Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 107 "Greetings, Lady Ruth," Selena said, turning gracefully and curtseying. Her smile was composed and flawless, leaving nothing to betray her thoughts. However, Ruth chuckled. "Don't you still harbor a deep hatred for me in your heart? And yet, you maintain this air of courtesy before me. Why bother?" That day, Selena had schemed to have Wilfred slap Ruth publicly. It was a humiliation she had never forgotten, and the anger in her gaze was unmistakable. Yet Selena's expression remained serene, betraying nothing as she met the other woman's glare. After a moment, Ruth smiled.

"You're only a young child, yet are far more composed than | ever was. No wonder Fred relied on you so completely in the past." "You're too kind, Lady Ruth. But may | inquire what advice you would offer?" Selena asked, her tone steady and unflinching. "| had intended to humiliate you, yet perhaps it's better this way. Though | don't care for you as a person, | can't deny that | admire your talent." With a graceful step toward Harmony ---- Palace, Ruth beckoned. "Follow me. | have matters to discuss with you." Selena glanced at the young maid walking beside her.

"Please tell my maid to wait a moment. | shall walk with Lady Ruth and offer my compliments at Harmony Palace." "Yes, my lady," the maid said respectfully before turning away. In the side parlor of Harmony Palace, only Ruth, Selena, and Anna remained, Ruth sipped her tea, her sharp eyes briefly assessing Selena before she let out a cold laugh. "You made sure everyone knew you came to my residence so | wouldn't dare harm you, is that it?" Selena handled everything with such caution and planned each step carefully. She was truly remarkable.

Ruth felt a complicated mixture of love and hatred for her. She hated the young woman's meticulous precision, yet couldn't help but admire her brilliance If someone like her was at Frederick's side, what limit could there be to what he might achieve? Selena remained composed, her smile gentle and courteous, every gesture graceful and poised. Ruth sighed before saying, "Very well. | don't wish to dwell on past matters. Today, | want to discuss a certain arrangement with you." ---- "| shall listen attentively to whatever your wish may be, Lady Ruth,' Selena replied calmly.

Her words implied that she was simply listening to Ruth, not discussing any sort of arrangement. To engage in any transaction within the confines of the palace could be dangerous, potentially drawing the king's displeasure. However, Ruth merely smiled instead of showing anger. "I genuinely like you. If you are still willing to marry Fred, then-" "Prince Frederick has already chosen another," Selena interjected politely. "You need not press the matter, my lady." "Do you think he understands? That uncultured girl is unworthy to even attend to you!" Ruth's disdain was familiar.

She had never concealed her fondness for Selena as a daughter-in-law, nor her contempt for Freya. "Moreover, | am not consulting you, my dear Lena. You must understand that you have no right to negotiate with me," she added. Selena said nothing, simply holding her teacup with perfect composure. Ruth's eyes narrowed slightly. "General Campbell's marriage has ---- been put on the agenda, and | will not rest until it is arranged. I'm sure you understand that perfectly well.

The only difference now is whether his marriage will be arranged by me or the queen." She smirked and continued, "We're both aware of General Campbell's current situation, and so are Freya and Fred. Whether Her Majesty understands is another matter. But if she arranges his marriage, she will surely come to know everything in the end." Selena set down her teacup, her gaze steady. "So, what is it that you want, my lady?"