Chapter 513
“Is Miss Palmer here p>
Hannah paused in surprise, then turned to Caitlin and lowered her voice, explaining, “Freya, Miss Palmer’s full name is Celia Palmer. She’s the youngest daughter of the Palmer family-Valerium’s most powerful noble house. In Valerium, family names are ranked across five tiers, and the Palmers are at the very top, just beneath the royal family. Because Celia is the youngest, she’s been spoiled all her life. She’s known for her pride and eccentricity, and honestly, no one in the noble circles dares to cross her p>
“When your grandfather was young, he owed a great debt to the late Mr. Palmer. But since he passed, our family and the Palmers haven’t had much contact. I honestly can’t imagine why Celia would suddenly show up at our family’s gathering tonight p>
Hannah, thinking of Celia’s notorious reputation among the nobility, shot a worried glance at Caitlin and added, “Freya, just try not to be alone with Celia if you can help it p>
Celia had always thrown her weight around in Valerium. Now that Caitlin had only just returned home, Hannah feared she might get caught off guard.
Adelina chuckled. “Mom, are you really worried Celia could bully Freya p>
Who was Caitlin, after all? She was the granddaughter of the Richards family! In Adelina’s mind, it wasn’t just one Celia-ten Celias couldn’t possibly get the better of her niece.
But Hannah’s worries ran deep. “You know what people say about Celia. There’s nothing she wouldn’t try if she wanted to p>
Better safe than sorry.
Babette joined in. “Mom, you’re overthinking it. Freya’s not the type to let herself get pushed around p>
She paused, then added, “And besides, there’s no reason for Celia to make trouble for Freya out of the blue p>
Celia just had a bit of a temper. She wasn’t some wild animal who lashed out at everyone she met.
Still, Hannah couldn’t quite shake her unease. She slipped her arm through Caitlin’s and said, “Freya, if Celia gives you any trouble, you don’t have to be polite. Stand your ground p>
“I will, Grandma.” Caitlin nodded, her expression calm.
As they spoke, Celia stepped through the main entrance.
Hannah glanced at Caitlin and whispered, “Freya, excuse me for a moment p>
No matter what, Celia was still a Palmer. For the sake of the late Mr. Richards, Hannah couldn’t just ignore her.
Celia was strikingly beautiful-a classic example of Western aristocratic looks: golden hair, blue eyes, features both delicate and bold. She wore a champagne- colored gown, exuding effortless grace. While most of the women from the South barely reached five foot five, Celia stood a statuesque five foot nine. The moment she entered the ballroom, she captured every eye, making even the most elegant guests fade into the background.
“Miss Palmer is stunning p>
“She looks like an angel straight out of a Renaissance painting p>
“Her eyes could tell a thousand stories p>
The entire room was abuzz with admiration as Celia made her entrance, her crystal heels clicking across the floor. Hearing the whispers, she smiled faintly, her eyes shining with self-assurance. Even in Valerium, she stood out among the elite.
Here in Eldermere, she was an absolute showstopper.
Hannah went up to greet her. “Miss Palmer, welcome to Eldermere p>
Celia nodded graciously, her voice cordial but cool. “Hannah, wishing you a long and prosperous life p>
Though the words were polite, her tone made it clear she saw herself as a cut above.
To Celia, the fact that her grandfather had once helped the Richards family meant that the Richardses owed her a debt of gratitude-one they should never forget.
She continued, “Hannah, I heard you recently found your long-lost granddaughter, Miss Gonzales. So tonight’s gathering is not only your birthday but also a celebration of her return to the family I’ve heard so the much about Miss Gonzales back in Valerium, and I admire her greatly. Might I have the honor of meeting her today p>
On the surface, Celia’s words sounded gracious and complimentary. But every phrase was laced with subtle condescension, her true target clear.
As for why Celia would take aim at someone she’d never met—well, that story began a week ago.
One week earlier.
The Capital.
The Templeton estate.
After being thrown out of the Gonzales manor by Keira, Ann Templeton had taken
up residence in a villa in the city’s wealthy district.
When Amanda Gonzales told her that the Richards family would be holding a welcome-home celebration for Hannah’s birthday, Ann’s envy boiled over.
Why should Caitlin get all the luck?
It wasn’t enough that Caitlin had stolen the spotlight in The Capital. Now she was going to outshine everyone in Neon Spire, too.
After sharing the news, Amanda turned to Ann. “Ann, you’ll come with me to visit your grandmother later p>
At the mention of Keira, Ann’s expression soured. “Why should I bother with her p>
Ever since Keira had thrown her out, Ann wanted nothing to do with her grandmother. She’d never realized people could play favorites so shamelessly until shë
herself: the real granddaughter living
in the lap of luxury, while the
outsider was treated like dirt.
Since Keira didn’t see her as family, Ann saw no reason to pretend otherwise.
“A few days from now, your grandmother will be heading to Neon Spire for the Richards family celebration Amanda said, her eyes narrowing. “We need to convince her to take you along. When we get there, be sure to be on your best behavior p>
Amanda had originally hoped to marry Ann off to Gordon Sylvester, but after Ann’s accident, that plan was out the window.
The Richards family ruled Neon Spire like their own private kingdom. If Ann could marry into that family, they’d still have the power to put Caitlin in her place.