“Leaving home has only increased your extravagance. You’ve become shamelessly bold. I’m busy preparing for tomorrow’s banquet, so how long do you plan to stay?”

Cecilia glanced at Whitney’s dress as she spoke. The dress seemed to have caught her mother’s attention.

“Is that so? It’s the first time I’ve tried a custom-made dress, and it seems you like it, which makes me happy. I’m just here to take some books from the attic. Could you at least offer me a cup of tea?”

Cecilia finally let her sit at the table. Whitney, seeing her mother’s red hair, thought of the woman in the flyer, Louise Ann.

Everything was suspicious. Whitney wanted to confront her mother immediately but swallowed her urge. She had no conclusive evidence yet.

“……Sit down. What’s that in your hand?”

“I brought a lace handkerchief that’s in fashion these days. I even had the initials embroidered on it.”

As Whitney extended the handkerchief on the table, Cecilia’s eyes twinkled. She examined it with a satisfied look.

“Your taste has improved. It seems your aunt has taught you well.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment. Is the attic still the same?”

“It looks like you came to take your things. Are you planning not to return?”

Cecilia’s sarcastic tone was unchanged. However, due to the presence of her bodyguard and Sonia, she seemed somewhat restrained today. Sonia had informed her that the subsequent banquet was canceled because the invitees didn’t show up. Cancelling was better for her image than holding a banquet with no attendees. Cecilia was quick-witted in such matters.

Whitney sipped her tea and replied.

“Of course not. This is my home. I just came to get a book I remembered and brought a pretty gift. How is Melissa?”

Cecilia’s expression suddenly changed.

“She’s unwell and staying in her room. Take what you need and leave quickly. Don’t forget to return after your debutante ball is over.”

“Of course. I always want to come back here.”

Whitney stood up, told Sonia and Haywin to wait, and went up to the attic. There, she bent down to find a well-hidden book under the bed and opened a hidden door. She took some books and seeds.

Fortunately, she had left Bellonia seeds there.

‘I can plant these elsewhere since the ones at the Duke’s estate will take long to grow.’

Or what if she gave them to Prince Cheston?

Whitney touched her lips, thinking of Cheston’s hasty departure that day. Would he be pleased?

Maybe he’d get angry, thinking she pitied him.

She shook her head vigorously and carefully tucked the seeds into her pocket. Just in case, she covered the financial book of the Duchy with a novel cover to prevent its content from being seen. It was fortunate that the book exchanged with Cheston was useful.

Her face flushed at the thought.

“You! Why are you here?”

“Melissa said she’s unwell, but you look fine.”

“……And what’s with that dress?”

Melissa’s gaze landed on Whitney’s dress. Intrigued by the unfamiliar design, she approached quickly and scrutinized her.

“I got it from a little-known place. It was a gift from the salon where I commissioned my debutante dress.”

“……They gave you a gift? I saw their doors closed.”

“You’ve been there?”

“Why would I go there! I commission my dresses from a famous salon in the capital.”

“Of course, there’s no reason for you to go to such a small salon. Don’t come up to the attic. You might grow fond of it.”

Whitney stood up, dusting off her skirt, and descended from the attic back to the mansion.

The Queen set down her teacup with an intrigued expression. Carl glanced at her, then sneakily peered at the newspaper.

“Hmm. Interesting news lately.”
The newspaper featured a story about Whitney Orleans wearing a new dress, the maker of which was unknown, causing ladies to scurry around the capital’s salons in search. The Queen’s eyes sparkled at this.

“A new fashion trend… and it’s being led by a girl who hasn’t even had her debutante ball yet. Isn’t that interesting?”

“A girl that Mother finds intriguing, I’m curious too.”

“Yes, you might like her too. She could be very useful. She has kind eyes, looks like she would perform her duties as a wife well.”

The Queen clucked her tongue, looking at her son. His transparency and emotional responses made him an easy target for Cheston.

“Just take what’s needed from the duchy and divorce. There’ll be a use for her soon.”

“Do you have a plan?”

“Yes, it’s time to break this absurd cycle.”

The King loved not her but Elenia. It was she who had given him everything, yet he was infatuated with that woman, even creating a succession plan despite having a legitimate son.

So, this vicious circle had to be broken.

‘After taking Livenia for so long, her body must be weakening. Soon, she’ll be finished.’

The Queen felt relieved.

“Don’t do anything rash, don’t upset the King. He’s calculating everything. Your recent actions have just increased our workload.”

“It was just a sparring match.”

“More like a bloodbath, from what I heard. Stay out of the star palace unless you want to increase your mother’s burdens.”

Why She Is Still Unmoved (Female-dominant)

One-line summary: He uses various methods to seek her affection, but she remains unmoved.

Synopsis:

Si Qingyu is a doctor who has saved countless lives and enjoys tranquility.

Luo Shaoxuan is ruthless, deeply scheming, and the top young master in the capital. He admires Si Qingyu.

Luo Shaoxuan: I want to be the only one in your eyes and heart.

Features a cold and calm female lead vs A noble and scheming male lead.

There will be both sweetness and torture towards the male after their marriage.