"Take a team to E Country yourself," Grandpa Luther said, his gaze distant as his eyes narrowed slightly.
His voice was measured, yet carried an undeniable authority.
"Make the Luther Family’s stance clear."
Sinclair paused, his tone noticeably softening.
"As for Camilla, whatever decision she makes, don’t pressure her."
The E Country royal family had few heirs.
If Camilla chose to stay with her relatives in the royal court—or even ascend to the throne—it was entirely possible.
No matter what, she would always remain the madam of the Luther Family, his grandson’s wife.
If push came to shove, they could always have that brat Sinclair marry into her family instead.
But then there was the matter of the child.
At the thought of the baby in Camilla’s womb, Grandpa Luther’s deep-set eyes darkened, a shadow flickering in their depths.
Grandpa still wanted to fight for it.
After all, he was getting old.
Grandpa might not live to see a second child’s birth.
But Sinclair and Camilla were still young.
The old man was clearly asking him to intervene on behalf of Sinclair and his wife.
Uncle Carlos, fully aware of Grandpa Luther’s underlying intentions, nodded with a knowing expression.
In other words, the old man wanted to make it clear to everyone that the young madam had the entire Luther Family standing behind her.
So what if it was the royal family of Country E? Compared to the Luther Family, they were nothing more than a title.
In terms of real power and status in the eyes of others, they weren’t much more formidable than the Luther Family.
"I’ll make the necessary preparations right away," the subordinate said.
Grandpa Luther gave a slight nod, reaching for the teapot to refill his cup.
His gaze grew distant, lost in thought, his expression tinged with complex emotions as he pondered the unfolding events. ——
Nightfall gradually descended. In the most luxurious hotel in Louisville, the grandest—and today, the only—ballroom was alive with activity.
Both sides of the hall were adorned with the finest pink roses, Princess Kiara’s favorite, while an exquisite carpet stretched from the entrance of the ballroom all the way to the hotel’s front doors.
Waiters moved gracefully through the space, arranging trays of rare and expensive fruits.
With about half an hour left before the banquet officially began, the elite of Country E—scions of noble families, young socialites, and rising talents—began arriving in droves.
This was Princess Kiara’s private birthday celebration, attended almost exclusively by the elite of Country E’s high society.
Familiar with one another, the guests immediately fell into conversation upon arrival.
"Such an extravagant affair—only fitting for Princess Kiara’s birthday."
"Well, this is her last royal birthday celebration before her marriage. Naturally, it has to be grand."
"This hotel is owned by the Nolan family.
Seems the princess chose this venue not just for the party, but to make a statement."
"Honestly, who in Country E doesn’t know about the Nolan and the royal family?
Or should I say, the relationship between Princess Kiara and Nolan?
Does she even need to make a statement?"
While some admired the lavish decorations, others were engrossed in the latest gossip.
"Who would’ve guessed Harrison was involved with Gina?"
"With Gina’s temperament, nothing surprises me.
But really, they couldn’t even wait until after a charity gala?"
"Exactly.
After seeing how devoted Harrison was to that Miss Juliet, I thought he’d finally settled down."
The remark drew quiet laughter from the group.
"I wonder if Harrison will show up today."
"Hard to say, but Miss Juliet from the Bernardo family is definitely here."
At that, many turned their eyes toward the entrance.
Juliet glided in, dressed in an apricot-toned, elegantly simple mermaid gown, her makeup understated yet striking.
Upon closer inspection, one could see the sickly pallor of her fair complexion, making her appear exceptionally fragile.
"Word is Miss Juliet’s health had just improved slightly.
This scandal might send her right back to her sickbed."
"Honestly, I feel rather sorry for juliet. "
"Who wouldn’t?
Having your fiancé embroiled in such a disgrace right before the engagement—it’d be hard for anyone to swallow."
Many softened at the sight of Juliet’s delicate, wilting-flower demeanor.
Of course, not everyone was buying it.
"If she’s unwell, she should be resting at home instead of dragging herself here to put on a show.
Fishing for sympathy?"
"Exactly.
Let’s not forget Harrison was snatched by this ’eldest Bernardo daughter’ from her own sister.
She made her bed—now she gets to lie in it."
"I used to despise Queen, but compared to this performance, she’s starting to seem almost tolerable."
"Couldn’t agree more."
The allegedly "less detestable" Queen strode in right behind Juliet.
Her figure-hugging silver gown—strapless and slit to perfection—left little to the imagination.
With her hair sleekly pinned up, every sharp angle of her striking features seemed to glow under the lights.
She commanded attention the moment she entered.
Or more precisely, she commanded the attention of every man in the room.
The man who arrived today was the most outstanding gentleman in all of Louis City—perhaps even across half of E Country.
Most women present could only hope to find their other half among men of his caliber. Noticing how their gazes lingered on Queen, their expressions soured instantly.
"Femme fatale!"
"I take back what I said earlier—Queen is just as insufferable as ever."
"Absolutely!"
Queen swept her eyes across the room, a flicker of disappointment flashing in her gaze before she strode toward the sofa in the corner.
She had never enjoyed parties, much less the prying eyes of these people.
But today was Princess Kiara’s birthday banquet—she had no choice but to attend.
She only hoped it would end soon. Hatred never truly fades—it merely shifts its focus.
The crowd’s attention, once fixed on Queen, was soon drawn to the woman gliding gracefully toward them on long, elegant legs.
She wore a sleek black velvet strapless gown.
Her porcelain skin, bathed in the warm glow of the chandeliers, gleamed like polished jade.
Her chestnut-brown curls were swept into an elegant updo, accentuating the graceful curve of her neck, adorned with a lustrous pearl necklace.
Matching pearl studs glimmered delicately on her earlobes.
Her outfit was the epitome of simplicity, yet Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs NoveI-Fire.ɴet
Camilla’s breathtakingly beautiful face and the aura of cool elegance she carried made her appear extraordinarily refined and graceful.
"Isn’t that woman supposed to be in San Francisco?
How did she get an invitation from Princess Kiara?"
"True, the Luther Family may be powerful, but their influence is limited to San Francisco.
Why would Princess Kiara invite her?"
"Maybe for future collaborations?"
"Who knows? But her luck is just enviable."
"You mean her looks or her husband?"
"Both." ...
Some people are destined to be the center of attention the moment they step into a room.
That couldn’t be more fitting than now.
Nearly all eyes and whispers were fixed on Camilla.
Yet she remained composed, her stunning face betraying no emotion.
Clearly, she couldn’t care less about the murmurs and stares around her.
Meanwhile, in an opulent, high-end suite...
"So this is Camilla?"
Princess Luna stared at the surveillance screen displaying Camilla, her voice icy and devoid of emotion.
"Exactly, this is the woman," she said.
Aiston nodded, picking up the remote to freeze Camilla’s image before zooming in gradually.
The resemblance was uncanny.
Luna studied the enlarged frame, her deep brown eyes darkening with an unreadable shadow.