The Abandoned Luna's Journey to Power (by Emily Reed) novel Chapter 253

Chapter 253 Mother

Queen Isabella’s POV:

:

The moment Margaret left, the hall suddenly felt fresher.

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The socialites who normally followed Margaret’s lead sensed the change and started finding excuses to leave.

Those who stayed were mostly young noblewomen and ladies who genuinely loved art.

Like Alicia, Baron Reynold’s daughter.

She was staring at the city-defense painting, eyes wide with admiration.

“The technique … the mood … Mr. Silva is really amazing,” Alicia murmured. “I wish I could see it up close.”

That line said what everyone else was thinking.

Just then, Julian stepped forward and said respectfully to me, “Your Majesty, Her Grace says if you and the ladies are interested, you’re always welcome to visit the Silverpeak Pack. The ducal estate’s doors are open to Your Majesty anytime.”

“I’m going! I have to go!” Alicia jumped up, forgetting all her proper lady manners. “I want to see Mr. Silva! I want to meet Duchess Spencer!”

“Count me in!”

“Me too!”

In an instant, the hall buzzed with volunteers.

I sat on the couch with a cup of tea, feeling conflicted.

Should I go?

It would mean admitting my carefully planned tea party had failed and that Cindy stole the spotlight.

I was the elder, and she was the junior. Which elder rushed to a junior’s house? My pride would

take a hit.

Should I stay?

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13:16 Wed, Feb 4 ))

Chapter 253 Mother

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But with the socialites already wanting to go, forcing them to stay would make me look petty and jealous.

And honestly, I did want to see the legendary Oliver. And I was curious about what Cindy- who nearly made Margaret choke-was up to.

Plus, Cindy sent me such a big gift. Not showing up might seem cold.

“Ahem.”

I set down my cup and cleared my throat.

The hall went silent. Everyone turned to look at me.

I smoothed my skirt, put on my queenly poise, and said lightly, “Since everyone is so eager, I’ll join you. After all, Mr. Silva is a national treasure. As the mother of the nation, I should offer my regards.”

“Smart as always, Your Majesty!”

Cheers erupted.

I climbed into the carriage heading for the Silverpeak Pack.

The more I thought about it on the way, the stranger it felt.

Was Cindy doing that on purpose?

She knew I hadn’t invited her, and she knew Margaret would cause trouble.

So she set up such a stunt-first, the art exhibition to grab attention, then the painting to boost my image, and finally pulling everyone to her house.

She was clever and even cunning.

I bit my lip, feeling tricked.

But holding the priceless “The Kingdom Under the Sun,” I couldn’t stay mad.

Forget it. For the painting and for backing me up against Margaret, I’d give her a favor.

The carriage stopped at the gates of the Silverpeak Ducal Estate.

It was indeed packed and lively.

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13:16 Wed, Feb 4 …

Chapter 253 Mother

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I noticed that when my royal carriage arrived, the crowd automatically made a wide path.

Cindy stood at the bottom of the steps.

She’d changed clothes, swapping her stiff military uniform for a soft purple long dress that made her look gentler.

The moment she saw my carriage, she stepped forward.

The door opened. I was about to step down with all the proper airs when a hand reached for

It wasn’t delicate like other socialites’, slightly rough on the pads, but it was long-fingered, steady, and warm.

“Mother, welcome here.”

Cindy didn’t say “Your Majesty.” In front of everyone, she called me “Mother.”

It felt natural and warm, like family.

I froze for a moment.

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