Upon hearing what Lu Xia said to the butler, everyone looked over, their eyes filled with suspicion.
Duke Leslie couldn't resist asking, "Are more guests arriving?"
Lu Xia gave a slight nod and answered without any concealment, "It's Lady Rafaelde."
She didn't specify whether Lady Rafaelde was an invited guest or had arrived unannounced. As she spoke, she was already rising to her feet with a smile and called out, "Smelian, come with me."
Smelian had already risen to his feet as Lu Xia answered Duke Leslie. His expression was grim, his eyes betraying his worry. He hadn't expected Lady Rafaelde to show up uninvited.
He was also worried that Lu Xia might think he had conspired with Lady Rafaelde on this matter.
He wanted to explain.
But Lu Xia simply gave his arm a gentle, reassuring pat. She didn't say a word, yet Smelian understood immediately: Lu Xia didn't misunderstand him.
She knew this had nothing to do with him.
