The sweet venom Chapter 18: 17

Read chapter 18 of The sweet venom by aspa201 on NovelPedia.

During the week that followed, Helia sought refuge in her work at the laboratory. Her days were filled with the care of her patients and intensive research on the venom. This routine helped calm the persistent anxiety that had been gnawing at her since her last meeting with Adrian. Despite her attempts to contact him, her letters had gone unanswered. She had even made the effort to visit his home, but the servants had politely informed her that he was absent. It was only a few days later, as she returned from the laboratory to dine with her father and brother, that an unexpected piece of news illuminated the situation. "Helia, have you planned to attend the young duke's birth banquet?" her father asked, his gaze serious, as he calmly cut his meat. She looked at him, surprised. "A birth banquet?" Lucian rolled his eyes. "Seriously, do you never read the newspapers? Spending all your time locked in that laboratory from morning till night, you'll soon be completely disconnected from reality." Ignoring Lucian's remarks, the marquis added. "The banquet to celebrate the birth of the young duke's son. Didn't your fiancé mention it? We received the invitations this morning." She furrowed her brows slightly, a mix of confusion and relief crossing her. The young duke, Adrian’s elder brother was known for his discretion. He lived apart from the capital, preferring the countryside of his duchy to the bustle of the city, so she wasn't so surprised to learn of the birth of an heir in this way. Recalling the stir she had noticed in the duchy the day of her visit, she assumed Adrian must have been caught up in the family celebrations, explaining his silence. Perhaps, even he might had been taken by surprise by these events. She replied calmly. "I will go, Father," avoiding any answer to the unspoken question about Adrian. The marquis nodded. "Your brother and I will be at the marquisate that day to settle an urgent matter. We rely on you to represent the family and convey our congratulations to the young duke." She silently agreed, knowing the banquet would take place in three days. This would finally give her a chance to see Adrian and clarify the situation. She had hoped it was all just a fleeting misunderstanding, but the strange unease that had crept into her remained unresolved. Three days later, Helia crossed the grand ballroom's doors, where bursts of light illuminated the opulent decorations. At the far end, a raised platform highlighted the young duke and his wife, surrounded by their prestigious guests. Lavish flower arrangements adorned the elegant tables placed around a vast space filled with refined buffets. She felt a pang of apprehension, the same one she always felt when attending rare social events. Intimidated, she advanced, concealing her unease, while searching the room for Adrian's familiar figure. She was approaching the platform to greet the ducal couple when a voice too familiar made her start. "Helia!" Elysia exclaimed, advancing toward her, elegantly dressed in a midnight blue gown, her hair perfectly styled in an elaborate updo. She wore a friendly smile, as though their last conversation had never taken place. "I'm so glad to see you. How are you? Last time, you seemed... troubled. I hope you're better now?" She clenched her fists, a shiver of irritation running down her spine at the blatant hypocrisy of her former friend. She shot her a frosty glance, responding sharply. "Lady Elysia, I thought I made it clear that we are no longer friends." Elysia raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise with a shocked expression. "But Helia..." Helia didn't let her continue and, in a curt tone, cut the conversation short. "If you'll excuse me." With a subtle glance, she spotted Adrian from afar, seeming to watch them. As she moved away from Elysia to try to reach him, he quickly turned to exchange pleasantries with other guests. She tried several times to approach him, but he seemed deliberately avoiding her gaze. As she made yet a