Look But Don't Stare

Grace glanced at her noticeably pregnant belly. Dressed in opulent clothes, she walked with her head held high and hand on her stomach, looking every bit the favored consort of the palace.

But when her eyes swept over Grace, there was a chilling coldness hidden within.

Grace shivered, goosebumps rising all over. She felt completely innocent.

And then there was Princess Olivia, the Zhuo family's future daughter-in-law, who also arrived. When her gaze landed on Jason Zhuo, it carried a touch of longing and playful charm—she looked absolutely captivating.

Jason Zhuo kept his eyes straight ahead, but when he lowered his head, the curve of his lips betrayed his true feelings.

......

After the whole family greeted them on their knees, the matriarch and Minister Zhuo led everyone to the garden where the banquet was set.

Since it was decided to make this a grand celebration, guests came to offer birthday wishes—not just the Emperor and Empress, but also many relatives, friends, and colleagues of Minister Zhuo and Jason Zhuo.

Evan Xiao and Shannon were there too.

It seemed Leon Zane had decided to cut ties with the Zhuo family for good, since he didn't show up today.

The Prime Minister's Residence was livelier than ever—even more bustling than when Minister Zhuo celebrated his fortieth birthday.

Lena's Frostbane Poison was suppressed by Leon Zane's medicine, and after some careful recuperation, she'd put on a bit of weight.

She'd always been a bit too skinny, but now she was just right—not too plump, not too thin. After some glamorous primping, when she made her grand entrance, she was as beautiful as a lotus, as graceful as a startled swan. The entire room fell silent for a moment.

Minister Zhuo stared at her for ages, then his eyes turned red.

"Your humble servant greets the Emperor, Empress Wendy, and Lady Vivian Yuan!" Lena bowed.

Wendy Zhu quickly rose and personally helped her up. "Mother, please don't be so formal. You look so healthy—seeing you like this truly warms my heart."

Lena just nodded slightly and didn't say much more.

She never put on a show.

As for Grace Wan's three children, Lena could tolerate them for Minister Zhuo's sake—but that was her limit.

To treat them as she once did? Impossible.

......

The birthday banquet went off without a hitch.

But just as things were wrapping up, Shannon hurried over to Grace, saying she'd spilled wine on her dress and needed Grace to fetch her a change of clothes.

Grace noticed just a tiny drop of wine on her sleeve, so she took Shannon outside.

"Why did you really drag me out here? You don't need my help for something, do you?" Grace asked.

"Aren't you supposed to help me find a new dress?" Shannon said with a smile.

Grace pointed at her sleeve. "It's just a tiny wine stain—why bother changing? It'll dry in no time! You definitely brought me out here for something else."

"Hehe." Shannon leaned in and whispered in her ear, "The General says to meet him at the Plum Blossom Garden—he's got something to discuss with you."

"Oh..." Grace nodded.

"But I'm curious," Shannon added. "How does the General know his way around your house so well? How does he even know where the Plum Blossom Garden is?"

"Ahem! You little rascal! Come with me to change your clothes!" Grace dragged her off.

Then she dumped Shannon at the Forget-Me-Not Pavilion and headed for the Plum Blossom Garden herself.

The Plum Blossom Garden was tucked away—perfect for secret rendezvous.

And... apparently, she wasn't the only one who thought so.

When Grace arrived, she found the spot already occupied.

Princess Olivia was in Jason Zhuo's arms!

And as they hugged, it looked like they were about to kiss.

Grace's eyes widened. These two... were pretty bold!

Just as they were about to lock lips, suddenly everything went dark—someone covered her eyes.

At the same time, she fell into an embrace, her ear burning as Evan Xiao's low voice whispered, "Staring so hard—haven't you heard of 'see no evil'?"