Chapter 340

340.Chapter 340 She didn’t know if it was her imagination, but she felt as though she had become younger recently, and her skin had looked more youthful.

The crowd, upon hearing this, turned their attention to the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager might not have noticed the change so clearly.

Those who had previously avoided looking directly at her now stole glances, and sure enough, her complexion was far better than before.

No wonder the hundred–year–old Purple Shroom was so highly regarded.

Of course, some doubted the Empress Dowager’s words and thought she was merely making polite remarks.

How could any herb truly have such miraculous effects?

And even if it did, how could it possibly have come from Eliza?

After all, she had left the Duke’s estate, reportedly taking nothing with her except her mother’s dowry.

These skeptics were mostly young officials who had no understanding of the Padilla family’s former influence.

They didn’t grasp the significance of the Padilla family back then, nor the importance of its sole heiress.

Although the hundred–year–old Purple Shroom Eliza presented wasn’t directly taken from her mother’s dowry, the pendant her mother had gifted her was undeniably part of her legacy.

While the Empress Dowager was accustomed to making polite remarks, this time, her words were heartfelt.

What woman of a certain age wouldn’t wish to regain her youth?

The Purple Shroom Eliza had gifted her had allowed her to experience just that.

Since consuming the hundred–year–old Purple Shroom, her chronic ailments had significantly diminished–she could sleep soundly, eat heartily, and her overall health felt as though she had returned to her younger days.

Thus, despite rarely seeing Eliza, the Empress Dowager was fond of her, especially given the past connection between Eliza‘ s mother, Caroline, and the Empress Dowager.

Taking this opportunity, the Empress Dowager decided to lend Eliza her support.

“Your Majesty, I had intended to ask for a token today to gift the Holy Lady. Since she seems to favor this Snow Lotus, I shall request it on her behalf. Would Your Majesty be willing to part with it?”

“Mother, how could I refuse your request? Besides, I was already planning to do so,” King Magnus replied with a smile.

Eliza’s heart leapt with joy–she had gained the Snow Lotus effortlessly.

“Thank you, Your Majesty, and thank you, Empress Dowager, for your generosity,” Eliza said respectfully, bowing deeply. James immediately stepped forward, heading toward Sophie to retrieve the wooden box containing the Snow Lotus. However, Sophie suddenly took a step back, clutching the box tightly.

“Your Majesty, I...” Sophie was unwilling to let go and was about to express her desire for the Snow Lotus.

But before she could finish her sentence, her body froze as a sudden, sharp sting shot through the back of her neck, like a silent warning.

Had Eliza approached her closely, she would have noticed a black bug on the back of Sophie’s neck.

It was identical to the one that had appeared on her stool earlier.

“Is there something else Lady Sophie wishes to say?” The Empress Dowager’s gaze shifted to Sophie, her tone carrying a subtle authority.

Sophie was instantly reminded of her time learning proper conduct in the Benevolent Palace, and fear gripped her heart. She quickly shut her mouth.

“N–No, nothing at all.”

“Since there’s nothing, then step back immediately. Or do you expect His Majesty and I to personally invite you to do so?” “I wouldn’t dare. It was foolish of me to hesitate. I shall step back at once.” Sophie hurriedly handed the Snow Lotus to James, suppressing her fear as she performed a proper bow before retreating to her seat.

Eliza’s sharp gaze swept over Sophie.

Successfully unlocked!

Lately, she had developed an uncanny ability to sense certain things.

For instance, Sophie’s behavior just now was clearly unusual.

But beyond that, Eliza couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss–something seemed to have stopped Sophie 1/2 回 Subscribe 340.Chapter 340 from making a foolish move earlier.

Eliza narrowed her eyes slightly, taking the Snow Lotus from James. After examining it briefly, she returned to her seat without a word.

As she sat down, a sudden sense of danger washed over her. Before she could react, Nolan’s hand darted out, swift and precise, snatching the Snow Lotus from her grasp.

“Don’t move,” he said.

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