NOVPUBChapter 1180: 533 proceed_1 Chapter 1180: 533 proceed_1 The heavy snow showed no signs of slowing down, fluttering gently like feather down from the white sky.
Due to the heavy snow, the sky was gloomy.
A skid-proof crimson carpet was laid out under the doorway, limiting visibility.
Red lanterns had been hung at the entrance porch.
The servants bustled between the kitchen and Anika Hall.
The Arias family was generous and paid them well.
As it was Madam Aria’s milestone birthday, everyone wore joyous smiles on their faces.
...
There were red plum trees outside of Anika Hall.
The best blossoming season was over, leaving some signs of decay.
But after a heavy snowfall, the festive red hues burst dramatically from the branches, like a stunning display of fireworks, capturing a moment of shock and awe.
Under the snowfall, the red plum blossoms, vivid against layers of red bricks, green tiles, and intricately carved beams and rafters, all painted an artistic and graceful picture.
“Madam Aria, I am here to wish you a happy birthday.” A loud voice could be heard at a distance, getting closer in a spirited manner.
Madam Aria sat at the center of the hall in a yellow pearwood chair, leaning on a dragon-headed cane made of rosewood.
She was kindest in her expression, vibrant in spirit, dignified in her demeanor, which earned her respect from all.
“Is that you, Nana?”
Nana Breezent walked in, laughing.
“Madam Aria, I came without having breakfast so that I could keep you company. 𝓷ℴ𝓿𝓅𝓊𝒷.𝓬𝓸𝓂
Don’t think I’m cheeky, coming here to get a free meal.”
“Nonsense,” Madam Aria remonstrated with a smile.
“Loretta, tell the kitchen to prepare a meal.
I remember that Nana loves triple-delight wontons.
Have them prepare that for her.”
“You treat me like family, remembering my favorite dish.
Granny Aria, I love you.” Nana Breezent gave Madam Aria a big hug.
Madam Aria laughed and patted her back.
Noticing her cold hands, she frowned in concern and said, “Why are your hands so cold?
Warm yourself in the next room.”
“I’ll return shortly to talk with you.”
“Take your time.”
Nana Breezent was led by Loretta into the next room, where she was given a hot water bottle.
“Ms.
Breezent, warm your hands.”
Afterward, a hot cup of tea was placed in front of her.
“Where’s Vanessa?” Nana asked.
Without changing her expression, Loretta responded formally, “Miss Vanessa is still unwell.
I’m afraid she won’t be able to entertain guests today.
Please forgive us.”
Nana’s eyebrows knitted in displeasure.
“Still unwell?
Isn’t Peter Aria a doctor?
Why isn’t he curing his sister?”
“I’m just a steward in the Arias household.
It’s not my place to discuss the family’s affairs.”
Someone called for Loretta, and after excusing herself, she left the room.
Nana took a sip of hot tea, slowly warming up.
She couldn’t help but wonder.
Since returning from Pethkids, Vanessa had been unavailable due to illness.
Nana had known her for many years and Vanessa never fell sick, not even a fever.
This sudden serious illness seemed rather strange.
Even if Vanessa had fallen ill, it didn’t make sense to cut off all social contact.
Something about it didn’t seem right.
At this moment, another voice could be heard from the main hall.
“Madam Aria, how are you?”
It was Madam Dankworth’s voice.
“These are my two girls; one is called Oddette, and the other is Larisa.”
“Granny Aria, may you be blessed with happiness and long life, and enjoy family prosperity.” A soft feminine voice offered politely.
“Granny Aria, I wish you all the happiness, and that all your wishes come true.” A crisp voice of a little girl added on.
Madam Aria laughed and nodded her head,” Both of you are such good girls.”
Nana Breezent made a face.
Madam Dankworth was known for holding grudges.
Oddette being her daughter, it made sense for her to bring her to Madam Aria’s birthday party.
But, Larisa?
If Nana wasn’t mistaken, Larisa was her husband’s illegitimate daughter.
Would Madam Dankworth really bring her to Madam Aria’s celebration?
Something was definitely off.
Nana Breezent pulled back the curtain to take a second look at Larisa.
The girl was evidently dressed up.
Her appearance, gentle and clear, was that of a sheltered damsel.
It seemed that Madam Dankworth was not here for wine.
When Madam Dankworth came in with the two girls and saw Nana Breezent, she paused momentarily and promptly piled up a bright smile on her face.
“Ms.
Breezent, you’re up early.”
“Not early at all, just in time for lunch.”
The Arias family feast was scheduled for the evening, her early arrival was due to her concern for Vanessa.
Madam Dankworth, on the other hand, was showing some semblance of eagerness.
A servant brought a bowl of wontons to Nana Breezent’s table along with a couple of small, refreshing side dishes.
Nana showed no reserve and started eating right away.
Madam Dankworth’s mouth curled in distaste.
She glanced surreptitiously at Larisa, who instantly lowered her eyes nervously and gripped the edge of her skirt.
