Wicked Husband-Chapter 113 - 112

Ornella’s tone was perfectly polished, but the question was sharp. With a flawless facade, she continued to probe, feigning innocent interest in Eileen and Cesare’s relationship.

"And before the wedding, he didn’t even give you an engagement ring. I always thought that was rather... detached of him."

A brief silence passed. The noblewomen exchanged glances in that short pause, their eyes brimming with curiosity.

All the noblewomen gathered here were aware of the rumors that had circulated before the wedding. The source of the rumor that Eileen had not received an engagement ring was none other than Ornella.

Though many had doubted the rumor—thinking, "Surely, that can’t be true"—it had now been officially confirmed. The noblewomen turned their gazes toward the Grand Duchess, their anticipation palpable, eager to hear her response.

While they held some favor for Eileen, it was only a slight fondness. They weren’t the type to actively take her side. If it meant getting some entertaining gossip, they wouldn’t hesitate to revel in her humiliation.

From now on, Eileen’s task in the social scene would be to win the noblewomen over. She forced a smile, which threatened to stiffen with tension. Still, compared to the scenarios she had imagined, this was nothing.

Trying to offer a hasty excuse would only provide them with more ammunition. After all, no one here expected her to handle the situation smoothly. Eileen chose to speak plainly.

"He is not indifferent."

In front of countless eyes, Eileen gestured toward the wedding ring on her left hand. After a brief glance at its unique design, she continued.

"I think he wanted to give me a ring that would be meaningful. He tends to be reserved, not one to easily reveal his thoughts, but still..."

Eileen hesitated for a moment before adding, "He’s always kind."

As soon as Eileen finished speaking, Ornella nodded slightly and replied, "He certainly is kind."

Feeling the gazes shift toward her, Ornella tilted her head, allowing her glossy hair to spill gracefully with the motion. With a nostalgic look in her eyes, she continued, "He once placed a coat over my shoulders at the Imperial Palace. It was a bit chilly that day, and as soon as I showed a hint of cold, he immediately offered me his outer garment."

The other noblewomen gasped in amazement.

"What? He did that? My goodness!"

"Everyone reacts like that when I tell this story. But he really is a kind person. I suppose I get to see another side of him since I often saw him at the palace."

Ornella began recounting her long-standing connection with Cesare, tracing it back to their childhood. Listening to her boast, Eileen found herself at a loss for words.

There had been a time when Cesare had placed a coat over her shoulders at the Imperial Palace, but it hadn’t been Ornella—it had been Eileen. Even though Ornella had witnessed the scene herself, she spun the lie without the slightest change in her expression.

She spoke so naturally that, for a moment, even Eileen wondered if it had happened the way Ornella said.

However, calling Ornella a liar here and now would be absurd. Eileen didn’t know everything about Cesare; it was possible he had covered Ornella with a coat when she wasn’t around.

Ornella likely knew this and felt confident enough to weave her tale, knowing Eileen wouldn’t challenge her.

Before long, the attention of the tea party had completely shifted to Ornella. She smiled as she recounted how she had personally seen Cesare off before the conquest of Kalpen, expressing her joy at his safe return and remarking on how much more meaningful it was now that they would soon become family.

"Isn’t that right, Eileen?" Ornella benevolently directed her words toward Eileen.

"I care about Eileen. There’s still much she doesn’t know, and it must be a difficult position, but seeing her handle it all so courageously tugs at my heart. As a family, I want to help in any way I can."

Ornella then scanned the tea party venue, adding what seemed like an offhand remark.

"I’m sure it was tough to prepare for today’s tea party. For a first attempt, you’ve done quite well..."

It was a pointed comment, subtly highlighting Eileen’s inexperience and making it clear who held the upper hand in this relationship.

Eileen straightened her shoulders, which kept trying to shrink. Suppressing the urge to flee, she opened her mouth.

"I’m also grateful for your attention. I’m glad that Ornella is enjoying the tea party."

Although she stammered slightly from nerves, it didn’t seem too noticeable. Eileen smiled faintly as she continued, "Cesare has helped me a lot as well." 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

The noblewomen’s eyes filled with confusion at her use of his first name instead of his formal title, the Grand Duke. Hesitating for a moment, Eileen added another sentence.

"Thanks to Cesare looking out for me in many ways, I was able to prepare well."

There was one piece of advice that Sonio had drilled into her mind like a mantra.

"The fact that the Grand Duchess is inexperienced is known to all. There’s no need to try to handle things perfectly."

"If you ever feel cornered, just mention the Grand Duke, no matter the context."

Sonio had repeatedly taught her to invoke the Grand Duke in difficult situations. At the time, Eileen hadn’t fully understood, but now, experiencing it firsthand, it started to make sense.

After all, the people gathered here weren’t here to meet "Eileen" but rather "the wife of the Grand Duke of Erzet." No matter the topic, mentioning Cesare’s name was the most effective way to shift the atmosphere in her favor.

Of course, her ultimate goal was to have the noblewomen come to know her as Eileen. But having just stepped into the social world, she had no choice but to rely on Cesare’s reputation for now. As this realization dawned on her, she understood.

’That’s why Ornella mentioned Cesare.’

It became clear why Ornella had gone so far as to lie to emphasize her closeness to him. Perhaps in other settings, it wouldn’t matter, but in this gathering, Cesare was the hottest topic.