Her Graceful War Song

Trevor's voice trembled, a dull pain creeping into his heart. Though his residence housed two of Kyle's paintings, this was a genuine piece.

How could it be treated so poorly? It was an insult to Kyle and a tragedy for the artwork!

His hands shook as he directed someone to hold one side of the painting while he joined the pieces together. This painting was superior to the ones in his collection because the orchid depicted was in full, vibrant bloom. The orchids on Meadow Ridge were naturally more spectacular than those in a backyard.

Hearing it was an authentic piece by Kyle, Rafael could guess the situation. He remained silent, his gaze sweeping over everyone's faces.

Trevor was on the verge of tears, his lips trembling incessantly. "How could it have been torn? Who tore it? Who did this?"

The ladies watched Eleanor's expression, remaining silent. Helen had intended to speak, but upon seeing Eleanor's cold gaze, swallowed her words.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Forget it. It was better to endure and avoid trouble.

"I presented this painting to Grand Princess Eleanor as a birthday gift. Lady Adelaide claimed it was a forgery, and Lady Jessica tore it in anger. Since Lady Rosalind declared it genuine, Grand Princess Eleanor called for you to verify it, Lord Young," Carissa loudly declared.

Hearing Carissa's words, Rafael realized his guess was correct.

Helen stared at Carissa in disbelief. Did she not realize she had offended Adelaide? This woman was bold, offending not just Eleanor and Jessica, but also stepping on the toes of Adelaide!

Trevor and the gathered nobility and officials were stunned. Tearing a painting based on one person's claim it was a forgery? What if it wasn't?

Now, it was confirmed to be genuine.

Trevor was too angry to speak, but he knew it wasn't his place to express it. His heart ached with regret, an overwhelming regret that pained him deeply.

Kendrick's face darkened upon hearing that his wife had declared the painting a forgery.

Eleanor remained expressionless, silently observing, but her gaze on Carissa was like a poisoned dagger. She hadn't expected Carissa, whose mother had been insulted with the gift of a symbol of chastity, to present her with such a precious gift. Nor had she anticipated that Kyle was Carissa's senior in the same guild.

"Henry, please escort the officials to the main hall for tea. The banquet will commence shortly," she said calmly.

Henry stepped in to defuse the situation, guiding the regretful officials out.

Trevor, still holding the torn painting, slowly handed it back to the steward as he remarked, "If Mr. Spencer knew his treasured work was treated so poorly, he would be heartbroken."

Afterward, he excused himself, claiming he felt unwell. He left for his residence, skipping the banquet entirely.

With the royal chancellor gone, Rosalind and her mother, Juliet Taylor, also took their leave. Juliet had clearly seen Eleanor's intent to target Carissa, and preferred not to stay.

As Juliet and Rosalind departed, Carissa said, "It seems I've caused trouble for you today, Your Highness. Consider this birthday gift null and void. I'll take back the remains of the painting."

She retrieved the torn painting from the steward, her eyes scanning the room, noting the displeased expressions of Dakota and Adelaide.

As for Eleanor, her hands gripped the armrests tightly, veins bulging on her forehead. Renowned for her reputation, she had failed to recognize a genuine work by Kyle today-a most humiliating blunder! Watching Carissa roll up the painting, Eleanor abruptly redirected the people's focus. "Rebecca, Sebastian was here earlier. Why didn't you ask him to treat your illness?"

This shift in attention made everyone look at Rebecca.

Rebecca's heart sank.

This was bad! If Sebastian were called back, his unpredictable temper might lead him to say anything. With so many people present, how would she manage the situation? How would she maintain her reputation afterward?