The Empress Dowager's arrival brought a palpable tension to the air, causing even the most outspoken individuals to fall silent in her presence. With regal grace, she surveyed the scene before her, her expression stern and unwavering.
"What is happening here?" the Empress Dowager inquired, her voice carrying a tone of authority that brooked no argument. Her gaze shifted from one person to another, taking in the expressionse of each individual present.
A heavy silence hung over the group as they struggled to find the words to explain the situation. Ingrid glanced around, noting the apprehensive expressions of Liliana, Margaret, and Lady Rose, each one acutely aware of the Empress Dowager's disapproving presence.
Seeing the reluctance to speak, the Empress Dowager's expression hardened, her disappointment evident in the furrow of her brows and the set of her jaw. With a sigh, she addressed the group with a firmness that brooked no dissent.
