The Villianess story: A 100 ways to kill your husband
Chapter 266: A blessing to the Nightshades

Chapter 266: A blessing to the Nightshades

Ava could not speak carelessly about her unborn baby so she zipped her lips immediately. Rebecca’s eyes scanned the hostess, searching for any signs that she might have overheard Ava.

"Please lead the way," Rebecca instructed as the leader of the group. It was hard to read through the hostess whose ears were trained after hearing a lot of whispers that couldn’t leave the walls of the club. Her expression was completely unreadable.

Abrielle followed as they were led to an exclusive corner of the room, where a round table was set with fine china and a three-tiered tray of sweets gold dusted macarons, fruit tarts, and lavender-infused biscuits. All the exotic fine pastries Abrielle could imagine.

Their fragrance was strong with a very appetizing aroma. The table itself was draped in silk, and the high-backed chairs were embroidered with delicate rose patterns.

As soon as they had a bit of privacy, the mother-and-daughter duo’s attention was solely on Ava now. Ava chuckled, It had been years since the last baby was born to the Nightshade family.

"The goddess finally answered my prayers when I had given up. After Abrielle’s wedding, if you remember, I was a bit ill that night during the banquet. It might not look like it but I am already 5 months gone." Ava announced, Abrielle glanced at Rebecca, wondering how she would take it after struggling with issues keeping a pregnancy for years

Abrielle’s heart melted when she saw the genuine happiness in Rebecca’s eyes. Her eyes even watered leaving Abrielle speechless. "Why did you hide such pleasant news? You have no idea how I worry every night thinking the next Nightshade to be a high pope might be Sebastian’s or Abrielle’s child. This calls for a reason to celebrate."

"Congrats, it’s wonderful news." Abrielle sweetly said she held Ava’s warm hand. Unfortunately, her smile was forced, knowing that the entire Nightshade family might meet their end eventually after her death when the temple turned its backs on them due to Eleanor’s interference.

An innocent baby was going to die. "Thank you, Abrielle; I pray the goddess blesses you with your bundle of joy soon." She said unknowingly having no idea that was the last thing Abrielle wanted.

She just smiled in response, Ava turned to Rebecca to answer her. "Mikhail said it was better to keep it a secret until the baby is stable. So far, so good. He was planning on announcing it to the entire family after the festival. We have confirmed it will be a boy, and he has a high magic affinity even higher than Mikhail himself" Ava was all smiles, talking about her unborn baby.

Rebecca frowned turning to her nagging mode. "Why did you take the trip while you were in such a delicate situation?" She nagged her concern obvious. Abrielle felt sorry for Ava, Rebecca might leave the seaside castle to the Nightshade residence in the capital to make sure Ava was being taken proper care of.

"Mikhail could not miss the event and I was cleared to travel. The journey was slow and steady." Ava argued; she was a bit nervous knowing it wasn’t enough excuse to get Rebecca to rest.

"Oh dear, it was still risky, the long carriage rides and not to forget the sea is always rough." Rebecca sighed like she was talking to a stubborn child. Abrielle chuckled drawing her attention.

"It is okay, Mother; Aunt Ava is perfectly fine. It is good she stretched her feet a bit." Abrielle mentioned. Rebecca pursed her lips, "Fine, but I guess it is fine."

After the news was shared, the atmosphere was particularly lively. They avoided talking much about it before they were overheard. Rebecca finally settled down enjoying a tart as her eyes began scanning the room. She was giving Abrielle a breakdown of almost every lady their eyes caught. Rebecca, indeed, knew a lot of gossip.

Her eyes sparkled once she found something to entertain herself. "Ah, there’s Lady Clarisse. We must speak with her before the afternoon is over," she murmured to Ava, already scheming. It was matchmaking time already.

Ava smirked. "And you say I meddle too much." Ava sneered, it seemed Rebecca was always excited to get her children married off. She still has some silent resentment of how Adeline was married off, but at least her daughter seems well. From the rumours, her marriage flourished a far Comparisms from Abrielle’s. The queen of matchmaking, Rebecca couldn’t find a good match for her daughter.

Abrielle, however, remained quiet. Her gloved fingers idly traced the rim of her teacup as she observed the room. The women here were dressed in their finest silks, their jewellery shimmering under the lights as they leaned in to exchange secrets behind lace fans.

This was a battlefield of a different kind where influence and power were bartered over tea instead of swords.

Just as she reached for a pastry, she caught snippets of a hushed conversation from the next table.

"Did you hear about the princess?"

"Which one? You must be more specific, dear."

"Astrid. Caught naked in the royal gardens, no less!"

"That’s not the only one. Have you heard about the affair between the third prince and Abrielle?" Abrielle’s mouth got bitter she almost forgot she was still a popular topic.

Abrielle exhaled slowly, pressing her lips together. The scandal was still fresh, and the club was the perfect place for it to spread further.

Her mother, on the other hand, was far more interested in her own affairs. She turned to Abrielle with a knowing look. "Now, darling, don’t just sit there looking pretty. This is the perfect chance to remind these women of your status. The perfect place to build connections if you want to support Cedric in the matter of the court."

Abrielle merely smiled, sipping her tea. She had no interest in idle gossip or power plays today, but she had a feeling this afternoon was going to be anything but peaceful. She didn’t want to get influenced by the plot too much, and her hands were currently filled.

Ava’s eyes shone, "lady Clarisse is heading here with her daughter." She announced drawing everyone’s attention.

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.