Carissa couldn't allow Janelle to be unjustly slandered, nor did she wish to make an enemy of the Earl of Southstead's family. Since the trouble had begun because of her, it was only right that she provided an explanation.

So, she instructed Luke to send an invitation to Southstead Estate, inviting the entire family to dine at the Glimmering Tower.

At the same time, she deliberately let word of the invitation spread.

As for why she wasn't inviting them to the estate-this was meant to be a public clarification, and holding it within her residence would be inappropriate.

The Glimmering Tower was a place of high prestige, chosen to express respect for both the Earl of Southstead's family and Janelle.

By announcing the invitation in advance, Carissa ensured that wealthy merchants and titled nobility with an appetite for spectacle would take notice. Solving the matter under their watchful eyes was ideal.

In truth, this was also a form of compensation for Janelle. Over the years, she had suffered much in business many had taken advantage of her simply because she was a woman, treating her with disrespect and actively suppressing her ventures.

Worse still, the Earl of Southstead's family had no son capable of shouldering its legacy. Though they were a noble house, their influence had dwindled until they resembled nothing more than an ordinary merchant family.

When Luke arrived with the invitation, Janelle was not at home. The letter was instead delivered to the Earl of Southstead, Hadrian Xavier.

Hadrian was weak-willed and incapable of managing affairs. Ever since inheriting his title, his attitude had been one of resignation-he had simply given up!

Once, both the Earl of Silverstone and the Earl of Southstead's families had been immensely powerful. However, generation after generation had failed to achieve any merit. Over time, their influence had waned, their titles diminishing from duke to marquis, then from marquis to earl.

The Earl of Silverstone's family had Zoey, while the Earl of Southstead's family had Janelle and her merchant-born mother.

Unfortunately, Janelle's mother had passed away years ago. The lady of the household, Katherine, was much like her husband. She had no talent for handling affairs. With no other choice, Janelle had been forced to take charge from a young age.

Upon receiving the invitation from the Hell Monarch's household, Hadrian hesitated and consulted Katherine.

To refuse would be a slight, potentially offending Hell Monarch's household.

But attending was no simple matter either-who could say what Carissa truly intended?

When the rumors had first spread, they had thought Carissa was excessively jealous in nature. In truth, they had even believed that if their daughter could marry into Hell Monarch's household as a secondary wife, it would be a most favorable match.

They had grumbled about it for some time, only to be sharply rebuked by their daughter upon her return. "This has nothing to do with Lady Carissa," Janelle said coldly. "It was the queen who put our family in this predicament, trying to force us into making a scene at Hell Monarch Estate."

Yet whether they went or not, it was a losing battle.noveldrama

If they went, it would look like they were desperate for the title of secondary wife. It would also seem like they were causing a scene, like an angry woman who couldn't get what she wanted. If they didn't go, they would be called worthless. All sorts of harsh words would be thrown at them.

So for now, they dared not make a decision. They would wait for Janelle to return and let her decide. When Janelle heard of the situation, she sighed quietly. "We'll go."

"Then you can go on your own," Hadrian said. "Your mother and I will stay behind."

Janelle frowned. "The invitation was for our entire family. If the others won't go, at the very least, you and Mother must attend."

"We wouldn't know what to say either," Hadrian muttered. Though he was an earl, he had no desire to socialize with high-ranking nobles. He lacked the confidence for such gatherings, was poor at handling conversations, and feared that a single misstep might offend Carissa.

"I will do the talking. You only need to be present," Janelle said evenly.

There was a quiet authority in her words, leaving Hadrian with no room to argue. He exchanged a glance with Katherine and reluctantly agreed.

The next day at noon, the Earl of Southstead and his wife arrived at the Glimmering Tower with Janelle. By then, the entire establishment was filled with guests.

Word had spread quickly the day before, and many had rushed to reserve tables. Most assumed the meeting would take place in a private room, where they would not be able to hear the conversation. Even so, they still hoped to witness any signs of tension-if voices were raised, surely some of it would carry.

To their surprise, the gathering had been arranged in the Elegant Courtyard, which was behind the main guest hall on the first floor.

The Elegant Courtyard was a VIP

courtyard. It had over 30 tables, with a covered walkway in the middle connecting to a garden. It was made up of individual pavilions, but they weren't fully enclosed. Instead, there were curtains on all four sides, and there was no soundproofing.

In other words, as long as the conversation was held at a normal volume, anyone in the surrounding

rooms would be able to hear every word.

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