Watching Eleanor's face shift from green to red, and then from red to white, Helen felt a deep sense of satisfaction. At last, she was seeing Eleanor get a taste of defeat.

Helen didn't fully understand why this matter couldn't be used to accuse Carissa of any crime—after all, an offense of disrespect was no small matter. Regardless, seeing Eleanor suddenly fall silent, it was clear that no punishment for Carissa would be forthcoming.

To truly understand the subtle reasons behind this, Helen would need to consult her sister. But for now, she was content to enjoy the spectacle of Eleanor's irate, multicolored face.

In the end, Eleanor stormed off in anger, having realized during this visit to the palace that Carissa's audacity was backed not only by Rafael, but also by Victoria and Salvador. No wonder she had been so brazen!

After Eleanor left, Salvador sighed and rubbed his temples. “It seems that the matter of the miniature chastity belt sculpture is indeed real. Aunt Eleanor has truly gone too far.”

Victoria's face was clouded with anger. “I even wanted to slap her myself. How arrogant and ignorant! She’s so cruel and selfish—she’s completely disgraced the royal family!”

“Melanie must have been furious at the time,” Salvador said.

Victoria’s eyes reddened. “Yes, but she never complained to me about her grievances. I could have interceded on her behalf.”

“Mother, don’t be too distressed. She’s gone now. We can only hope she finds peace,” Salvador said, his expression darkening as he thought about how Aurora had led to the Duke of Northwatch’s family’s downfall.

With the truth remaining hidden, how could Melanie ever find peace? Yet how could the truth ever be revealed? It would remain muddled, with Westhaven remaining silent and the people of Starhaven being unaware. Derek was right—the Duke of Northwatch’s family had indeed suffered greatly.

+25 BONUS

Salvador had more state affairs to attend to, so he departed soon after, leaving only Victoria and Helen in the hall. Helen was deep in thought. Eleanor had come with such force today, determined to punish Carissa. Helen had thought that, no matter what, Carissa would inevitably face some sort of retribution. Arrogance always comes with a price.

Yet who would have expected that Eleanor, after throwing a fit, would leave without any punishment or reprimand dished out to Carissa? It almost felt like Eleanor had to swallow her anger and walk away empty-handed.

Helen pondered for a while. Some things became clear to her, while others remained elusive.

She asked, “Victoria, why did Eleanor let Carissa off so easily? Given her temperament, with Carissa barging in and insulting her, how could she let this go? I believe Carissa must have had something to back her up, or Eleanor wouldn’t have stormed into the palace so furiously.”

Victoria gave Helen a pointed look. “Can’t you figure it out? Try using your brain a little. If you don’t use it for too long, it’ll start to rot.”

Helen sighed and replied with a hint of childishness, “Victoria, you know I don’t like thinking too much. Even if I make some guesses, I can’t be sure of everything. Besides, I wouldn’t know if I’ve guessed correctly.”

“Put away that cutesy demeanor. You’re going to be someone’s mother-in-law soon, so stop being so pretentious,” Victoria scolded, giving her a stern look. “You’ve guessed correctly—Carissa did indeed barge into Eleanor’s residence and scold her. At first, Eleanor thought Carissa must have some support behind her. But when Salvador asked if Eleanor wanted to punish Carissa for it, she started to catch on. If people connected the punishment to the scandal that was spreading after the birthday banquet, do you think she’d still dare to tell anyone that Carissa stormed in and insulted her?”

“It’s about the miniature chastity belt sculpture, right?” Helen asked.

“That’s one reason. Another is that even if Carissa was punished for directly storming into Eleanor’s residence and scolding her, it would be just a reprimand at most. After all, it’s Carissa’s first offense, and she recently obtained some military achievements. That would have made Eleanor’s authority meaningless. Who would fear her after that? She would be known to be all bark and no bite if that happened. So, do you understand now? Carissa wasn’t acting recklessly; she had gauged Eleanor’s psychology and acted accordingly.”

Helen nodded, and a wave of complex emotion swept over her. “Carissa is quite a formidable opponent.”