461.Chapter 461
Sophie’s hand, clutching the curtain, froze abruptly. She looked up at Adeline, her face a mix of shock and fury.
“Keep your malevolent glare to yourself. Don’t stare at me like that,” said Adeline.
Adeline let out a cold, mirthless laugh and began to descend the steps, her tone icy. “You have a chance to marry Caleb today because he’s kind–hearted enough to plead on your behalf. Otherwise, you–a non–virgin hussy–think you have a chance with Caleb? It’s nothing but a pipe dream.”
Sophie gritted her teeth. “He slept with me. Of course, he has to take responsibility.”
“You know full well why Caleb was with you. You schemed your way this far and actually thought you could be his wife? Do you really think the Marquis’s estate is so easy to push around?” Adeline said, her face twisted with disdain.
She turned to the head maid and the coachmen, her impatience evident. “Enough dawdling. Let’s get inside. If you delay the proceedings, both you and this wretch can get out.”
“Alright, Madam Nevill, please wait a moment. We’ll take Sophie to Sir Nevill right away,” the head maid said, signaling the coachmen to hurry. Adeline turned to go inside.
“Wait. Don’t be in such a rush,” Diana’s voice rang out again.
She spoke with a mocking smile. “This is a joyous occasion for both the Duke’s estate and the Marquis’s estate. We’ve come all this way, and you haven’t even invited us in?”
Adeline glanced at Eliza and Diana, her irritation and unwelcoming attitude clear. But Eliza’s current status was too elevated for Adeline to simply shoo her away.
Adeline forced a smile. “The party hall at the Marquis’s estate isn’t very large today. It’s already full of our relatives from both families.”
Her implication was clear. There was no room for them, and she hoped they would take the hint and leave. When she mentioned the relatives, Adeline shot a pointed look at Eliza, her eyes dripping with sarcasm, as if to say, “You used to be part of our family, but you’ve long severed ties. How dare you come to the Marquis’s estate as a guest?” Diana smiled sweetly. “That’s fine. It doesn’t matter if we’re not relatives here. The Baker family has always been on good terms with the Duke’s estate. I grew up with several of the heirs from the Duke’s estate. Since Sophie is like a sister to Benedict and the others, she’s naturally a friend of mine. I came here specially to give Sophie a gift.”
Diana had been recovering at Saint Grace Nunnery, and she never expected so many interesting things to happen in Hasen City recently.
When she heard that Eliza was coming to the Marquis’s estate, Diana didn’t hesitate to get out of bed and pester Eliza to bring her along.
With Tina around, as long as Diana stayed close to Eliza, there shouldn’t be any problems. After a moment of hesitation, Eliza agreed to bring Diana.
After Diana finished speaking, Eliza turned to Adeline, whose face had darkened considerably, and offered her a faint smile. Today, Eliza wasn’t wearing her usual black habit but a pristine white one. Her skin was flawless, and in this white habit, her elegant and refined aura was even more extraordinary.
Moreover, the style of her attire was similar to Sophie’s wedding dress. It was a joyous occasion for the Marquis’s estate, and her choice of clothing was clearly meant to cause embarrassment.
When Adeline saw Eliza for the first time, she almost lost her temper. But no matter how annoyed she was, she couldn’t find a reason to criticize Eliza.
As a nun, Eliza’s clothing was naturally plain, and wearing a white habit wasn’t out of line. Eliza had chosen it on purpose, knowing it would irritate Adeline the moment she saw it.
“Madam Nevill, I apologize for intruding on the Marquis’s estate today. Before I became a nun, Sophie and I were sisters. According to tradition, as an elder sister, I should come to give Sophie a wedding gift. So, I’ve come unannounced,” Eliza said with a gentle smile.
Adeline wanted to retort angrily. ‘You don’t go to the Duke’s estate to give a gift, but you come to my house specifically. Are you here to give a gift or to cause trouble?‘ she thought.
Adeline glared at Eliza warily. “Of course, you’re Successfully unlocked!ne thing clear. Although Caleb is only taking a
concubine today, the Marquis’s estate won’t toate just anyon
bining to cause a disturbance.”
‘If you dare to come here and cause trouble on purpose, then don’t blame us for being impolite, Adeline thought to herself. ‘ Even if you are a Holy Lady, what of it? If you really provoke us, you won’t get off easily.‘
Adeline scrutinized Eliza’s expression carefully. But to her surprise, Eliza’s smile remained unchanged after hoarina ha-
461.Chapter 461
words.
Eliza’s voice was soft and gentle. “Madam Nevill, rest assured. Diana and I are here merely to deliver gifts. If you don’t trust us, you may inspect the gifts first.”
As Eliza spoke, Diana stepped aside, revealing the guards carrying gift boxes behind her. There were two in total,
The boxes were exquisitely crafted and wrapped in silk. It seemed they had indeed prepared the gifts with great care.
Adeline’s expression softened slightly. “If that’s the case, then guests are welcome. Your Grace and Miss Baker, please come in.”
Since they were here to deliver gifts, Adeline was in no hurry to drive them away. The Holy Lady held a prestigious status. Adeline was curious to see what Eliza planned to give Sophie.
Adeline intended to have the gifts brought in and presented in front of everyone. If Eliza’s gifts were meager or poor in quality, everyone would see how stingy the Holy Lady could be. If Eliza’s gifts were decent, it would bring honor to the Marquis’s estate.
The king himself had bestowed the title of Holy Lady upon Eliza. A gift from the Holy Lady would bring blessings to the Marquis’s estate. Adeline would certainly make good use of this opportunity to dispel the bad luck that Sophie had brought in.
Adeline was extremely shrewd and thought her plan was brilliant. However, she would soon come to regret this scheme immensely.
“Gifts?” Sophie, sitting in the carriage, clenched her palm tightly, her eyes flickering with a mix of wariness and panic. She didn’t believe for a moment that Eliza and Diana were here out of kindness to give her gifts.
‘Wait. Could it be that Eliza still harbors feelings for Caleb? Hearing that I’m going to marry Caleb, Eliza regrets it and wants to come here to sabotage my wedding to Caleb? No way. I won’t allow that, she thought, a flash of hatred crossing her eyes.
Sophie had no other choice now. Even if Caleb was a fool, she had to marry him. She wouldn’t let anyone take away her chance.
Sophie lowered her voice and called out, “Annie? Go and send a message to Caleb, telling him to do this at the party.”
