Chapter 324

Before long, Ryan returned in his new clothes. He had grown taller over the past few months, and the custom-made outfit fit him perfectly. The white silk satin was embroidered with rabbits, and the outfit included a small leather cape with a black exterior and blue lining. The cape's hood, when draped over his back, gave him the appearance of a young hero. His hair was tied up with a blue silk ribbon, making him look both adorable and festive.

“Let me see,” Carissa said, holding his hand and inspecting him from top to bottom. His freshly powdered face was still flushed and warm, but he wore a beaming smile. “Gosh! Is this our boy, Ryan? I almost didn’t recognize you. You look truly wonderful.”

Ryan blushed slightly. “Those are just things you say to little kids, Aunt Carissa. I’m not a little kid anymore.”

“Of course you are,” Carissa said with affection. “In my eyes, you will always be a little kid.”

She hugged him, feeling the warmth of family.

Sally smiled and added, “Lord Ryan, you look so handsome. When you grow up, you’ll surely be a brave and formidable man—a true hero.”

Ryan loved being called a hero and immediately offered Sally a piece of candy he had been saving. “Here’s some candy, Miss. Thank you for all your hard work.”

Sally took the candy with a smile. “Thank you, Lord Ryan. This candy is very sweet.”

Lulu took Ryan’s hand. “Alright, let’s go play. We’ll come back to see your aunt when she’s finished dressing.”

The dowry would be carried out at three in the afternoon, and forty-five minutes later, the bride would depart. So, it was about time to get dressed in the wedding gown and apply makeup.

The wedding would take place at dusk, around five in the evening. Since it was winter, they should reach Hell Monarch Estate by then and begin the ceremony. Although it wasn’t a rushed affair, preparations had to be made early due to the snowy weather.

Perhaps Lily’s prayers had worked, for by noon, the snow had stopped. The sky began to clear, and the bright sunlight reflected off the snow, creating a dazzling sight.

After midday, Carissa was fully dressed in her wedding gown and wore her phoenix crown. The skilled staff at Elegance Atelier had indeed done an excellent job. Carissa’s naturally fair skin had taken on a healthy rosy hue. This vibrant complexion required only minimal makeup.

Her beauty mole was subtly enhanced at the corner of her eye, and a delicate rose was painted at the center of her brow—its petals vivid and full of life. The rose and the beauty mole added a touch of allure to her pure and stunning face. Her naturally slightly upturned eyes already held an air of charm without needing much enhancement.

As Carissa changed into her wedding attire and had her makeup done, the ladies from the Sinclair family gathered to observe. They were in awe of Carissa under the deft hands of Elegance Atelier’s staff, and they couldn’t help but tease and joke.

“To be called the most beautiful woman in the capital is truly not an exaggeration.”

“How can Carissa be so beautiful? When her veil is lifted tonight, her appearance might just steal the Hell Monarch’s heart!”

“Isn’t that the truth? A girl this beautiful—whoever marries her is truly blessed.”

“They’re indeed fortunate. They will surely have a wonderful marriage and lifelong happiness.”

Carissa gazed at her reflection in the mirror and was stunned. She knew she was attractive, but she had never prided herself on her looks. Beauty was merely a superficial attribute—it wasn’t something she had earned through effort, so there was little reason to be proud.

Yet today, seeing herself dressed in a wedding gown and wearing the phoenix crown, she felt as though she didn’t recognize herself.

Was this…the image of a fairy?

How had they managed to transform her into someone both ethereal and enchanting?

Carissa took a deep breath and sighed, “There’s a reason Elegance Atelier charges such a high price. It’s well worth it.”

Sally chuckled softly. “Your words are the greatest praise we could receive.”

The Greek letter ΓΗ at the end of the original text has been removed as it appears to be an error.