"Dora, go ahead; you can begin to serve the tea," Luciana instructed Dora.
Dora bowed and came forward to pour the tea into everyone's cup and retreated to her position.
"Lady Evelyn hasn't arrived yet; shouldn't we wait for her?" Concubine Yvonne asked, a hint of accusation hidden in her tone, as if to suggest that Luciana was neglecting a crucial guest. Luciana realized the underlying meaning in her words but acted nonchalantly. An unknown tension hung in the air causing the atmosphere to become awkward.
"Lady Evelyn must be running late due to her pregnancy. Since we are all sisters, I'll pardon her for being late today. I won't tolerate it next time it happens. Let's begin without her," Luciana said with a leisurely look on her face, but the underlying threat in her words was clear.
