Chapter 458
Chapter 458
Though it wasn’t a grand affair, the event still drew an impressive crowd.
After all, the Osborne family was at the height of their influence, and everyone was eager to curry favor with them.
Willow also attended, dressed in her most splendid attire, just as Kelsey had requested.
After all, as the very face of the Osborne family and their new bride, Willow thought, “There’s nothing wrong with dressing a bit more lavishly p>
In just a few days, the Osborne family’s storerooms were overflowing with gifts from all directions.
Meanwhile, Willow’s popularity soared to unprecedented heights, so much so that the common people even began clamoring for her to be granted a noble title.
Such commotion naturally reached the palace’s notice.
Upon hearing the news, the Queen immediately sensed something was amiss.
The Queen scoffed inwardly, ‘A mere face covering causing such an uproar? It’s not some miraculous panacea p>
Yet Kelsey actually bought into the hype and even hosted a party at her residence.
Though it wasn’t a grand banquet, this move still managed to draw attention from all quarters.
The Queen immediately summoned both Kelsey and Willow to the palace.
Upon hearing the news, both Kelsey and Willow were grinning from ear to ear.
Kelsey beamed at Willow and said, “As a newlywed, you should have gone to the palace to pay your respects to the Queen, but things have been so busy lately that I haven’t had you go. Now that the Queen has summoned us both to the palace, this is truly a tremendous honor p>
Kelsey was radiant with pride. The Osborne family had recently been in the eye of the storm, facing widespread criticism, but now she finally felt vindicated-walking with her head held high, her back straighter than ever.
Willow was all smiles, thrilled at being summoned by the Queen. ‘Maybe Her Majesty will even reward me,’ she thought, excitement bubbling up inside her.
‘If people really petitioned for me to receive a noble title, I’d never have to bow to anyone again,’ she mused.
The more Willow imagined it, the more exhilarated she became-she simply couldn’t wipe the grin off her face.
Soon, Kelsey and Willow arrived at Phoenix Hall.
The palace stewardess stopped Kelsey at the entrance and murmured discreetly, “Her Majesty is displeased today. Be cautious when you speak to her, madam p>
Kelsey’s face registered shock, her earlier delight vanishing instantly as her heart began to pound.
‘What could possibly have angered the Queen out of the blue?’ she wondered anxiously.
Exchanging a nervous glance, Kelsey and Willow entered with cautious steps.
The Queen sat upon her throne in magnificent robes, her majestic presence enhanced by the ornate crown atop her head.
1/2
Chapter 458
Kelsey and Willow bowed to the Queen, paying their respect.
The Queen looked at Willow, a slight frown creasing her brow as she took in Willow’s lavish attire.
Still, suppressing her impatience, the Queen motioned for the two to rise and take their seats.
Kelsey began with some polite pleasantries, trying to gauge the Queen’s mood.
“Your Majesty, we are deeply honored that you would summon Willow and me amidst your countless responsibilities p>
Willow also eagerly chimed in, “It is my greatest honor to be summoned by Your Majesty p>
The Queen’s frown deepened. “If I don’t straighten you two out,” she said sharply, “I fear you’ll bring utter disaster upon the Osborne family p>
The Queen’s words froze the smiles on Kelsey and Willow’s faces, leaving them in awkward silence.
Kelsey looked at the Queen in bewilderment. “Your Majesty, what do you mean by this p>
“If you had any sense at all, you’d know exactly what to do. Yet you chose to believe your daughter-in-law and let her run wild.” The Queen’s blunt words left Kelsey pale-faced.
“All you see are the immediate gains, blind to the disaster brewing beneath the surface. Had the epidemic spiraled out of control, how would you answer for it?” the Queen rebuked, her tone sharp and commanding.
Kelsey kept her head bowed low under the Queen’s scolding, unable to lift it. Still, she managed a somewhat defiant protest. “But the epidemic is under control now-that’s all thanks to Willow’s efforts. Your Majesty, aren’t you perhaps being a bit too cautious p>
Lucia Morh
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.