The ducal house was busy from the morning, as if they had been looking forward to today, conducting unusual affairs with increased manpower.

Expensive and glittering items filled the ducal ballroom. Artworks purchased at auctions and jewels commissioned from renowned craftsmen ostentatiously displayed the ducal family’s luxury.

“You’ve put in quite the effort.”

Champagne glasses neatly filled the tables caught the eye.

Gold dust lined the rim of the glasses, and fine crystals were sprinkled on the outside. The otherwise ordinary champagne glasses looked glamorous when filled with money.

It looked just like Callis.

Chloe meticulously aligned some misaligned items, including the glass she had just put down.

After checking the tableware and plates on the other tables one by one, Chloe gave a positive sign.

“Yes, this should be sufficient.”

With a final command to proceed as planned with other matters, the interim check was over.

“You’ve done well. I’ve arranged for maids to wait in the powder room, so madam should prepare now.”

“Very well.”

Chloe also had to prepare for the upcoming party.

Inside the powder room, Helena was sitting. She had been excited about being the protagonist since the morning breeze and had a decorated demeanor.

Her neglected hair, weathered over time due to poor care, was tied back and hidden inside a densely jeweled hairnet. This made her small and lovely face stand out, enhancing Helena’s beauty.

“……Ah, hello.”

Helena nodded towards the person who was indifferently looking at her. Whether the flush on her cheeks was from makeup or a momentary change in her face was unknown.

What was certain was that her appearance was adorable enough to captivate anyone, regardless of their gender.

Enough to instantly justify why Callis couldn’t forget Helena for so many years.

“You look well.”

Chloe sat a seat away, responding with an indifferent voice.

“I….”

Helena attempted to engage in conversation even though she deliberately sat apart.

Chloe chose not to respond. She simply looked straight ahead, making eye contact with the other person in the mirror.

“Thank you….”

Helena, who would normally be furious for being ignored, was unusually calm this time. Moreover, what came out of her pouting lips was an unexpected thank-you.

The maids and servants around were surprised by her unusual demeanor.

Chloe was the most unfazed among them.

“What for?”

Chloe asked, as if mocking.

What was Helena thankful for?

For her foolish marriage to Callis? For stupidly falling in love with him? For remaining devoted and trusting her husband despite “that incident”?

Or for not driving Helena away when the Duke arbitrarily brought her on their wedding anniversary?

Perhaps she was grateful for Chloe’s past weakness and foolishness.

“……For accepting me.”

“I had no intention of accepting you, so there’s no need for gratitude.”

“Also… they said you put effort into this party for me….”

Despite Chloe’s curt responses, did Helena not understand the intention?

Annoyed with her pretense, Chloe abruptly stood up.

“I’ll go to my room. I’ll prepare there.”

The maids hurriedly obeying her strong decision had no choice but to follow.

As they hastily gathered their makeup tools, Chloe silently looked down at Helena.

“You’re just the same.”

They say love makes you resemble each other; Helena was no different from the man who used to approach me with a sly smile whenever a party was held.

She, too, was fawning for today’s event, perhaps worried that Chloe might ruin her birthday party.

It was so disgusting it felt like bugs were crawling over her bare skin.

“Helena, do as you normally do.”

“……”

“It would look more appealing, at least.”
Blue eyes, cold enough to freeze, spread beneath voluminous eyelashes.

Chloe had already led the maids, who were prepared to move, out of the room.

Guests began arriving at the duke’s estate half an hour before the banquet was set to start.

“It’s been a while. Madam, you’ve become even more beautiful since we last met.”

Perhaps because the lands of the baronet and the duke were close, Baron Cedric was the first to arrive.

The duke’s northern estate was not a favored area among the nobility; still, they maintained a close relationship with nearby Baron Cedric.

“Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to attend the banquet. How has the Baron been?”

Chloe, who had been waiting at the front gate, warmly welcomed each incoming guest.

“We’re doing well, thanks to your family’s generosity. Anyway, you’re hosting such a large event; something joyous must have occurred!”

As usual, Baron Cedric was generous with his friendly laughter.

Chloe had thought rumors would spread among the nobility about Callis taking Helena to the Empire, but it seemed word had not yet reached that far.

“His Grace mentioned some good news and hastily arranged the event. I am honored you came first despite how rushed everything was.”

“Haha! Wherever the Duke of Argen goes, Baron Cedric follows. By the way, where is His Grace?”

“He is still getting ready.”