Veronica remained still, her fists tight with simmering anger. “They’ve finally taken action against our children.” “Yes, just as we thought.” Matthew remained composed. “Let’s go.”
They did not say much to each other, yet it was as if an unspoken understanding existed between them to leave the topic untouched.
Entering the palace, Zac, Veronica, and Matthew reported their identities and were guided by the servants to a side hall on the palace’s east wing. Xavier, Hendrey, and Tiffany were already present there, waiting. Everything went as the couple had expected.
“Master, you finally came. I’ve been waiting for you.” In a red dress, Eleanor hurriedly greeted Matthew upon his arrival. Her long hair cascaded down, and she had a silver crown on her head, like a wreath of flowers. The silver tassels on her crown jingled like charming silver bells as she approached.
In the central area of the side hall, there were rows of chairs on both sides, each with a small table in the center holding an assortment of desserts, fruits, and beverages.
“Princess Eleanor.” Matthew nodded slightly toward her while deftly avoiding her extended hand, Observing this, Veronica arched an eyebrow and smiled faintly.
“Hahaha, I’ve mentioned it multiple times. Just call me Eleanor. You’re my master. There’s no need for the formalities.”
Despite his rejection, Eleanor displayed no sign of disappointment. Instead, she reached out and held Veronica’s arm in a friendly manner. “I haven’t seen you in a while either. I’ve missed you. I’ve reserved a spot for both you and my master. Come, sit next to me.”
Veronica was taken aback and glanced at Matthew as if conveying through her eyes, Thanks to you, I’m getting some advantages here.
“Thanks for your concern, Princess Eleanor,” she replied. Sitting beside them, Tiffany glanced at Veronica and sarcastically remarked, “You sure are amazing. Since when you and Princess Eleanor became such close pals?”
Her resentment toward Veronica had intensified as she recalled the embarrassment of their previous gathering. A sense of unease crept over her at the sight of Veronica getting friendly with Eleanor.
Tiffany used to shine the brightest, but everything slipped away from her ever since Veronica came into the picture. The only thing that could ease this resentment was Veronica’s death.
“Why does it concern you who I’m close to?” Eleanor did not hide her displeasure from Tiffany. Being scolded publicly, Tiffany felt angered but chose to hold her tongue. She lowered her head and remained silent.
Sitting in the main seat above, Dominik scolded Eleanor, “Eleanor, everyone here is a guest. Be respectful.”
She stood between Veronica and Matthew, holding onto Veronica’s arm with one hand and gripping Matthew’s wrist with the other. Although Matthew struggled, Eleanor seemed calm and composed outwardly.
“I understand.” She even casually replied to Dominik while subtly engaging in a silent competition with Matthew by firmly clasping his hand. As she was exerting pressure with her left hand, her right hand involuntarily tightened while gripping Veronica’s wrist.
Veronica sensed something amiss and glanced at Eleanor. Observing her grip on Matthew’s wrist and the smile toward him, Veronica swiftly grasped the situation.
Eleanor led the couple to the center of the grand hall, where she settled beside Dominik, with Matthew taking the seat on her right, followed by Veronica. Hendrey and Tiffany sat next to Veronica. Across from them sat Zac, Xavier, Antheena, and Troy.
“Princess Eleanor, why did you gather us here today?” Zac leaned on his chair’s armrest as he asked directly.
